Zaha Hadid unveils Freedom Square

Zaha Hadid likes to push boundaries. But the task of uniting a divided city is one of the greatest challenges yet for the world-renowned Iraqi-born architect.

Speaking at the Cyprus High Commission, she unveiled her plans to remodel Eleftheria (Freedom) Square in Nicosia, the divided capital of Cyprus, with its medieval Venetian walls uniting the old and new towns.

Now a glorified traffic Island, Hadid hopes to breathe life back into the heart of Nicosia through her design.

Also present was the Mayor of Nicosia Eleni Mavrou, cultural counsellor Dr Niki Katsaouni and High Commissioner Alexandros Zenon.

Commenting on the design, High Commissioner Alexandros Zenon said: “I look forward to Eleftheria Square bearing the signature of this great lady of architecture, to be the true bearer suggested by its name, Freedom: for all its citizens and also for the reunification of the last divided capital in Europe.”