Volume 12 - Issue 69
/ September 2023
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http:// www.amazoniainvestiga.info ISSN 2322- 6307
DOI: https://doi.org/10.34069/AI/2023.69.09.1
How to Cite:
Beyaz, C., & Erçin, C. (2023). Sustainability in the modern architecture of Nicosia: A retrospective view. Amazonia
Investiga, 12(69), 9-26. https://doi.org/10.34069/AI/2023.69.09.1
Sustainability in the modern architecture of Nicosia: A retrospective
view
Lefkoşa'nın Modern Mimarisinde Sürdürülebilirlik: Geriye Dönük Bir Bakış
Received: August 10, 2023 Accepted: September 30, 2023
Written by:
Çağla Beyaz1
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1339-5585
Çilen Erçin2
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9799-1810
Abstract
Architectural approaches that developed and
progressed in the modern period were founded on
the criteria of modern architecture. It is possible to
see the distinctive features of the modern period
from the 1920s to the 1970s on the island of Cyprus,
which has been under the influence of many
cultures for many years. This study's main goal is to
investigate the architectural criteria for residences
constructed throughout the modern period in the
Nicosia region in relation to sustainability
parameters and modern architectural approaches.
The methodology of the study consists of
theoretical, analysis/practical approaches and
observations. The analysis of a total of 3 houses was
evaluated in the context of form, function,
construction, and sustainability parameters. The
houses examined during the findings phase were
evaluated within the framework of sustainability
parameters, and modern architectural approaches
taking into account modern architectural criteria. In
the houses discussed in the study, free plan,
ornament-free facade designs, and large window
openings on the facades, depending on the
Functionalism, Purism, Cubism, and international
style approaches, attract attention as architectural
criteria. In this regard, it clearly reveals that the
ideals, approaches, and principles of the modern
period are related to the sustainability parameters
that emerged at that time.
Key Words: Architectural Approach, Modern
Architecture Criteria, Sustainability, Modern
Period, Nicosia.
1
Dr., Near East University, Faculty of Architecture, Department of Interior Architecture, Nicosia, Cyprus.
2
Assist. Prof. Dr., Near East University, Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Introduction
The 20th century was the period when new
concepts and theories emerged in the field of
architecture, innovative examples were
presented in discourse and practice, and
architectural designs began. Modernism is
defined as a global movement in the second half
of the nineteenth century that influenced
twentieth-century art and Western literature, as
well as architecture, music, theater, and visual
arts (Frisby, 2004). It is known that in the period
called the modern period, new ideas and
developments emerged and architectural designs
began to become simpler. New approaches have
developed under the heading of "modern
architecture" in response to these issues. These
approaches are often used in numerous
applications in the area of architecture in various
nations throughout the world. A new perspective
was added to the architectural designs of the
period with approaches such as Cubism,
Functionalism, Bauhaus, Purism, De-Stijl, and
International-style. The modern period stands out
with designs where functional forms are
prioritized, open floor plans, large wall openings,
clean, simple lines, and modern and traditional
building materials are brought together.
Cyprus was certainly no exception to the global
expansion of modern architecture, which did not
stop at specific geographical locations (Ali,
2018). This study examines the application of
modern architectural criteria in houses in the
Nicosia region of Northern Cyprus in the modern
period.
Sustainability first emerged in the years when the
spread of the modern age increased and
modernism replaced it in the context of cultural,
social, environmental, economic, technological,
and urban growth. This review attempts to
contextualize the sustainability criteria of
modern architecture within the framework of
criteria influenced by modern architectural
approaches.
The houses built during the modern architecture
period in North Nicosia on the island of Cyprus
between 1963 and 1974 were built taking into
account social and environmental issues as well
as the lives of the users. These houses, which
have a plan type that bears the characteristics of
the modern period, were built using the two-
storey reinforced concrete construction
technique. The organization of the floor plans of
the houses is created by combining basic
geometric shapes. It is evident that the analyzed
houses' facade and plan designs used modern
period approaches including functionalism, De-
stijl and Cubism.
In this context, the houses constructed in Nicosia
during the modern period were assessed in light
of architectural approaches, modern architectural
criteria, and parameters of sustainability.
Research Questions/ Hypothesis
Within the objectives and goals of the study, the
aim of the study is to determine the identity,
architectural approaches, and sustainability
situation of the modern period buildings in North
Nicosia through observation and to offer
suggestions. Keeping the identity of the modern
period, modern architectural criteria and
approaches alone are insufficient. It is suggested
to implement architectural designs that adhere to
cultural, social, environmental, and economic
sustainability parameters for this reason. The
following fundamental queries were addressed
within the purview of this study:
1. What is the relationship between modern
architectural criteria and approaches and
sustainability parameters in Houses in North
Nicosia?
2. How is the relationship between
sustainability parameters and modern
architectural approaches and criteria
defined?
3. Which of the modern architectural criteria
and approaches do Houses have?
4. How do Houses relate to the cultural, social,
environmental, and economic parameters of
sustainability?
Limitations of the Study
The identity of the modern period in Cyprus is
seen in the residential buildings designed by
important architects such as Abdullah Onar,
Ahmed Vural Behaeddin, and Ayer Kaşif
between the 1960s and 1970s. The main reason
for conducting this study is to reveal the
identities of modern period residences and keep
them alive. By examining modern architectural
criteria and approaches and sustainability
relations, it is seen that the general parameters of
sustainability have modern period criteria. When
the three modern period residences examined in
the context of the study were considered with the
parameters of sustainability, it was determined
that their social, cultural, economic, and
environmental relations overlapped with the
architectural criteria of the modern period. In
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light of these findings, it is important not to
ignore the identity of the modern period in
today's sustainable understanding.
Literature Review
Modern Architecture
The term "modern architecture" refers to the
buildings constructed in the late 19th and early
20th centuries that exhibit some common
attitudes and forms as well as an intellectual
background that gave rise to the various acts,
movements, and orientations that are used to
categorize them (Tanyeli, 1997), (Özyalvaç,
2013). Modern architecture can be described as
an approach that developed in opposition to an
eclecticist style after the Industrial Revolution; it
affected other forms of art as well as architecture
and addressed the same fundamental concept
despite the differences in their forms.
The use of steel and concrete together in
structures at the end of the nineteenth century, in
the words of art and architectural historian
Pevsner, provided Modern Architecture with a
new dimension. These materials allowed human
beings the opportunity to cross unused openings,
build very tall structures, and provide flexibility
to the blueprints. By demonstrating qualities like
the use of glass, open spaces, as well as utility,
modern architecture which emerged as a reaction
to nineteenth-century architecture has given
architecture many distinct interpretations
(Pevsner, 1977).
The search for technologically based forms in the
late 19th century ushered certain new movements
that would alter the agenda in the disciplines of
art and architecture, based on the socio-economic
developments. A mindset that sought to purge art
and architecture of the classical style was
developed as a result of the Arts and Crafts and
Art Nouveau approaches that evolved during this
time (Birol, 2006).
The philosophy and methods of the day were
challenged by Sullivian's Modern Architecture,
which asserted the requirement of creating
structures in a quick, profitable, modern, and
affordable manner. "Form follows function" is
one of the key aspects of Sullivian's Modern
Architecture. While taking into account the
technical, economic, and political circumstances
of the time, it was also suggested that the form
should achieve a simplicity that would fit the
demands of the day. In this trend, steel, a novel
material, was employed in the construction of
buildings. This architectural approach set the
groundwork for modern architecture
understanding from the rationalist perspective
(Budak, 1985, Dostoğlu, 1995, Tanyeli, 1997),
(Benian, 2010).
Architectural Approaches
In the 19th century, the show of building and
facade designs was replaced by a simpler and
simpler design. With the branches of philosophy,
science, and art that started to develop towards
the end of the 19th century, the movements that
emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction to
the design philosophies of the architects of this
period are encountered. It is possible to say that
it is the beginning of a new era with these
currents.
• Functionalism
Function is the relationship between form and the
purpose of the building (Z˙ ychowska,
2019). The dimensions, shape, and proportions
of a design alone cannot be considered its
aesthetic (beauty); rather, it also involves the
practical importance of the purpose that the
element or just component of the structure in
question serves (Arenibafo, 2017; Winter,
2007). Functionalism's predominance in
architecture had a big impact on modernism's
development. On how function and form are
related, there are many different perspectives.
The adage "the form follows the function" by L.
Sullivan, had a unique resonance with
functionalism ideas in the early Modern period
(Schumacher, 2002). Le Corbusier, a famous
architect, claimed that the form of architecture is
caused by the mind and reflects the best aspects
of art, mathematical principles, and a
proportionately balanced representation of the
total (Behne, 1996). Therefore Form, Corbusier's
concept of form, is more important than function
(Trisno, 2019).
• De Stijl
De Stijl, a significant modernist movement that
emerged at the beginning of the 20th century,
distinguished itself from prior movements since
it only lasted fourteen years, had a
complete organizational framework, and lacked
distinct patterns of organization (Qin, 2015). De
Stijl opposed all decoration and favored a more
logical, persuasive application of modern
technology and materials (Doorman, 2003). The
De Stijl method is a design technique that
produces dynamic, unique, and complete
abstraction. The new architecture offered
examples of monumental, asymmetrical, cost-
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effective, and stylistically unbound architectural
forms. These suggestions influenced the general
forms of modern architecture (Nia, &
Rahbarianyazd, 2020; Birol, 2006). Mies van der
Rohe was one of the movement's most significant
proponents and De Stijl continued to have a
important impact on architecture after 1931
(White, 2003).
• Bauhaus
German architect Walter Gropius (1883-1969)
established the Bauhaus in the city of Weimar in
1919. Its main goal was to reinvent the tangible
world in order to express the unification of all the
arts, which was a novel concept (Griffith
Winton., 2000). The Bauhaus Art Movement is
more than just an educational movement or a
design; it is the design of modernity, and it refers
to the cultural, economic, and social
modernization project that has been ongoing in
Europe since 1850. It is well known for
championing functionality. This principle placed
a strong emphasis on the building's integrity,
substance, and structure over ornamentation
(Tietz, 2000), (Karaca, 2021). The Bauhaus
movement, which promoted a simple, plain,
rational architecture, based its principles on
fundamental shapes (Benian, 2010). Starting in
the 1920s, architects like Le Corbusier, Richard
Neutra, Mies van der Rohe, and Walter Gropius
developed the fundamentals of Modern
Architecture, which gained traction as a result of
the influence of Bauhaus on architecture
(Dostoğlu, 1984), (Benian, 2010).
• Cubism
The most innovative and influential art approach
of the 20th century is acknowledged as being
cubism. (Besgen, 1998). Cubism represents the
most significant fundamental shift in visual
language since Giotto discovered linear
perspective in the early fourteenth century
(Haftmann, 1960), (Falcetta, 2007). The cubists
were highly influenced by Einstein's theory of
relativity and emphasized timelessness, that is,
the relative and constant change of space, by
drawing the appearances of the same object at
different times on top of each other (Birol, 2006).
Le Corbusier stated that modern architecture may
utilize geometry to solve problems. Le Corbusier
also followed the artistic tenets of cubist painter
Cezanne by asserting that cubes, cones,
cylinders, plus pyramids are sharp shapes created
visible by light (Gardiner, 1985).
• Purism
Amédée Ozenfant and Le Corbusier, the
movement's founders set up the Purism
movement in painting, which incorporated
machine aesthetics, clean and simple geometric
shapes, and the spirit of old classicism (Simic,
2006). Since purism is a philosophy that supports
clear, logical forms with laws, it has become
more and more popular worldwide and given rise
to the International Architecture approach.
Architecture has reached an extreme degree with
this purifying and understanding strategy,
according to purism, which seeks to use ever-
simpler forms (Kortan, 1986). Le Corbusier with
Mies van der Rohe are two prominent supporters
of purism (Birol, 2006).
• International Style
Johnson Philip Cortelyou, an American architect,
created the international style, commonly
referred to as International Modern or American
Rationalist European Architecture. Style
International C.F.A. It developed from the
experimental work of architects like Vossey,
Sullivan, with Adolf Loos, who sought to resolve
the stylistic disarray of the 19th century (Hasol,
2014). The style was founded on Le Corbusier's
ideals, which can be summed up as pilotis, roof
gardens, open planning, horizontal windows,
with sunshades (Benian, 2010). Volume rather
than mass, clarity with the use of order rather
than symmetry, readability, and rejection of
gratuitous adornment is among the three
categories Hitchcock used to categorize the
original qualities of the style (Hitchcock, &
Johnson, 1995). Along with these, other
distinguishing characteristics of the design
include terrace roofs, reinforced concrete
skeletons, plain, white facades devoid of
ornament, and forms created by the asymmetrical
organization of fundamental geometrical
elements (Hasol, 2014; Leuthäuser, 2001;
Erenler, 1997).
Sustainability
Sustainability is a way of living that maximizes
economic, environmental, and social factors
while taking indirect and long-term
repercussions into consideration (Litman, 2011).
The definition and focus of sustainable
development up to the second half of the 20th
century were environmentalism and the
preservation of the natural world. Preventing
these injuries caused by people to nature was the
major objective of various organizations and
societies, which began at the end of the
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nineteenth century and continued to be founded
from the start of the 20th.
The concept of sustainable development was
initially presented in 1987 as part of the
publication "Our Common Future" by the
Brundtland Commission, formerly known as the
(WCED) World Commission on Environment
and Development (WCED, 1987; Soini &
Birkeland, 2014). The principles of sustainable
development, eradicating poverty, equitable
resource use and distribution, population
management, and the advancement of
environmentally friendly technology are all
intimately related in our common future report.
The study demonstrates how social, economic,
and environmental elements are interconnected
(Yasemin & Bıçkı, 2006).
Social Sustainability
Social sustainability focuses on the well-being of
present and future generations (Chiu, 2003).
Social sustainability is often a debated idea and
open such as the general concept of sustainable
development (Ghahramanpouri & Lamit &
Sedaghatnia, 2013). The concept of social
sustainability has just recently gained
recognition, thus experts are continuously
emphasizing the need to define it and are really
curious about its precise meaning (Williams,
2014).
Cultural Sustainability
According to cultural sustainability, culture is the
most complicated of the two or three difficult
terms. Due to the fact that culture has become a
key concept in numerous, usually at odds
systems of thinking and intellectual disciplines
(Soini & Dessein, 2016; Pop et al., 2019).
Culture was cited as the fourth component of
sustainable development during the
Johannesburg Earth Summit in 2002, and this
was highlighted at the 2010 World Summit of
Local and Regional Leaders. Nevertheless,
cultural factors have historically received less
attention in sustainable development goals
(Appendino, 2017, Morelli, 2011). Cultural
sustainability strongly affects conservation
goals, which are to use for current needs and to
pass on as much importance as possible to future
generations (Pereira, 2007).
Environmental Sustainability
A sustainable environment has become one that
benefits future generations by leaving the earth in
a better or more efficient state. Recycled
materials ought to be completely recyclable or
renewable to ensure they have no impact on the
environment or increase energy consumption.
Likewise, used energy ought to be in the end
renewable so that it does not donate to pollution
(Boström, 2012). Environmental sustainability
has become increasingly popular in popularity
(Moldan & Janoušková, & Hák, 2012). For
instance, the Environmental Sustainability
Programming of the United States National
Science Foundation promotes engineering
research with the aim of establishing sustainable
systems of design that enhance human well-
being and that are also correspondingly
compatible with maintaining natural systems in
2009 (Moldan & Janoušková, & Hák, 2012).
Economic Sustainability
Economics is the process by which individuals
create social and environmental repercussions,
and economic sustainability is the process by
which economic systems support long-term
social and environmental improvements. One of
the pillars of sustainability, the economy's
sustainability, is crucial for maintaining the
social, environmental, and human resources
needed for income and living standards (Basiago,
1998). The equilibrium between environmental
advantages and economic costs is economic
sustainability. This condition of equilibrium
includes things like conserving renewable
resources, utilizing non-renewables sparingly,
and switching to renewable resources while
maintaining economic activity (Duran, 2018).
Methodology
In the study, the conceptual framework of the
research is presented by mentioning the methods
and materials of the research. The data collection
method is explained in order to reveal the
architectural criteria, approaches, and
sustainability context of the modern period.
Then, three houses in the context of the modern
period Nicosia city of Northern Cyprus were
examined, and how they developed was
explained. Existing residences were visited and
an updated analysis was carried out using the on-
site inspection method. Technical drawings of
the plans and appearances were made, and
photographs of the facade and interior were
taken. Theoretical approaches were used in the
context of modern architectural approaches and
sustainability parameters in the selected houses,
and analysis/practical approach evaluation
methods and observations were used during the
data collection phase. During the current analysis
of the collected data, plan typologies of the
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houses were created and their current functions
were determined. Thus, the data collected
emphasizes the necessity of evaluating and
applying modern architectural criteria and
approaches together with the parameters of
sustainability in response to the research
questions of the study.
Research Area
Throughout its history, various civilizations have
had an impact on Cyprus. Its distinctive
architectural design also reflects its extensive
cultural history and turbulent past. Architectural
styles from many different eras can be found
today. Following the establishment of the British
government, the Republic of Cyprus was
founded in 1960. Bi-regional settlement has been
the island's policy since 1974 (Oktay, 2007). See
Figure 1.
Figure 1. Cyprus Map with the UN. Buffer Zone
Source: (Burke, 2015).
The capital of Cyprus's island is Nicosia, as it has
been for many years. The largest city on the
island of Cyprus and the last divided city in
Europe, Lefkosia is also known as Nicosia in
Turkish and Lefkosia in Greek. See Figure 2. The
partition of the medieval Nicosia walls, which
enclose the city's historic core, reflects the
island's geographic division. It has been the
subject of various research because it is a city that
has traces of the histories and cultures of many
different civilizations (Bakshi, 2014). In the later
years of the British colonial administration
(1878–1960), especially after World War II,
Nicosia started to grow quickly. Over time,
residential settlements were built outside the
walled city (Günçe & Mısırlısoy, 2019).
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Figure 2. Map of Nicosia
Source: (Mesda, 2011).
Results and Discussion
Modern Architecture in North Nicosia,
Cyprus
Although the exact founding date of Nicosia is
unknown, it is thought that the city known as
Ledra formed the basis of the modern city. B.C.
Nicosia, a son of Ptolemy I Soter, was this city
reconstructed after it was conquered by the
Egyptians in 3000 BC, and he gave it his name.
The old Nicosia is surrounded by high, strong
walls that the Venetians built in 1567 as a line of
defense against the Turks. The ancient Nicosia is
surrounded by these eleven bastion walls
(Akbulut, 1998). In the Venetian era, the
settlements outside the walls were completely
cleansed and all kinds of structures were
destroyed. A deep ditch that is roughly 60 meters
wide was then built around the fortress structure.
This means that the wall alone served to delineate
the urban area (Pasaogullari & Doratlı, 2009;
Özdemir, 2018).
Architectural languages differed between the
1920s and the 1970s (Fereos & Phokaides, 2006;
Menteş & Donà, 2019). Listable architectural
styles include British Colonial, which is
primarily a rationalization of regional vernacular
architecture. Applying loggias, terraces,
verandas, or courtyards to expand the interior
space outdoors while using local materials and
subtle adornment. After then, a mix of style
emerges that combines aspects of early
modernism with British Colonial traits (Menteş
& Donà, 2019).
The structures constructed in Cyprus during the
1960s have begun to show signs of modern
architecture. It was largely abandoned to build
homes the traditional way. They have been
replaced by reinforced concrete structures. The
majority of houses in rural have been
transformed into villas. Most homes and office
buildings were constructed in urban areas
(Feridun & Feridun, 2013). The majority of
homes constructed during 1960 and 1970 had just
a few stories. Locally produced materials and
conventional construction techniques started to
fall out of favor as reinforced concrete's use
expanded. Due to the extensive usage of modern
building materials like bricks, iron beams, and
aluminium, traditional materials were mostly
utilized for decorative elements like plating for
fireplaces and ceilings and plating for interior or
exterior spaces (Cogaloglu & Turkan, 2019).
Modern Architectural Approaches and
Sustainability for Suna- Ümit Süleyman
House (1960)
A good example of a modern city house is
the Suna-Ümit Süleyman House, which was built
in the Köşklüçiftlik neighbourhood of North
Nicosia. On the main floor, living areas, kitchen,
dining area, bathroom, wide terraces, garage,
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laundry room, and office are all intended for a
family of five. Upstairs, there are three
bedrooms, a bathroom, and semi-open terraces
looking at the street are located (Uluçay, Uraz, &
Pulhan, 2006). See in Figure 3. In the House,
where the free plan technique, which is one of the
criteria of the modern period, is applied, the
interior spaces are interconnected and flow into
each other. Consisting of unadorned, simple
geometric forms, the House carries the principles
of functionalism, cubism, brutalism, rationalism,
and international style from the approaches of the
modern period.
Figure 3. Suna-Ümit Süleyman House's ground floor and first floor plans House
Source: (Own authorship, 2023).
The Suna-Ümit Süleyman House's entrance
facade's elevation moved up to the street with its
tall eaves is another remarkable aspect. Red brick
from the area is used to construct the entrance
facade, while the remaining wall is constructed
of grey concrete slabs for the majority of its
length. Using concrete for the garden walls
allowed the design to be integrated (Mesda,
2011). See in Figure 4.
Figure 4. Suna-Ümit Süleyman House's Front Facade Design House
Source: (Own authorship, 2023).
Wide and symmetrical windows have been
designed and placed on the facade. The
connection between the interior and the exterior
is clearly highlighted. Additionally, the facades
very skilfully represent the harmony of the pure
concrete and white colour. The design of the
building took advantage of the reinforced
concrete construction method. Without using
beams, the floors were applied, and the columns
have been carried to the roof. (Mesda, 2011). The
house, which is still used as a house today, is one
of the most representative examples of the
modern period in Northern Cyprus with its
material selection, construction technique, and
plan setup.
Nicosia Köşklüçiftlik, where the Suna-Ümit
Süleyman House is located, is a densely
populated area of the city. Access to the house,
which is easily accessible, is also very easy on
foot or by vehicle. The method of construction of
the house not only shapes the architectural
identity of the location but also incorporates
historical and cultural features. For this reason, it
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contributes to cultural sustainability. The
relationship of the house with its environment is
provided by the large windows and terraces used
in its design. It also reflects the architectural
criteria and approaches of the period with its
modern, local materials and construction
techniques. In this context, it contributes to
environmental sustainability by catching
harmony with its environment. The house, whose
function has not changed, maintains its economic
sustainability today as it has social and cultural
value. See Table 1.
Table 1.
Modern Architectural Approaches and Sustainability for Suna-Ümit Süleyman House (1960)
Source: (Own authorship, 2023).
Köşklüçiftlik, Nicosia - 1960 - Ahmet Vural Behaeddin House
Ground Floor Plan , 2023)Own authorship (
Entrance Facade Interior Spaces (Uluçay & Uraz & Pulhan, 2006) (Uluçay & Uraz & Pulhan, 2006)
First Floor Plan , 2023)Own authorship (
Form analysis
* Free plan technique. * Cube form that is free from ornaments. * The large windows on the facades and the exterior relationship * Functionalism, Purism, Cubism, and International-style approaches
Function
The building, which was designed as a house, still
functions as a house today.
Construction
* White and pure facade design * Entrance wall designed with red bricks * Concrete wall design in interior spaces and facade * Reinforced concrete construction technique.
Sustainability Parameters
Front Elevation
( Own authorship , 2023)
Social Sustainability
* Accessibility * Walkability, * Transportation
Cultural
Sustainability
* Architectural style, construction technique and
building form, determine elements of the architectural
and cultural identity.
Environmental
Sustainability
* A relationship with the indoor and outdoor
environment * Durable and environmentally friendly building
materials. * Environmentally friendly and harmonious
Economical
Sustainability
* The house is raising the value of the vicinity
business, lands, and residential real estate. In this
way, it makes contributes to economic sustainability.
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Modern Architectural Approaches and
Sustainability for Mısırlızade House (1968-72)
Abdullah Onar is one of the pioneers of modern
architecture in Cyprus. It is remarkable that he
uses plain, simple and pure geometric forms in
his designs. All of his projects are highlighted by
the use of a universal language and a logical
construct.
On the front facade of the house, he created for
Osman Nurettin Mısırlızade in Nicosia's
Köşklüçüftlik neighbourhood, there is a semi-
open area. The two-story house's lower floor
holds a garage. With pilots on the ground, the
garage is created underneath the raised space.
Even if the welcome area's hall part resembles
the sofa in a Turkish home in logic, it initially
simply serves as a means of entry to the stairs as
well as common rooms. This space, which serves
as the hub of the home, offers access to the
kitchen, bathroom, and backyard through a
unique and condensed corridor plan. While the
living space and a separate eating area are usually
arranged in a flexible connection, the space for
dining is having a direct link with the kitchen.
The upper floor is where the bedrooms and baths
are located on the upper floor (Yavuz, 2021). See
in Figure 5-6.
Figure 5. Mısırlızade House's ground floor and first floor plans House
Source: (Own authorship, 2023).
Figure 6. Mısırlızade House's Front Facade Design House
Source: (Own authorship, 2023).
The Mısırlızade House, which was designed as a
house between 1968-72, still functions as a house
today. The house was built using the reinforced
concrete construction technique and was painted
white. There are large windows on the facades.
The house, which was designed as a terrace roof,
was built within the framework of modern period
materials and techniques. In addition, the
principles of rationalism, functionalism, purism,
cubism, Bauhaus, and international style, which
are among the approaches of modern
architecture, draw attention in the building.
Due to its location, Mısırlızade House carries the
sustainability criteria such as transportation by
car, walkability, and public transportation. In
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terms of its social sustainability, it is located at a
point that can be easily accessed either by car or
on foot. Because of these features, it carries the
social sustainability parameters. With its
construction style and technique, Mısırlızade
House shapes the architectural identity of the
Köşklüçiftlik region. Considering its historical
process, it has historical and cultural
characteristics. In this context, it carries the
parameters of cultural sustainability. Living
spaces are associated with its surroundings, as
there are large windows on the facades of the
building. Thus, it is in contact with the natural
environment. In the house where the interior-
exterior relationship setup was designed, modern
architectural materials and traditional materials
were blended. In this context, the house
maintains its environmental sustainability.
Mısırlızade House increases the commercial,
residential and land real estate values of the
region where it is located. In this context, it
contributes to economic sustainability. See Table
2.
Table 2.
Modern Architectural Approaches and Sustainability for Mısırlızade House (1968-72)
Köşklüçiftlik, Nicosia - 1968-72 - Abdullah Onar House
Ground Floor Plan , 2023)Own authorship (
Entrance Facade (Yavuz, 2021)
First Floor Plan , 2023)Own authorship (
Form analysis
* The form of a mass, with a simple and free
plan technique, in a symmetrical * The form of a plain white cube away from
decorations intertwine interiors * Wide band windows on the facades * Functionalism, Purism, Cubism, and
International style
Function
The building, which was designed as a house,
still functions as a house today.
Construction
* Reinforced concrete construction technique * Design on the pilots * Large window openings on the facade design
Sustainability Parameters
Social
Sustainability
* Walkability * Transportation * Accessibility
Cultural
Sustainability
* Building form, construction technique and
architectural style, and determine elements of
the architectural and cultural identity.
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Source: (Own authorship, 2023).
Modern Architectural Approaches and
Sustainability for Efruz House (1968-72)
The Efruz House are two-story structure with a
combination of basic and square forms that lack
ornamentation. The living space, dining area,
kitchen, guest bathroom, study space, and terrace
spaces are all located on the ground floor. The
Efruz House (Müdüroğlu House) has an open
floor plan with connecting living and eating
areas. To the left side of the entrance door on the
main floor, there is a garage as well. The rooms
on the main floor vary in size, and the layout is
separated into distinct functional areas. There are
three bedrooms, a bathroom, and a little balcony
on the first level. See Figure 7. Attention is drawn
to the direct connection as well as spatial flow
between all spaces.
Figure 7. The orginal ground and first floor plan drawing of Efruz House
Source: (Beyaz & Erçin, 2023).
Structure plans make explicit reference to the
modern architectural approach that has been
investigated, the dynamic between full and
empty spaces a Cubist principle, and basic
geometric shapes. Additionally, similar to De
Stijl, there are straight lines, simple forms of
geometry split into parts, an absence of
concentricity, and a clearly organized plan.
These structures are characterized by their
straightforward, ornately free rectangular,
triangular, and square forms. This is a hallmark
of Bauhaus architecture.
Efruz house (Müdüroğlu House) was built in the
modern period utilizing a combination of
traditional and modern materials. The typical
natural stone was used for both the outside and
interior of these structures, which were
constructed using a reinforced concrete
construction method. This design emphasized
both the characteristics of the modern period and
the local materials. The ornament-free facade
designs are painted white. Large rectangular
window apertures on the facade allowed daylight
to flow into the inner spaces and establish a
connection between the row houses' interior and
outdoor environments. Large window apertures
Front Elevation , 2023)Own authorship (
Environmental
Sustainability
* Durable and environmentally friendly
building materials. * A relationship with the indoor and outdoor
environment * Environmentally friendly and harmonious
Economical
Sustainability
* The house increases the value of commercial,
land, and residential real estate in its vicinity.
Thus, it contributes to economic sustainability.
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made in the design of the facade have been found
to be in keeping with the facade surface, feature
modern period approaches, and foster an indoor-
outdoor link in context with sustainability. See
Figure 8.
Figure 8. The orginal facade drawing of Efruz House
Source: (Beyaz & Erçin, 2023).
The focus area is situated within the densely
populated North Nicosia region, characterized by
a high population density and heavy traffic
volume. This area ranks among the most popular
districts in Nicosia owing to its proximity to
social, economic, and public amenities.
Furthermore, it is readily accessible both by car
and on foot, and it excels in terms of
neighborhood relations, social contributions to
its surroundings due to its strategic location, and
functionality. Consequently, the Kumsal region
has evolved over time, increasing its significance
within the context of sustainability as a result of
these distinctive attributes.
The Efruz House (Müdüroğlu House), which was
designed in Northern Nicosia, Cyprus, during the
modern period and adhered to its architectural
design criteria, was constructed using both
modern period materials and local materials.
Efruz House is building that most accurately
reflect the architectural character and cultural
identity of the modern period in terms of
architectural approach, construction style, and
architectural criteria when considered in the
context of cultural sustainability.
Designed in the Modern period Efruz House
(Müdüroğlu House) was constructed in keeping
with their environment. Its construction utilized
modern and historical elements, which are strong
and environmentally friendly, making them still
relevant in terms of environmental sustainability
in the present. The relationship between interior
and exterior was not ignored in the design of that
building.
Efruz House (Müdüroğlu House), which was
constructed during the modern period, carries
cultural value and kept its original function,
continuing to be economically viable due to its
social and cultural significance. Current, modern
materials were used in the construction of the
house. Due to their position, the house is situated
on the line of a tourist center having high land
and property values. Because of this, it continues
economically sustainable as well as
environmentally sustainable. See Table 3.
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Table 3.
Modern Architectural Approaches and Sustainability for Efruz House (1963-74)
Source: (Own authorship, 2023).
Discussion
The study aims to analyse the current situation of
the modern period in Northern Nicosia. In this
direction, the relationship between the criteria of
modern architecture the approaches of the
modern period, and the parameters of
sustainability was determined. In order to reveal
this relationship, the findings of the research are
discussed in terms of criteria and style in the
context of modern architecture, and the
classification of social, cultural, environmental,
and economic values in the context of
sustainability.
Accordingly, the buildings built in the modern
period in Northern Cyprus should be considered
as an integral part of the cultural and historical
Kumsal, Nicosia - 1963-74 - Ahmed Vural Behaeddin House
Ground Floor Plan , 2023)Own authorship (
Entrance Facade Interior Spaces , 2023)Own authorship ( , 2023) Own authorship (
First Floor Plan , 2023)Own authorship (
Form analysis
* Straight, simple, and sharp lines. * Symmetrical plans and geometric forms * Cubism, Bauhaus, De-Stijl, and Functionalism approaches. * Open-plan design concept. * Internal-external relationship
Function
* The building, which was designed as a house, still
functions as a house today.
Construction
* Traditional natural stone material on facade design * No ornamentation on the facade design * Rectangular, large window openings on the facade
design
Sustainability Parameters
Front Elevation , 2023)Own authorship (
Social
Sustainability
* Density, * Functionality, * Walkability, * Neighborhood relationships, * Social benefits, * Accessibility by vehicle transportation
Cultural
Sustainability
* Construction technique, architectural style and
building form determine elements of the architectural
and cultural identity.
Environmental
Sustainability
* Environmentally friendly and harmonious * A relationship with the indoor and outdoor
environment * Durable and environmentally friendly building
materials.
Economical
Sustainability
* It maintains its economic sustainability due to the use
of building materials with cultural value. * It increases land value and residential property
values.
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heritage and much more work should be done to
protect them. Thus, it has emerged that the
modern period identity will be preserved and
kept alive when the modern period buildings are
measured in terms of their sustainability social
aspect, cultural value, economic situation, and
their relationship with the environment without
ignoring the architectural criteria and
approaches. The houses selected in the study are
considered in this context, it is clearly seen that
they carried the criteria and approaches of
modern architecture as well as the criteria of
sustainability.
It was observed that the examined houses had the
architectural criteria of the modern period:
simplicity, open plan, sharp lines, and geometric
forms. It has been made very evident that they
also incorporate modern approaches like
Cubism, Bauhaus, De-Stijl, and Functionalism.
In this context, it is supported by the findings of
the study that the houses analyzed within the
scope of the study have preserved their identity
with a sustainable approach until today, without
losing the architectural approaches and criteria of
the modern period.
Conclusion
In many nations around the world today, in the
century we now live in, the social, cultural, and
environmental repercussions of architectural
approaches and architectural criteria that
originated with the modern period are still
evident. Cyprus, an island that has been
influenced by numerous civilizations, features
many different kinds of construction styles. This
study investigates the link between the impacts
of altering living conditions such as swift
urbanization, and socioeconomic dynamics in the
modern period, and knowledge of sustainable
design. All around the island of Cyprus,
examples of structures that have been designed
with the form-function relationships that are the
modern period's defining characteristics and the
architectural approaches that arose along with the
modern period have existed. In spite of
unfavorable circumstances like war, migration,
and economy, between the two populations on
the island in 1960 and 1974, architectural
structures depicting the traces of the modern
period were designed in the 1960s and 1970s.
According to the results obtained as a result of
the findings, all the houses designed and built in
the modern period should be protected. While
modern period buildings are changing their
function or being renovated, the interventions
made to these structures cause the buildings to
lose their original identities. In modern-period
buildings, it has been determined that if the
modern-period criteria and approaches can be
preserved, the building will be sustainable.
Houses with cultural value should be taken under
protection so that their architectural criteria and
approaches are not lost. The social, economic,
cultural, and environmental values of the regions
where these houses are designed can survive as
long as the building identity of that region is
preserved. In short, the architectural criteria and
approaches of the modern period should not be
ignored, along with the parameters of
sustainability and sustainability. It is very
important to preserve the function of the
structure. If the building is going to change its
function, its architectural identity should not be
damaged so that it can preserve the criteria and
style of the period.
As a result, in the current century, socio-cultural,
economic, and architectural built environments
are created using the concept of sustainability
instead of modernism. In this sense, it is possible
to say that the ideas, concepts, and approaches of
the modern period form the basis of sustainable
designs. The significance of modern criteria and
approaches has therefore been displayed in this
study. It is expected that the sustainability
context of the current period architectural criteria
and approaches of the study area will add to the
scientific literature as a consequence of both
literature and analysis evaluations.
Recommendations
According to the results of this study, it is an
inevitable conclusion that the houses built in the
modern architectural period should be protected.
State intervention is required to preserve and
maintain the architectural criteria and approaches
of modern period residences.
In addition to modern architectural criteria and
approaches, it must be addressed together with
sustainability parameters in order to preserve the
identity of the modern period.
As a result, the recommendations of this study
are listed below:
• It is recommended that the criteria and
architectural approaches of modern
architectural period residences be
considered together with sustainability
parameters.
• It is strongly recommended that relevant
stakeholders work together to ensure that the
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identity of the modern period buildings
examined in this study is not lost and
preserved.
• It is recommended that more data and
document-based studies be conducted on
modern architects and buildings in Northern
Cyprus.
• According to the analysis results of the
modern period residences with historical and
cultural value examined in North Nicosia, it
is recommended to identify all
residences/structures built throughout the
island in the modern period in order to
preserve their identity.
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