(The greeting was delivered on behalf of the Minister by the Director General, Dr Kostas Constantinou)
I would like to thank you for the invitation to attend today's ceremony of the Architecture Students' Awards of the Cyprus Architects' Association, which I congratulate for this initiative.
On behalf of the President of the Republic and the Minister of Interior, I convey their congratulations for the organization of both this institution and the ceremony, which honors the students who have distinguished themselves with their projects.
This ceremony takes place a few days after the President of the Republic awarded the State Architecture Prizes, in an event marking the 30th anniversary of the institution's inception. This event demonstrates the importance the State attaches to quality architecture, its contribution to society, the environment and the economy. It also reflects the importance it attaches to the role of the architect as an inspirer and creator.
The role of the architect is multifaceted and demanding, as are the needs of modern society. The architect is the means of reconciling the wishes of the owner with the requirements of the state. He needs to coordinate a multitude of scientists but also to manage the implementation of the project within the financial and time frame set for him. This is a particularly difficult role, as each completed project determines life both inside and outside it, as it shapes its environment.
The quality of architecture and the built environment, according to Baukultur experts, can lead to various forms of social performance, such as improved quality of life and sustainable use of land. It also leads to economic returns that exceed costs, making quality projects profitable in terms of private investment.
Architecture is also directly related to the natural environment and in this context I cannot fail to mention climate change and the corresponding crisis, which is a major challenge for the construction sector as well. The demands of green growth and the circular economy require the adaptation of architecture to the specificities of the climate, the threats of geohazards and extreme phenomena, the respect of biodiversity, the recycling of buildings and structures.
Finally, social sensitivity and the participation of citizens and stakeholders in the co-design of the environment in which we live is a new approach, as defined in the New European Bauhaus. The need for sustainability, aesthetics and inclusion are the contemporary values for shaping our cities.
It is within the above framework that the government's reforms and actions are moving. The Ministry of Interior, as the development ministry par excellence, has moved forward with actions that facilitate development, such as the introduction of e-government through the "Hippodamos" information system and the New Licensing Framework.
Also pending is the passage of the Bill to facilitate the licensing process for Strategic Developments. The new urban and spatial planning framework, set out in the new Development Plans, as well as those under publication or preparation, promotes quality architecture, respect for land management and rational planning for sustainable development.
Dear students,
I will not elaborate further on the actions of our Ministry۰ you will experience them in the coming years, through your active participation in the professional field of architecture.
But I will invite you to contribute with your youthful enthusiasm, your thirst for creativity and your innovative approach to achieving better, more sensitive and environmentally friendly architecture. Contribute to improving the quality of life in our cities and to a better tomorrow in general - what you, and we, deserve.
Dear all,
Today's ceremony is about you, the award-winning students, and I warmly congratulate you and your professors.
I wish you a good career and many more successes, professional and personal.
Happy New Year to all.
(EFYs/MX/EXP)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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