In an era of rapid urban development, the unique character of our cities often erodes. Limassol, a city defined by its relationship with the sea, faces this exact challenge as its maritime heritage is overshadowed by vertical expansion. This study by Trattou Alexandros, Louka Charalambos, Hadjipanteli Stylianos, addresses this crisis through the strategic redesign of the historic Karnagio shipyard. We propose a new architectural paradigm that moves beyond pure preservation to actively sustain cultural memory, education, and public life.
The project is conceived as a cohesive ecosystem where different functions synergize to revitalize both the site and the city’s identity.
It integrates four key programs:
1. A Living Museum & Cultural Center: Spaces dedicated to the history of Limassol and the endangered art of shipbuilding, ensuring this narrative remains a vibrant part of the city’s cultural discourse.
2. An Academy of the Sea: The introduction of a School of Naval Architecture for the Cyprus University of Technology (TEPAK). This critically addresses the absence of formal maritime education in a city with a rich seafaring history, creating a direct link between past and future.
3. Working Heritage Workshops: Functional spaces for traditional shipbuilders to practice and teach their craft. This ensures the shipyard remains a place of active making, transforming heritage from a historical concept into a living, economic reality.
4. A Civic Waterfront Hub: A generous public realm comprising a linear park, squares, and play areas. This strand of green infrastructure reknits the urban fabric with the coastline, fostering civic interaction and re-establishing the public’s connection to the sea.
Architecturally, the design negotiates the delicate balance between memory and innovation.
The goal is to create a space that is deeply rooted in the specific history of its place while actively scripting a sustainable and identity-rich future for Limassol. The Karnagio is reimagined not as a relic, but as a vital urban anchor – a place of learning, making, and gathering that celebrates the city’s soul while boldly addressing its contemporary needs.
This project serves as a case study in how architecture can act as a catalytic mediator, demonstrating that cultural preservation and urban progress are not mutually exclusive but can be powerfully intertwined.
Facts & Credits
Project title Redefining Limassol’s Karnagio: A Hub for Shipbuilding Craft and Culture
Typology Diploma Thesis
Academic semester February 2025
Students Trattou Alexandros, Louka Charalambos, Hadjipanteli Stylianos
Supervisor Ghikapeppas Vasilis
Institution School of Architecture NTUA
Photographs of the models Pidiakis Vangelis
READ ALSO: THE IMAGE OF THE CITY // Urban garden: cultivation as a medium for gathering and participating | Diploma Thesis project by Ioannis Stratikis & Elli Merekoulia