The National Observatory of Cyprus, known as the Troodos observatory, has won the Civic Building of the Year award at the World Architecture Festival 2024 in Singapore.
The observatory, designed by the Cypriot firm Kyriakos Tsolakis Architects, was chosen for the ‘Civic Completed Projects’ category, which highlights exemplary civic buildings worldwide.
The firm ‘Kyriakos Tsolakis Architects’ competed against several major global firms, including Zaha Hadid Architects, BIG, Renzo Piano, and Foster + Partners.
Partner Elena K Tsolakis presented the project to delegates and judges at the festival, which is recognised as the largest international architectural awards event, celebrating architectural excellence.
Located in Agridia, the observatory’s reflective exterior allows it to blend with the surrounding landscape, supporting its purpose as a centre for astronomical exploration.
The facility includes two high-tech telescopes for stargazing and solar observation, along with an ‘astromarina’, where amateur astronomers can use their own portable telescopes.
The project, funded by European and Cypriot resources, is intended to boost the local community and inspire future scientists.
Unveiled last May, the observatory is also utilised to promote the development of mountainous areas, with the goal of attrating investments in new forms of alternative tourism.
The project, which had a budget of €2,678,400, started in June 2018 and was completed in December 2023.
