Adaptation of New University Uses in Old Buildings: The Case of Rehabilitation of Listed Buildings in Limassol Cyprus for University Purposes

The practice of reusing an existing building is almost as old as building itself. Throughout centuries many different attitudes were followed for the revitalization of old buildings depending on the society and the values respected. According to the Venice Charter the conservation of historic buildings is always facilitated by socially useful purposes. Such purposes are desirable but should not change the character of the building. The revitalization of a number of listed buildings in Limassol, Cyprus, and their reuse for housing the Technological University of Cyprus is the object of this paper. The decision of introducing university uses in an historic center is unique for the island and leads to the revival of the old town, giving it new life and opportunities for redevelopment. The analysis of the various effects of implementation of new uses different from the original ones leads to broader discussions on the conversion of historic buildings within the philosophical framework of international principles for rehabilitation. It also raises questions relative to intervention, sustainable development, and reinforcement of existing structures in order to meet contemporary requirements.