The project Dunes/Caves received 2nd place among 107 participations at the competition “In Cyprus relax: as architects reinterpret” , for the 11th Venice Bienalle of Architecture, under the title “Out there: Architecture Beyond Building” and was ehxhibited on the Cyprus Pavillion of the 2008 Biennalle.
The aim of the project Dunes/Caves is the interpretation of the man-made landscape in terms of synthesis and not contradiction, of the human and the natural realms. Let alone the philosophical, ethical and ecological issues that can be addressed by such an approach, economies that are tourism and culture-based, might have important economical benefits.
The case scenario here is the habitation of a deserted beach (Akrotiri, South Cyprus) in such a way that human provisions be made for the users. This is possible through the invention of an undulating semi-artificial, semi-natural surface, that provides a minimal, camouflaged shelter from the hard Cypriot sun. Each dune/cave is constructed by prefabricated concrete elements that can be easily assembled in-situ (4 pieces). Consequently, they can easily be removed, without any trace of construction left. Sand and local vegetation are covering the dune/caves creating a uniform appearance ,that resembles the original status of the landscape, which , however, is hereafter transformed into a habitat.
This lanscape "perceives" people as ants that disappear and reappear in the sun.
copyright: Kostas Poulopoulos 2008
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