I would like to thank you for the invitation to attend today's ceremony of the Cyprus Association of Architects Student Architecture Awards.
On behalf of the President of the Republic, I convey his congratulations for the organization of this ceremony, which is the culmination of the efforts of young potential Architects, as well as recognition of their work by the scientific body of their colleagues.
The role of the Architect has always been very important for our society. It is a dynamic and interdisciplinary role. The architect of today is not only called upon to simply design spaces, he is called upon to respond to contemporary socio-economic challenges, while meeting the needs of the unit: the individual, the family, the business, the community itself.
In addition, today he has to face the new, unprecedented conditions of confinement and isolation that we are experiencing due to the emergence and spread of the coronavirus pandemic. This new order creates new challenges and changes in terms of habitation, space and the nature of work, and more generally contributes to the rethinking of the relationship between public and private space.
The climate crisis, my friends, is also a major challenge for architectural creation. Green growth and the circular economy, the development of new sustainable materials and bioclimatically adapted design are the new framework for creation. Urban planning policies are therefore called upon to adapt to the new context, following the requirements of the Renovation Wave, the New Leipzig Charter and other strategic documents of the European Commission.
These new challenges add to the policy agenda governing architectural creation and urban organisation and make it imperative to adopt new policies and procedures that are conducive to recovery, but also to resilience, so that the impact on growth and well-being in society as a whole is kept to a minimum.
The Government, in immediate response to these new socio-economic conditions, is promoting a series of Reforms aimed at digital transformation, while we have developed plans to promote investment to create additional jobs. The aim is to move into the new era by upgrading the spatial and architectural environment, always with a view to green development.
The Ministry of Interior, as the development ministry par excellence, has adapted its policies perfectly to this new vision.
In order to better serve both citizens and you, the planners, we have reformed and simplified the licensing procedures. It is now possible to apply online for faster, more efficient and more transparent planning and building permit procedures in just 10 days for residential developments on approved land. Already 2500 new permits have been issued under this new procedure, and from 1/6/2022, fast-track permitting will be extended to larger and more complex developments.
The completion of this reform effort will come with the passing of the Bill on the permitting process for so-called Strategic Investments, which provides for the granting of all permits within a maximum of 12 months.
In addition, and in addition to our intervention through a series of urban incentive concession projects, most of which are terminated at the end of 2022, as the Ministry of Interior we are also studying the issue of urban rezoning. The aim is to reduce urban expansion and the rational use of existing residential zones in order to minimise further expansion and ensure the protection of the natural environment. And of course, absolutely interwoven with this is our clear position on limiting the phenomenon of individual housing. In addition to policies at the national level, a number of spatial interventions at the local level stand out.
Allow me to make a special reference to the comprehensive Action Plan for the Regeneration and Revitalisation of Nicosia within the Walls, which aims to attract new residents and new investment by providing generous incentives to boost economic activity, regeneration and revitalisation of an area with special characteristics. This project is largely based on the transfer of the School of Architecture of the University of Cyprus to the Faneromeni building.
And I take this opportunity to congratulate and thank the architectural community for embracing our idea and actively supporting it. I even thank the Archbishop of Cyprus, who responded positively to the idea and consented to the concession of the building.
We have planned with the Minister of Finance in January, the announcement of this magnificent project that we believe can completely change the centre of Nicosia, together with the new spatial planning that the Ministry of Interior is promoting in the area of the Archministry, with the construction of the three buildings housing the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Transport, thus transforming Severis Avenue into an axis of central government services.
Dear friends,
Our country, then, is changing. And it is changing for the better. It is up to all of us to accelerate the processes of this desired change.
So I am addressing you. The young architects. And I invite you to support this effort with your creativity. For the upgrading of the natural and built environment. by applying your modern and innovative ideas. Drawing on your training and expertise.
In conclusion, I would like to warmly congratulate all the award-winning architecture students, as well as your professors and mentors, and wish you all a successful career, with even greater success and recognition in the professional world. The Ministry of Interior and all its departments related to your profession will always be at your side.
Happy and healthy New Year to all of us.
(EFYs/MB/IK)
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