It is with great pleasure that I am with you today for the awarding of the Design Competition for Preliminary Designs for the Implementation of the building of the Legal Service of the Republic.
Architecture is a fundamental element of history, culture and the context of life. It is one of the basic artistic expressions in the everyday life of citizens and constitutes the heritage of tomorrow. Architectural quality is a constituent element of the environment. Architectural quality, including the design and management of exterior spaces, is the key and immediately perceived indicator of the country's cultural and heritage progress. It significantly and continuously influences the attitude and behaviour of every citizen, as well as of society as a whole, in all areas of human activity, especially in the social and economic sectors.
The Government, wishing to promote architectural quality, has launched a Design Competition for Preliminary Designs for the Legal Service Building, which was announced on 30 June 2022. 2 Proposals were submitted on September 23, 2022. After evaluation by the appointed Jury, it was decided to award 1st and 2nd prizes.
The new way of conducting the Competition allows to optimize the aesthetic quality of the Project resulting from the process of promoting the Design - Construction - Maintenance method.
The 1st prize has been decided to be awarded to the Proposal of Mr. Eleni Pattichi and Mr. Tauland Tozaj. The 2nd prize has been decided to be awarded to the Proposal of Mr.
On 17 October 2022, the Notification of Tender Results was made to the above awardees.
The Project concerns the construction of a building with a reinforced concrete load-bearing structure, to cover the housing needs of the Legal Service, with a total area of 23.300 m², of which 15.300 m² concern the superstructure on 11 levels, while 8.000 m² concern underground spaces on 2 levels and cover a total of 400 staff members. In addition to the construction of the main building, the project will include, among other things, all the environmental works required for the smooth and uninterrupted operation of the project, such as landscaping, planting, external works, construction of pavements, internal roads, circulation and parking areas for vehicles, bicycles and mopeds.
The aesthetics of the building will be distinctive and of a high standard. It will be a landmark building for the area in which the Presidential Palace is located, reflecting the importance of a modern, timeless public building, which will be a reference point in the area where it is being built.
The preliminary cost estimate for the construction of the Legal Service building is €45,000,000 plus VAT.
I would like to thank the Public Works Department for preparing the new model documents, the Architects who submitted the remarkable Architectural Proposals for the Design Competition and the members of the Jury who evaluated the proposals.
(ΘΓ/ΝΓ)
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