Design of Mobile Cultural Activators
01–12.09.2025
ORGANIZERS:
Cyprus Architects Association, Department of Architecture – University of Nicosia, Mobile Creative Capsule, Urban Gorillas
The summer workshop of the Cyprus Architects Association “Design of Mobile Cultural Activators” was completed on September 12, 2025, and its first trial took place during a small event in Kaimakli on September 26, 2025.
The workshop is an annual institution of the Cyprus Architects Association. This year, it was organized by the teaching staff of the Department of Architecture at the University of Nicosia, in collaboration with the NGO Urban Gorillas. The concept of “Designing Mobile Cultural Activators” originated from the proposal submitted by Urban Gorillas during their successful participation in the EIT Community Ignite NEB Hackathon held in Cyprus.
Participating architecture students and graduates designed, constructed, and created a lightweight, mobile, and flexible structure to host cultural activities and events — easily transportable and adaptable. The “Mobile Creative Capsule” (MCC) acts as a catalyst for cultural activation, capable of transforming underused public urban spaces into dynamic hubs of creativity. The team developed a functional infrastructure and urban equipment that can support diverse artistic and community activities, expanding the boundaries of how architecture can facilitate artistic and social interaction. It also redefines the architect’s role — not only as a creator and designer but also as a mediator and activator.
The project was funded by the Cyprus Architects Association and the NEB Grow | EIT Community | European Union, with additional support from Base by CyprusInno.
Additional sponsors: Nicolaides & Kountouris Metal Company Ltd and Andreas Jacovides Trading
Curators:
Members of the MCC team and members of the NGO Urban Gorillas, responsible for organizing the workshop process: Eleni Ioannidou and Mary Mavrohhanna.
Participating professors/instructors from the Department of Architecture, University of Nicosia:
Markella Menikou (Head of Department), Angela Kyriakou Petrou (Deputy Head), Adonis Cleanthous, Alessandra Swiny, Eleonore Zippelius, Maria Chatzisotiriou, Michalis Georgiou, Petros Lapithis, Tonia Sofokleous Lemonares, Anna Efstathiou, Kika Ioannou, and Giorgos Chatzichristou.
Workshop site and use coordinator: Dionysis Voniatis
Assistant: Evripidis Mytilineos
Participating students and graduates:
Despina Panayiotou, Dut Adams Majok, Elizaveta Porunova, Marilia Petrou, Vlada Dovguchits, Melina Christodoulou, Morgane Azar, Panayiotis Nicolaou, Riham Quwaydir, Laila Alassi.