Sphere Partners

11/12/2023

«I have been living on the island for a year, and since the beginning I asked myself - how is it possible to contribute to the local culture. It seems that with the foreigners look we could highlight some new accents in the familiar landscape.
 
We believe that learning the stories about the places where we live in, widens our life experience. And architecture is the most accessible type of art that surrounds us in our everyday life. But we don’t usually notice it running down the streets. We offer a closer look at the cities to discover the history of Cyprus and to reveal the personal stories behind the buildings».
 
Meet Lara Kotreleva, the partner and contributor to Sphere Space project, art historian and expert in museum management.

24/11/2023

Sphere Space Recommends: Visiting .severis.

The CVAR is a beautiful cultural space that hosts a permanent collection of paintings, objects and fashion in a chronological exhibition from the 17th century until the 20th.

To get there, you will first walk through the heart of the walled city in Nicosia, almost parallel to the border and that already awakens a vibrant curiosity about Cyprus within the context of it's history.

This is exactly what the CVAR provides.

You pay 5 euros for the entrance and you are ushered into the ground floor, the exhibition curls upwards 4 floors and you are likely to have the whole thing to yourself.

You will see paintings made by foreign visitors, hand painted advertisements, political cartoons, prints, etchings, traditional fashion, ornaments and later, photographs and newspaper articles.

There is something so truthful about seeing history through the imprint it has left in art and culture. The hundreds of perspectives of artists and collectors combine to create a socio-political portrait of Cyprus that spans 3 centuries.

There are hand painted maps that show a united Cyprus. Paintings of cities and rural areas before the touch of modernisation. Political cartoons published in French during the time of the Aglo-Turkish Convention as well as advertisements that market Cyprus to European tourists- in whatever way was most alluring at the time.

I fully recommend you spend some hours absorbing what this exhibition has to offer, walk through the walled city, see the border, sit, have a drink and embed within you a more rich understanding of why Cyprus is the way it is today CVAR - Severis Foundation

Text by Melissa Zanga

22/11/2023

Can you name the building by this distinctive detail? If you're a Larnaca local, you'll undoubtedly recognise it as the iconic police station.

Designed by the British architect and artist Robin Holliday Macartney, this is a testament to romantic aesthetics on the island. The Larnaca police station is a rare and significant example of Macartney's large-scale projects on the island. A connoisseur artist, he seamlessly blended influences from various eras. The intricately designed stone lancet arches pay homage to Ottoman architecture, drawing from Macartney's firsthand experiences in Turkey and Syria.

You can learn more about Macartney's artistic journey on our website: https://www.sphere.space/dot-route/larnaca-police-station

20/11/2023

Join us on a journey through the heart of Limassol with our special route – "1 km of Limassol: An Architectural ABC." In the images, you'll find glimpses from our one and only curated walk, unveiling the architectural treasures that Limassol holds. And you can embark on this adventure too, following the link: https://www.sphere.space/

Discover the hidden stories of the city, and experience the evolution of architecture on two of Limassol's streets in the Old Town. Once vibrant with the hustle of daily life, these streets now welcome students, tourists, and officials, embodying the city's diverse spirit.

Feel the pulse of the brisk 20th century as our website guides you through various architectural styles of the past, connecting the dots to the world's rich architectural history.

17/11/2023

Look who's making headlines! Our online architectural guide has caught the attention of a great local media – Parathyro.

We truly want to change the way you experience Cyprus's cities. Cyprus is brimming with remarkable, authentic, and stunning local architecture, especially from the modernism and art deco era. Unfortunately, some of these pieces of art have been hidden away, overshadowed, or forgotten.

But guess what? We're on a mission to change that. The Parathyro article provides an exclusive peek behind the scenes, offering you a glimpse into our design, goals, and vision.

If you're fluent in Greek, dive into the full article here: https://parathyro.politis.com.cy//features/architektoniki/709119/-sphere-space-cyprus-anakalyptontas-ta-dromakia-ton-architektonikon-istorion-toy-topoy

And whether you speak Greek, English, or Russian, embark on an architectural adventure with us at the Sphere Space website: https://www.sphere.space/

06/11/2023

During our recent event, we had some curious participants asking about the creative minds behind the design of Sphere Space. Meet the talented team of RZLT Agency!

Their extensive experience in branding, territory development, communications, and wayfinding systems has made them the perfect partner to bring Sphere Space to life. Follow RZLT.agency to discover more of their incredible work, and if you're ever in need of creative solutions, whether it's a production of a conference booth or designing a public space, you'll be in the right hands with their team.

06/11/2023

Last Saturday, we hosted a presentation in collaboration with Biennale Larnaca. It was an incredible celebration of art, culture, and architectural heritage, and we're thrilled to share some heartwarming pictures with you.

We'd like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the fantastic team at Dine Nation for adding a touch of culinary excellence to our event. Your contribution made the evening even more special!

Curious to see if you can spot yourself in the photos? Head over to our Facebook albums, where we've uploaded all the best moments.

06/11/2023

03/11/2023

Join us on November 4th for an enlightening evening as we dive into the world of contemporary art with Yev Kravt , the Curator of Larnaca Biennale 2023.

Yev will take the stage to share insights into modern art, unveil the captivating theme of "Home away from home," and introduce you to the extraordinary exhibitions, performances, and artworks that you cannot afford to miss.

This promises to be a night of artistic discovery and inspiration. Secure your free spot today by following the link: https://biennalelarnaca.com/event/exploringcyprus/. We can't wait to see you there!

Biennale Larnaca

02/11/2023

On November 4th, we're hosting a celebration at Limassol Castle to officially introduce our architectural guide. Follow the link to book your free spot: https://biennalelarnaca.com/event/exploringcyprus/

While you're awaiting Saturday to arrive, why not take a sneak peek at three of the routes we'll be talking about. Can you recognise the buildings in the collages and the streets on the maps?

30/10/2023

Meet Sergey Nikitin-Rimsky, , the visionary behind our architectural paths. Sergey is a city historian, a tireless activist, and an educator who has crafted projects for renowned festivals such as Bergamo Brescia Capitale di Cultura (2023), Bauhaus100 in Berlin (2019), London festival of Architecture. He has shared his knowledge with students at prestigious institutions around the world, including Higher school of Economics, Politecnico di Milano, Università di Verona, and Università Roma III. As the mastermind behind the incredible VeloNotte project, Sergey has elevated nocturnal urban cycling into a captivating blend of art and education.

“A few years ago, I had my first encounter with modern architecture in Cyprus—diverse, subtle authorial and vernacular, and completely unknown abroad; actually its value is not yet fully realized on the island. So I was very happy when Lara Kotreleva invited me to create an architectural guidebook. Thus began a great journey: research, meetings, consultations and eventually five thematic itineraries came out: different neighborhoods and eras of these two very different cities—Larnaca and Limassol.

These two cities are both experiencing rapid growth with the arrival of many expats and new investments. This is why I suggested to focus on the history of the 19th and 20th centuries, as many books have been written about the antiquities in Cyprus. I wanted to create basic itineraries of these cities, fitting their image into the big picture of world history and architecture. While working on the guidebook, I met many fascinating people - historians, architects, engineers, house owners. I dedicate this publication to all of them, hoping that the authorities and stakeholders will manage to preserve the charm of their wonderful cities”.

On November 4th, you'll have the opportunity to attend Sergey's special presentation on his research. Follow the link in bio to reserve your free spot!

Photu

26/10/2023

After months of hard work and dedication, we're thrilled to announce that Sphere Space's online architectural guide is nearing its official release!

Join us on 4th of November at Limassol Castle for a grand celebration as we unveil the hidden treasures of Cyprus's architectural heritage and modern art. Here's what you can look forward to:

Dr., Associate Professor Nikitin-Rimsky, the mastermind behind our unique routes, will share his fascinating research and reveal the architectural gems he's uncovered.

As part of the Larnaca Biennale Program, we're are also excited to have Yev Kravt, the Curator of Biennale, to introduce us to this year's program, featuring outstanding exhibitions and artists you won't want to miss.

Plus, enjoy refreshing drinks as you chat with fellow architecture and art enthusiasts. It's the perfect opportunity to connect and share your passion.

Participation is free. Simply click the link reserve your spot: https://biennalelarnaca.com/event/exploringcyprus/

See you there!

23/10/2023

As part of the program, we invite you to an enchanting evening that transcends time. Explore the vanishing architecture of Larnaca!

Guided by the soft glow of lanterns, the author of our guide, prof. Nikitin-Rimsky, will transport you to an era when these homes thrived with life. Today, they stand as silent witnesses to history.

🗓️ Date: 1st and 2nd of November
🕗 Time: 18:00
🏠 Meeting Point: Street Art Rise Hotel — Lobby, Larnaca

Participation is free, but tickets are limited. For registration, follow the link: http://surl.li/mllbx

21/10/2023

What makes a building remarkable? Sometimes it may be nothing special, a utilitarian educational box with two wings — but they drill three arches in the wall with a correct distance between them, and they put an inscription in a good font above—hence the facade is this that sticks in memory.
Even the pretty simple portico—four pipe columns, could not spoil the overall good impression.

This is one of the buildings of the American Academy, founded by two Protestant missionaries in 1908.

Despite the importance of the institution for Larnaca, the author of this facade is unknown, not being preserved in the annals of the Academy. Moreover, there is not one but two of them, as the first floor with a portico was built in the 1950s, and the second floor with arches and an inscription dates back to the 1980s —this is how well the unknown master entered into the spirit of the Art Deco era.

In 2008, the Academy built a new building — the first building on the island with negative energy consumption.

18/10/2023

Not all the buildings featured in our guide are in perfect condition. Regrettably, some remarkable 20th-century buildings were even demolished during the first stages of our research.

Nevertheless, we encourage everyone to be observant and, if not to preserve this heritage, at least to capture it in your mind and draw the attention of others. This way, we can ensure that their unique beauty endures for as long as possible.

11/10/2023

Congratulations to Biennale Larnaca on their grand opening! We are proud and very excited to be the partners of this incredible project.

Under the theme "Home Away from Home," the Larnaca Biennale 2023 invites you to explore the multifaceted concept of 'home.' Similarly, at Sphere Space, our goal is to capture the stories behind real homes while also showcasing the architectural gems of Cyprus.

The Biennale commences today and will run until the end of November, featuring a rich program of parallel events, including our Architectural Promenades, which are free to attend. Keep an eye on announcements and be sure to follow us and Biennale Larnaca for updates!

06/10/2023

In the heart of Limassol, where history and commerce intersect, Agora stands as a testament to the evolving spirit of this vibrant city. In ancient Greek polises, the "Agora" was a bustling marketplace and a hub for gatherings.

Today, we explore the Agora Shopping Center near Anexartisias. Do you have a story about this place? Don’t hesitate to share in a comment section!

02/10/2023

Behind the scenes, our dedicated team is preparing 5 distinct routes across the cities of Limassol and Larnaca. But here's the secret ingredient: before we invite you to embark on these journeys, we walk them

We explore every twist and turn, ensuring each path is not only clear but also captivating and comfortable for you to explore. In Cyprus, the car might be preferable option, but we're here to encourage a different approach – walking.

Our aim? To infuse every step with significance, to unveil hidden treasures, and to breathe life into the tales of these cities.

Stay tuned as we guide you through Cyprus's iconic architecture like never before. Your walking adventure awaits!

30/09/2023

Take a glimpse into our 'Dreams of a Big City' route—an exciting dive into Limassol's past.

Stay tuned as we prepare to unveil the complete path on our website, where you will be able to learn more Limassol's architectural evolution from the 1960s to the 1970s—a time of remarkable growth and transformation. Follow us for updates!

30/09/2023

At Sphere Space, we are passionate about the art of architecture. Our platform is your gateway to discovering the artistic significance of Cyprus's iconic buildings.

🕍 Architectural Heritage: Immerse yourself in the stories and majesty of these landmarks.

🏞 Curated Routes: Begin your journey with 5 expertly curated routes, each a voyage of artistic and historical significance.

👌 Completely Free: Access to Sphere Space is a gift to art and architecture enthusiasts. No fees, no boundaries.

Do you have any ideas on what architectural gems we should explore? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

30/09/2023

Welcome to Sphere Space, the new way to explore Cyprus's iconic architecture! Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey through the captivating architectural wonders of Limassol and Larnaca.

We're excited to introduce you to Sphere Space, your portal to discovering the rich heritage of Cyprus through its iconic buildings.
🏢 Uncover the hidden stories behind iconic structures.
🚶Choose your own path through our expertly curated architectural routes.
🌐 Dive into the immersive experience of Sphere Guide.

Stay tuned as we count down to our official launch on 28th of October! Join us on this architectural adventure, where every building has a unique story to tell.