The Cyprus National Observatory (Troodos Observatory) has been named Civic Building of the Year at the 2024 World Architecture Festival (WAF), currently taking place in Singapore.
Cypriot firm Kyriakos Tsolakis Architects competed alongside renowned international architecture firms such as Zaha Hadid Architects, BIG, Renzo Piano, Grimshaw, Adjaye Associates, MVRDV, and Foster + Partners. Partner Elena K. Tsolakis presented the project live to an esteemed panel of international judges, including top architects and industry experts, at the festival awards programme at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
Now in its 17th year, WAF is the world’s largest international architectural awards event, celebrating architectural excellence.
Located in Agridia, Cyprus, the National Observatory will be open to the public while also serving as a centre for scientific research. It features two advanced telescopes: one for night observation and one solar telescope. The observatory includes a specially designed “astromarina” for stargazers to use portable telescopes. Its architecture blends seamlessly with the natural environment, with an exterior shell that reflects the sky to emphasise its purpose: observing the universe.
Funded by European and Cypriot grants, the project aims to make a positive impact, establishing a global-scale destination to inspire future explorers in fields vital to our planet’s future. The architects envisioned a landmark building, creating a local attraction and fostering a micro-economy around it.
Kyriakos Tsolakis Architects was founded by Kyriakos Tsolakis and is now led by his children, Elena K. Tsolakis, Nicodemos K. Tsolakis, and Cassandra K. Tsolakis. The firm continues to engage in significant projects and master plans both in Cyprus and internationally.
Credits:
- Architects: Kyriakos Tsolakis Architects
- Project: Cyprus National Observatory (Troodos Observatory)
- Awards: World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2024, Singapore, 6-8 November 2024
- Category: WAF Completed Buildings: Civic & Community
- Directors: Elena K. Tsolakis, Nicodemos K. Tsolakis, Cassandra K. Tsolakis
