Located in the historic heart of Nicosia, one of the oldest cities in the Eastern Mediterranean, the masterplan for the Pancyprian Gymnasium — the oldest secondary school in Cyprus, founded in 1812 — seeks to celebrate the school’s rich heritage while enhancing its functionality and connection to the city. The new sports hall is placed on the northern edge of the site, creating a central open axis that visually and spatially links the historic school with the adjacent church. This design frees the southern area for open-air sports fields and recreation zones, while the northern façade along Theseus Street introduces a new entrance, pedestrian walkway, parking, and greenery — allowing the sports hall to function independently as a community landmark.
A green buffer zone between the historic building and the new structures ensures a calm learning environment, while a canopy system connects the main facilities — the sports hall, cafeteria, canteen, and church — under one unified architectural gesture. The outdoor sports areas, including basketball courts, a multipurpose field, and a running track, are designed for visual and functional continuity and can also serve as overflow parking when needed.
Supporting facilities such as a medical office, cafeteria, and service access points are strategically placed for efficiency and safety. Structurally, the sports hall combines steel frames and reinforced concrete, reflecting a balance of strength and lightness. The design continues the roofline of the existing structures, creating harmony through soft, earthy materials and tones inspired by the surrounding architecture — blending contemporary function with the timeless character of Nicosia’s urban fabric
