Eraclis Papachristou: The man leading the design team behind The Landmark Nicosia

Eraclis Papachristou, the visionary behind Eraclis Papachristou Architects, has been busy leading the design team responsible for transforming The Landmark Nicosia (formerly The Hilton Cyprus) into a new architectural masterpiece. Here, he talks about the hotel’s unique qualities and distinctive features and highlights his innovative approach to construction and design.

You spend most of your day surrounded by inspirational design but what does truly exceptional architecture mean to you?

Exceptional architecture succeeds in serving its purpose but it also manages to charge the imagination of those who see it or inhabit it. It is a design that becomes a benchmark for design.

Nicosia has an incredibly vibrant history. How did local heritage influence the design of The Landmark Nicosia?

Our starting point was the old Hilton Nicosia and its longstanding status as a recognized landmark in the city, an appeal which we wished to retain moving forward. We also attempted to infuse the project with references to the materiality, colours, traditions and handicrafts of the island. In turn, this nod to tradition was harmonised with the language and requirements of contemporary design.

Many of us are becoming more aware of the consequences of urban interventions and our own impact on the environment. Could you elaborate on the specific sustainable design practices or materials incorporated into this project?

Sustainability and environmentally conscious design are of increasing interest to us as a practice. The specific project began with two positive premises. The first ties in with the reinvention of an existing building, its reuse, and giving an aging structure a new lease of life. The second relates to the new functions of a building that will be constantly inhabited, which will allow for a more efficient use of energy and space within a vibrant setting. We meticulously selected materials that offer optimum energy performance and were strategic in our approach to orientation, shading devices and ventilation. The key lay in the treatment of the building's exterior skin, which allows for variations according to orientation and the right depth and shading, particularly regarding the large, glazed surfaces. These design choices not only enhance the building's aesthetic appeal but also contribute to its energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

The Landmark Nicosia Residential Tower is set to redefine premium living in the heart of the city. What is the most impressive design element that sets it apart from the surrounding cityscape?

Beyond the tower’s impressive stature in relation to the surrounding cityscape, perhaps the most striking feature is the floor-to-ceiling height of the individual apartments. This creates a sense of spaciousness that extends in all directions, amplified by the inclusion of loggia balconies. These enclosed balconies serve as an outdoor extension of the internal space, providing a private yet focused view. The materials used in the tower's construction pay homage to the former hotel, while the geometry and climbing green features are a modern interpretation of the hotel’s old façade patterns.

The Landmark Nicosia Office Tower is equally striking. How has the design been influenced or inspired by the needs of the modern professional?

Today’s working environment and the technology that feeds it are fast-evolving. As such, there is a strong need for flexibility in design because of constantly changing needs but this often comes with a risk of creating excessively neutral spaces. Thankfully, the richness that characterises the environment of the Landmark offices and the towers is very pleasing. The abundance of on-site amenities is also a notable attraction for the modern professional, offering much more than just a workspace.

Visual appeal is just one aspect of a multi-use project like this. Do you believe that architecture also has the power to affect our overall wellbeing?

Good architecture provides inhabitants with the required ingredients for their existence. A residential space should feel calm and familiar, while a working environment should feel energised. It all starts with the basic elements of geometry and proportion, which can, indeed, significantly impact our overall wellbeing.

Beyond a feel-good sense of calm and familiarity, how do the proportions and design of The Landmark Nicosia project provide a holistic lifestyle experience?

One of the most gratifying aspects of this project – which has shaped its design – is the concept of 24/7 accessibility, beginning with the horizontal, linear public space that connects various elements. The space is inhabited in one way or another 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year via the holistic interplay of work, living and leisure. And this holistic interplay is further enhanced by the many amenities that the hotel complex provides. It is like a world of its own, constantly 'fed' by these varying factors.

What aspect of the overall Landmark design are you most proud of, and which significant architectural challenge were you happiest to overcome?

In many ways, the greatest challenge was creating a contemporary version of one of the island's most historic and significant hotels. I am proud that we blended the past and the future, reducing it to a single statement!

This article was first published in the first edition of MHV Group’s special publication MHV Moments. To view it, click here. To read the entire publication, click here.

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