a conceptual framework for a local development strategy of

American Journal of Social Sciences 2015; 3(3): 44-55 Published online June 10, 2015 (http://www.openscienceonline.com/journal/ajss)

A Conceptual Framework for a Local Development Strategy of Louroujina Village in Cyprus

Sevinc Kurt*, Yasemin Mesda, Olukoya Obafemi Paul

Department of Architecture, Cyprus International University, Nicosia, Cyprus

Email address

[email protected] (S. Kurt)

To cite this article Sevinc Kurt, Yasemin Mesda, Olukoya Obafemi Paul. A Conceptual Framework for a Local Development Strategy of Louroujina Village in Cyprus. American Journal of Social Sciences. Vol. 3, No. 3, 2015, pp. 44-55.

Abstract

This research aims to develop attitudes on the protection and preservation of the natural and built environment in Louroujina. In this sense, the preservation and revitalization of culture in congruence with historical heritage are studied. Also, the sustenance of significant architectural inheritance which connotes the sense of place in Louroujina, the largest Turkish village in Cyprus until 1974 is primarily within the praxis of the scope. In need to goal for a sustainable approach, the project does not only seek to document historical and cultural heritage of the village but also to develop awareness and interest with the participation of local stakeholders so that a local development strategy specific to the area can be produced. Louroujina, as a Turkish Cypriot village, was the largest rural settlement of the country before the 1974 conflict. Yet, following the post-war years - the last 40 years, there has been a one to fifteen decrease in the population of the village mainly due to the ill effects of the war. Although most of the buildings were neglected and some of these were abandoned or destroyed over the years, there are still many adobe and stone buildings of historical and cultural importance. Together with the preservation of natural environment and the rehabilitation of the rich architectural heritage of the village, the local values of the area shall come to the fore whilst helping the village regain its significance by creating sustainable solutions to the existing problems. The strategy for the rehabilitation of the village should consider the restoration, maintenance and protection of the natural and built environment. In this study, the central concern is to define basic principles of strategy for preservation and restoration. The main opinions and attitudes, which constitute the basis for the development of the preservation strategy for Louroujina are moderately consistent with the articles in Venice Charter.

Keywords

Louroujina, 1974 Conflict, Conservation, Preservation, Restoration, Local Development Strategy

1. Introduction

Destruction of the built environment created by war and natural disasters has always been a problem throughout the history of mankind in terms of losing of architectural and cultural heritage. Especially, in the twentieth century, after the two world wars, the destruction of many places including major cities such as London and Berlin were experienced. Area bombing, had the destruction of cities and the buildings in them as its primary motivation and was, therefore, a strategy which explicitly and deliberately included the destruction of buildings of all types including historic monuments [1]. The cities, which were destroyed by bombs during the wars, have required post-war reconstruction. Even in recent history, as Graham stated [2] in Bosnia, early in the conflict a number of architects had noted the widespread and

yet intentional, destruction of the urban environment. They referred to this destruction as “urbicide” as asserted in Mostar '92: Urbicid [3] and Warchitecture [4].

The loss of substantial / physical values of communities caused the demolition of spiritual / emotional values as well. Thus, people have grasped the importance of the environment in which they live eventually by experiencing harmful conditions of war and after war situations.

Likewise, the unwanted worsening in social, economic and cultural mechanisms in Louroujina village during the last forty years, have been originated from the social conflicts and after-war circumstances in Cyprus where two ethnic communities, Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots live. Turkish intervention in 1974 had radical effects on political structure of the island. Afterwards, due to social and political problems, cultural and economic balances are destroyed.

Following this 1974 conflict, the UNFICYP mission was

American Journal of Social Sciences 2015; 3(3): 44-55 45

now focused on policing a buffer zone between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Also known as the Green line, the 110 - mile - long border continues to exist from 4 to 12 miles at most points but only a few blocks wide or less in Nicosia [5]. Louroujina village is surrounded by UN Buffer zone and Turkish military zone. Therefore it has always been quite difficult to enter the village from any other part of the island after 1974. There are check points where people, even the inhabitants who live there, are required to show their identity cards to soldiers in the military zones in order to enter the village. What is more, the inaccessibility of the main road used before the 1974 conflict made transportation very difficult forcing in a way the villagers to migrate to other towns of Cyprus. Most of the habitants moved to another town, Lysi. Owing to this situation, the population of the village dropped from 6.000 to 500.

1.1. Problem Definition

Louroujina village however, is pivotal in the national history of the island –Cyprus. It was a built environment, which hosted and supported thousands of humans and their various intrigues, before it was visited by cynicism of the secessionist civil war of 1974. It was one of villages, which were proponent of civilization in the island –Cyprus. Louroujina hosts the most relevant examples of almost-all Mediterranean typologies of traditional houses, religious buildings (chapel, mosque), social buildings (traditional cafés, market) educational buildings (primary and secondary schools), and health buildings (hospital). The architectural style of the houses comprises traditional images, which are portrayed by the palpable use of adobe, stones, mud brick, woods and every other example of traditional materials, which are used in Cyprus, generally.

Eventually, the physical structure of the village never damaged during the conflict years but the destruction in both tangible cultural heritage and intangible culture has been experienced after war period. The main reasons are as follows:

1. In the whole island, the effects of changes in values concerning physical environment initiated by safety worries are significant.

2. The change of social factors reflected in social structure negatively.

3. Since some parts of the main access roads to the village remained in the south part of the island and became unusable as a result of the island was divided into two parts by political boundaries after 1974.

4. The difficulty of transporting the employees who works in other towns to their workspaces.

5. Psychological effects of the war on the individuals and society.

Furthermore, the forceful factors such as reaching to the village through military zone; sense of isolation which villagers felt; being far away from the rest of island, lack of health and hospital services in the village, made everyday life very hard for the villagers. Thus, the people of the village were forced to choose migration. Therefore, the process which began with this immigration to the other towns and cities, can

be defined as the main reason for the social sadness, abandonments and physical destruction of Louroujina. The longevity of these buildings can be extended as long as they can be used and maintained. In this abandoned state however, irrespective of the construction material–stone, brick, concrete, wood, and steel – the buildings cannot resist being destroyed as the years passed by. The best way to preserve these architectural heritages is to subject them to active usage. This will be palpable since the people who live in there will maintain the building and make the structures to stand through a long period of time. Otherwise the buildings get damaged from the prevailing natural and climatic conditions. Louroujina village, where a fascinating traditional architectural richness is gradually ebbing over the last forty years, is a typical example of this case.

1.2. Aims of the Study

Presettable, it is essential to state the aim of this research in clear terms. This project aims to develop an attitude for the protection and preservation of the natural and built environment. Also, the systemic preservation and the revitalization of the cultural and historical heritage, sustenance of significant architectural inheritance and sense of place. In need to goal for a sustainable approach, the project does not only seek to document historical and cultural heritage of the village but also to develop awareness and interest with the participation of local stakeholders so that a local development strategy specific to the area can be produced.

The goal however, also essentially entails documenting the historical and cultural heritage of Louroujina village; helps build-up a local development strategy that will not only provide a base for similar academic studies but also set out a pragmatic model for the local and central authorities as well as the national and international institutions.

1.3. Methodology of the Study

Methodologically, this research is a case study typology of project, which has a mixed research design. Qualitative and quantitative research techniques are used. Hence, to achieve the above mentioned and make this research a project of maximum utility and not just a mere catalogue, a specific methodology was adopted. Such which essentially entails an array of interdependent schemata. Thus the following tactics were objectively peddled to inhibit every impediments and challenges;

● Primarily, the location of the village was ascertained. Visual, oral and written history, which includes population structure before and after the ethnic conflict, the detection of social elements, cultural background, traditions and habits of the village, were all documented.

● All of the existing buildings within the village were determined and captured. A benchmark, which ascertained the extent of damage, was determined. Such benchmarks come in the following nomenclature: destroyed buildings, building with first-degree damage, second- degree damage and contemporary buildings.

46 Sevinc Kurt et al.: A Conceptual Framework for a Local Development Strategy of Louroujina Village in Cyprus

Hence, a sum total of 911 buildings were identified, of which 250 units were already dilapidated beyond repair and about 210 of the houses were contemporary buildings. The state of the buildings were identified and recorded according to the above nomenclatures.

● Owing to the quantitative approach of the research, a sum total of 163 respondents participated under the aegis of the distributed questionnaires.

● Self-explanatory maps were developed to distinctively explain individual details of the building. These maps includes, topographic map, mass property map, building architectural value map, building use maps, map of current conditions, function of building map.

2. Key Elements of Conservation

Strategy for Louroujina

Nowadays, the values named as cultural and natural heritages include everything built by men and/or nature throughout the evolution of humans and thousands years of history of civilization.

The main target of the preservation works is to ensure that historically valuable buildings are passed on to the future generations. It’s important to preserve the structural integrity of the buildings so there should be no modification to the original features of the buildings during this preservation process. Hence it’s obligatory to properly establish the original state of the buildings. In order to produce projects with the right approach, it’s significant to determine both the traditional architectural elements and classify available features and elements in Louroujina.

For the development of heritage awareness and strategic planning initiatives the basics of Venice Charter definitions that was published in 1964 [6] are taken deliberately as core of the main approach. The Venice Charter addresses conservation, restoration, historic sites, excavations and publication in 16 “articles”. Among its key innovations were the extensions of a historic monument to include its urban or rural setting (Article 1); and the definition of “restoration” as a specialized activity aimed at preserving revealing the past values of a monument in contrast to Violet – le – Duc’s approach [7]

The suggested preservation and revitalization philosophy of Louroujina is parallel to the evaluation criteria for defining heritage concepts and practices of Venice Charter.

Accordingly, the process for definition, conservation, and restoration of Louroujina buildings strategically includes following steps:

● Identification of the original characteristics of the village and the documentation of the existing situation;

● Investigation of the historical buildings of the village; architectural heritage of public buildings and traditional houses;

● Evaluation of the problems and the potentials of the village;

● Development of a rehabilitation and revitalization policy

for the village; ● Investigation of the re-use possibilities of the old

buildings; ● Development of the restoration and / or renovation

projects of the public buildings and production of a local development strategy with the participation of local stakeholders.

Stakeholders: To achieve the encyclopaedic goal of this research project, several organizations are involved for reason specific to their involvements. Apart from the enormous finance demanded by this research project, several intellectual exertions are also needed to bring this project to the fullness of its phenomena. Hence, the following are actively involved in the site:

To make a case of the United Nations [UN], European Union [EU] involvements, their essence is essentially primary owing to the course they peddle. Pluralism is the primary credo, which is propelled by European Union [EU] as the basic ingredient of communal ethos among Member States. Social cultural disparity amongst Member State is identified as an obstacle, which inhibits balance and sustainable developments in the future.

Cyprus International University offers a platform for perpetuating the canon of this project. The university offers the material base for the propagation of the research project. Such which aim at being a kernel for the continuity of research works in academics.

The Louroujina Municipality is also a major exponent of the revival of Louroujina village. Being their place of in situ, they accordingly collaborate with independent NGOs to organize funfair, seminars in the village. Such activities however, encourage the plebeians in diaspora to revive their attachments to their home of origin.

Conclusively and more importantly, individual house owners are perhaps, the major stakeholders of the site in question. They, despite being handicapped by finances, strive to form conformism with the laid down methodology of the restoration project.

Challenges: Generally in life, every attempt to secure any curative remedial is always contested sometimes-upheavals or rather, confronted by stiff opposition and challenges. To focus on the case at hand, Louroujina village as a site is also presented with its own omniscient challenges, such which includes the following: Political challenge: This has been a lingering problem since the division of the island in 1974 secessionist war. Sadly, the location of Louroujina village positioned it to be the most affected by the colossal efferent ill effect of the war. Hence, there is a military base that adjourned the entrance to the village, therefore prohibited free movements of the people.

Material deterioration: Owing to the fact that the village was marooned by the aborigines after the war, the buildings were abandoned to sadly attained there dotage. This enfeebled the building and facilitated the deteriorating pace. Hence, restoration procedure has been presented with such stiff challenge.

House owner: At the infancy of this research project, it was


although, an unobtrusive malady to convince the house owners to engage in the restoration of their heritage. Later in the course of time however, they formed conformism with the propelled credo and even enthusiastic to restore their patrimonies.

Finances: To validate such ambitious objectives of this project, necessary policies and financial instruments are required. Providing the financial springboard for the actualization of these stances is yet one of the colossal challenges facing the site.

Opportunities: To emphasize the obvious, Louroujina hosts the most relevant examples of almost-all Mediterranean typologies of traditional houses, religious buildings (chapel, mosque), social buildings (traditional cafés, market) educational buildings (primary and secondary schools), and health buildings (hospital). The architectural style of the houses comprises traditional images, which are portrayed by the palpable use of Adobe, Stones, Mud Brick, woods and every other example of traditional materials which are used in Cyprus, generally. Hence, there is a pressing need to preserve these patrimonies for posterity.

Furthermore, pluralism is the basic component of every communal ethos. Secessionism which is currently being witnessed on the island generally is a breach on such etiquette and believes. Social-cultural disparity is identified as an obstacle, which inhibits balance and sustainable developments in the future. Hence, owing to the geographical location of Louroujina as a site, restoring it to its in situ will annunciate an era of sustainable and livable environment. It will foster of civic engagement, stewardship, enhancement of quality of life and community development. It will also contribute to social, environmental, and economic sustainability. This perhaps, will encourage the influx of people back to their origin and further foster pluralism which was amputated during the conflict in 1974.

Evidently, It is axiomatic that, civilization seems is attaining it cusp; hence there become a pressing need to hold on to the lessons from tradition before seeking to conquer new precincts. History however, despite its abstraction, shows how the old are linked to empirical realities, owing to its narrative construct. To vehement this, it is a generally held view that traditional houses are more environmental conscious and provide every comfort demanded of an interior space regardless of the prevailing solar conditions. Architecture has somewhat overtime neglected these axioms and moreover, relegated such principles to being primitive. Hence, the synergy which exists between man-made and the natural environment have to be revisited and learnt from traditional buildings. These lessons will only be drawn if heritages are effectively preserved.

In this context, the physical, sentimental and cultural heritage coming from the past is defined as traditional architecture. Traditional architecture has various features which include its originality, locality and order, as well as being interesting, beautiful, useful, suitable for climatic conditions and sustainable. These features are the canon which helps traditional buildings reflect its geographical

position and the society, which it serves. Indigenous architecture in Louroujina village is fundamentally important as it represents village life and the social cultural orders. It also reflects contextual cultural existence of Cyprus and Mediterranean at large. On the other hand, it is also important universally in terms of reflecting world’s cultural diversity.

Variable investigations, research and documentation studies had been conducted in Louroujina in an attempt to produce vitalization and restoration projects for the village’s structural environment. All conducted studies principally followed ICOMOS’ Charter on the build vernacular heritage, which was approved by ICOMOS on its 12th General Assembly in Mexico, in October 1999 [8]. Primarily, the definitions of traditional architecture and construction principles were examined in this context.

2.1. Respects for Traditional Construction

All types of construction activity that reflect construction techniques specific to the pre-industrial era can be named as traditional construction. Traditional construction works involve wood frame, masonry and beam-column systems. Traditional construction elements include arches, domes and vaults built by specific construction methods.

According to Mercer [9], vernacular (or traditional) buildings are ‘those which belong to a type which is common in a given area at a given time’. The vernacular buildings in every region are a product of the collective experiences of the society throughout centuries and this cultural accumulation can form a continuous source of knowledge. Traditional and natural methods used by the society to construct buildings with various functions (most important one is to provide a shelter) are named as traditional construction.

2.1.1. Causes of Traditional Construction

Traditional construction technologies are influenced by basic principles such as social structure, climatic conditions, cultural background, geographical positioning and show a dynamic improvement through the process of time. Traditional and advanced conventional construction methods applied in the field of architecture since the existence of mankind along with the improvement in new construction methods due to changes in construction materials used nowadays can be combined to be used for today’s building applications.

Recently, modern buildings constructed all over the world seem to have high level of similarity with each other and this is a danger for the essence of traditional construction and existence. Nowadays, important factors such as climatic data, positioning, culture, habits and local materials are being ignored, hence, unwarranted buildings are being constructed as prototypes. Globalization along with the improvements and techniques accepted universally are now being preferred to elements like geographical positioning, social structure and culture.

However traditional construction is based on social and environmental impacts. It is a process that is being changed,


improved and adapted depending on the limitations. On the other hand nowadays, its use is declining, as modern materials and advanced construction technology are more preferable.

Hence, for the preservation and maintenance of built vernacular heritage, different principles should be developed and applied.

2.1.2. General Features of the Traditional

Buildings in Louroujina

Generally, traditional buildings are characterized by specific features as follows:

● Types of buildings shared by the community. ● They reflect local and regional features and are

responsive to the environment. ● The buildings are consistent in terms of style, form and

appearance and are constructed based on traditional building types.

● Informal transmission of traditional design and ingenuity in construction is being observed (Figure 1).

● Buildings provide effective responses to functional, social and environmental elements.

● Traditional construction systems and crafts are effectively applied (Figure 2).

Figure 1. Traditional Adobe Construction in Louroujina.

The distinguishing features mentioned above are found in almost all of the buildings in the Louroujina village.

Figure 2. Stone and Wood Handicraft in Traditional Buildings.

Buildings reflect regional features in terms of local qualities, use of stones and adobe as building materials and construction techniques.

Also these buildings are considered to be suitable

architectural examples for climatic conditions. However, constant maintenance and social participation is

required for the restoration and preservation of greatly damaged buildings.

2.2. Principles of Conservation in Louroujina

Village

The following principles of conservation are defined for Louroujina village based on ICOMOS's Charter on the built vernacular heritage.

● Preservation of the traditional environment should be carried out by a multidisciplinary expert team. These works should be carried out respecting the society’s cultural identity and the fact that change and improvement is inevitable should be accepted during the studies.

● Any work done on traditional buildings, groups and settlements should respect cultural and traditional values of the buildings.

● Rarely, traditional architecture can be represented by single constructions. A good way to ensure the heritages are conserved is to maintain and preserve groups and settlements of an illustrative character, region by region. Hence the method of preservation focused on all parts of the village.

● Traditional architecture is considered to be the fundamental part of the cultural landscape. When different conservation approaches were developed for Louroujina village, this relationship was taken into consideration.

● The traditional heritage not only includes the physical form and fabric of buildings, structures and spaces but also focuses on the ways, in which they are used and understood, and the traditions and indefinable attachments. Hence, intangible, cultural and sentimental heritage were also taken into consideration in the studies done in Louroujina village.

2.3. Application of ICOMOS's Charter on the

Vernacular Heritage to the Louroujina

Village

The project of Louroujina village was based on ICOMOS’s Charter on the build vernacular heritage and all the work done followed this charter. In context of the research project which develops a local strategy within the framework of preservation and revitalization of Louroujina Village focuses on the whole village as the subject.

It encompasses hundreds of buildings in the village. Basically, this is a project whose priori aims at producing, measured [contemporary groggy state] drawings, restitution [nostalgic state] drawings and restoration [the in situ] drawings. Furthermore, this research project peddles a credo which primarily entails systematic protection and preservation of natural and built environment, revitalizing the cultural and historical heritages, sustaining their importance, recording their groggy states and restoring them back to their in situ.


The goal also involves documentation of the historical and cultural heritages of Louroujina village. Moreover, this research project helps build-up a local development strategy that will not only provide a base for similar academic studies but also set out a pragmatic model for both local and central authorities as well as the national and international institutions.

2.3.1. Research and Documentation

Firstly the documentation of architectural and cultural heritage of Louroujina must be done in order to constitute the appropriate strategy. Documentation must have various components and technics, which are used together in a synchronized way. At the first stage;

● The Geographic Information System [GIS] map of the village must be prepared.

● Analysis maps must be studied. ● The topographic map of the village must be drawn. ● Written documentation that means “the stakeholders’

questionnaire” and “building information sheets” must be prepared.

● Graphic documentation, which includes sketches of existent buildings, “measured drawings” and “restitution projects.

● Photographic and 3D documentation must be done. Hence, the documentation phase of the project is

accomplished within two years: The GIS map was prepared; a GIS (Geographic Information System) number was given to each building of the total amount of 911. Then the existing buildings were analyzed in the 22 maps. The historical, cultural and architectural values were investigated.

Topographic map was obtained by using “Google Earth Profile Elevation” program.

Furthermore, the classifications of the buildings considering conservation and restoration purposes have been completed.

Written documentation, graphic documentation and photographic / 3D documentation have been finalized.

The Content of Building Information Sheets: The building information sheets, which are prepared for

each building, must include the following information: ● Location of the building (address), ● Assigned GIS number to the building and plot number

from cadastral map, ● The designer of the building / (anonymous mostly), ● The owner of the building and the contact information of

the owner, ● Photogrammetric view of the building, ● Site plan, ● Function of the building as Residential, Religious,

Education, Social, Health, Commercial, Public, Cowshed, Annex, Military, Mix,

● Characteristics of property (as being public, single ownership, shared ownership etc.),

● The number of floors, ● Degree of preservation, ● Having garden and / or courtyard,

● Original use and current use, ● Suggested function to the building, ● Construction date, ● Construction materials and construction techniques, ● Protection status, ● Structural system, ● Façade properties, ● Roof conditions, ● Interior structure, ● Historical information of the building, ● Old photos of the building, ● General definitions, ● Observations, ● Technical information considering heating, sewage,

water, electricity, ● The repairs / changes / additions, ● Photos from inside of the building, ● Façade characteristics of the building, ● Drawings of the buildings, ● Respondent's recommendations. The Stakeholders' Questionnaire Owing to the quantitative approach of the research, a sum

total of 163 respondents participated within the status quoi of the distributed questionnaires. The Stakeholders' questionnaire composes of seven different sections and questions in various categories have been prepared during this survey. These categories are:

A. Personal information; B. Necessities: Questions related to revitalization and

renovation of the village and whether this is necessary or not; C. Detection of values: Questions related to architectural

and cultural values of the village; D. Expectations: Questions related to the expectations of

the villagers on the revitalization and renovation of the village;

E. Renovation sites with priority: Which sites do the villagers expect the renovation studies to be done?

F. Frequency of use: Which places do the villagers use frequently?

G. Commentaries: Commentaries of the villagers according to their observations.

The Analysis of the Historic Buildings: Buildings are selected and scanned using the FARO Laser

Scanner and the results are organized and transferred into the architectural drawings. The following criteria are considered primary for examination of all historical buildings:

● Plan characteristics ● Façade characteristics ● Construction techniques and materials ● Decorative Elements and Detail Solution The reports and documents prepared as a result of this study

will be preserved in an archive, which can be easily accessed by public. Also all the information and documents are shared with the society via the web page. Furthermore, as a result of meetings done with the Mayor of Louroujina, it was decided that the project would be shared with the society via exhibitions. Accordingly a project exhibition was organized in


May 2014.

2.3.2. The Typology of Buildings in Louroujina

The typology of the buildings is one of the most effective

cradles for proposing new buildings on the empty plots. For this aim, all existing buildings within the village were determined and captured.

Figure 3. Typology of Buildings in Louroujina.

A sum total of 911 houses were identified in the village but 250 units of this sum total are already destroyed beyond repair [which is the ill-effect of the location of the village being between green line of UN and Turkish military zone, the negative effects of after-war conditions are seen here more than any other places]. Also, 210 units of this sum total are not historic buildings; hence, they are alfresco the context of this project. It is also worth stressing that, a sum total of 150 building are already captured within the inter-dependent array of measuring, drawing the nostalgic state and positing the restoration remedial.

There are four type of Louroujina buildings: Center Hall Plan Typology, Dichoro Plan Typology, Columned Porch Typology, Two-Storey Town House (Hanay) Typology (Figure 3).

2.3.3. The Main Damages of the Buildings

The deterioration of construction material by the prevailing climatic conditions owıng to the severe neglect state and lack of maintenance has caused destruction of the most of the buildings in Louroujina. These damages are; cracks, cavity, soot accumulation, collapse, detachment of paint and plaster, out-of plumb, surface deposit, surface erosion, chemical change, material loss and collapsed roofing. The followings are the common physical depreciations, which can be observed in whole buildings of the village.

● Deterioration of the adobe bricks

● Cracks on the interior walls as well as exteriors ● The weakening of the walls which is caused by recently

constructed door and windows ● The decay of wooden frames and shutters which is

caused by weather conditions ● The aging, deformation and corrosion of the cast iron

elements in windows, doors, and stair rails ● Some parts of original iron-made doors and windows are

lost or painted unconsciously ● The exterior walls and garden walls are demolished

partially ● The additions which are made inconsiderately ● The deformation of roofs and broken roof tiles ● Damages on the adobe and / or stonewalls and cornice

details.

2.4. The Main Approach for Restoration

Proposals in Louroujina

The main purpose of conservation is to transfer the cultural and historical values to the future generations by preventing corruption and change as possible [10]. As the preservation of original forms of historical/ cultural buildings, the protection of the material properties they are made of and the production technology that was used have also great importance. The following proposals will be made considering the unique places.


● Adaptive re-use ● Structural strengthening ● New design proposal for ruins considering typology of

the buildings in village ● Proposals for missing building elements (structural /

spatial) ● Proposals for existing building additions and extensions

and their problems ● Cleaning the additions and protecting the original state

of the buildings ● Proposals for damage of construction elements ● Proposals for deterioration of construction materials ● Proposal for correcting unsuitable functioning ● Proposal for recovery of environmental damage

2.4.1. Location, Landscape and Building

Groups

In the process of restoration and preservation of the buildings in Louroujina, different factors were taken into consideration. These included, the location of the buildings, relation of the buildings with the cultural and physical environment and their order with each other. Works done on the buildings would focus on preserving their originality, rather than differentiating them. As a result, typological studies were done depending on buildings’ materials, technique, openings, spatial configurations and planning principals. These typological studies aimed to reflect recommended buildings and building groups with specific qualifications of the village. A report based on this concept was prepared and presented at Kerpic'13 conference [11].

2.4.2. Traditional Building Systems

Continuation of traditional building systems and crafts are fundamentally necessary for traditional expression. It’s also necessary for the restoration and mending of the buildings. In order to ensure that these buildings and crafts are kept alive, documented and the related information is passed on to the youth via educating new craftsmen and builders through courses, current craftsmen and candidates of craftsmen are currently drafted into a proposed educational classes. This would be done with the cooperation of municipality, technical schools and the society

2.4.3. Regeneration and Replacement of

Materials and Elements

Projects designed for repair and improvement of the buildings in Louroujina would involve changes that are necessary due to usage requests and hence these changes will be compatible with the general expression and will be done with materials that don’t contradict with the appearance, texture and format of the buildings. Additionally, care would be taken so that building materials would be in harmony with each other.

2.4.4. Adaptation to New Functions

Buildings are being upgraded to an acceptable standard of living within the process of adaptation of the buildings to new functions and their reuse. However, suggested works done on

the buildings would not affect the integrity, character and format of the buildings. Since the traditional architecture motives are still being used, any interventions would be within the acceptable ethical boundaries of the society. Also, any materials used or any additional buildings preferred just to follow the “latest fashion” will be distinguished and interviews with the owners would take place to raise their consciousness.

2.4.5. Organizing Social Activities: Cultural

Restoration

The Louroujina Village square was a meeting place and agora for people. It was used as a common place for bazaar, every day coffee meetings and all kind of diverse activities before 1974 conflict. Unfortunately today, owing to the minute population, these activities are not seen as it used to be.

The municipality of Lourojina with the participation of the research team and a NGO- "Association of Louroujina is Living "- has been organized a festival activity as “Once upon a time Louroujina” within last years (Figure 4). During such days, the Town Square becomes lively and a glamorous place to spend the time again.

Figure 4. The Festival Organization.

3. Main Steps for Management Plan

For the process of built environment analysis, a management plan is done conceptually in accordance with the mission of ICCROM. Also, the principles of Feilden and Jokilehto (1993, p. 35) as outlined in Kurt & Mesda, 2014) are used as a guide in this preservation and revitalization procedure. The steps are taken in preparing management plan for re-use projects for the buildings in Louroujina are mentioned below;

● Exploration: initial survey of the site ● Site description, site analysis and boundary definition ● Identification and evaluation of resources ● Formulation of objectives and consideration of

constraints ● Definition of projects ● Work schedule and annual plans ● Execution of works


● Recording, reporting and review of results ● Storage of information and data ● Revision of site description and re-evaluation ● Formulation of revised objectives and reconsideration of

constraints ● Definition of further projects ● Revised work schedule and next annual plan

3.1. General Principles of Analyzing the

Street Textures

Several streets including Veli Usta street (Figure 5) where the old Club building exist, streets like Ipek (Figure 6) and Sevim Akbas streets which are directly open to the village square, Etem Hoca street which connects the mosque to the residential area are analyzed in detail. Generally the street patterns of Louroujina are discussed through solid and void relations; interaction of open, semi open and closed spaces and typology of the houses and their courtyards and gardens. Since there are many demolished buildings all around the village, there are also many plots without any buildings exist on it. The old documents and photographs are collected to define the previous type of the demolished buildings to suggest appropriate proposal for the empty plots facing to these streets.

Figure 5. A View From Veli Usta Street.

Following parameters are examined through the street analysis

1. Defining the physical conditions of existing buildings 2. Identifying the number of floors of existing buildings 3. Determination of the previous and recent function of the

existing buildings 4. Categorizing the buildings which need to be protected 5. Presenting appropriate intervention proposals for

restoration of the buildings

3.2. The Physical Conditions of the Buildings

The buildings must be analyzed based on observations and investigations both done from exterior and interior space. The buildings of the distinguished streets like Ipek Street (Figure 7) must be classified according to the degree of being in good,

average or bad condition.

Figure 6. Ipek Street Through outside of the Village.

The buildings which have minor deterioration without any structural problems are defined as "strong", the buildings with minor structural problems are defined as "utilizable" and the others with major structural problems which prevents to use those buildings are implied as "unusable" category. The buildings, which are grouped as strong require maintenance and cleaning only. The buildings, which are under the unusable category, require restoration in order to get structural consolidation.

Another group of buildings is defined as "ruin" which requires reconstruction. Most of the buildings in this group don't have a roof and their walls are demolished entirely and / or partially. The reconstruction projects of these buildings should be designed considering the typology of the Louroujina buildings.

Figure 7. Ipek Street Through the Village Center.

3.2.1. The Number of Floors

Generally, there are one and two storey buildings in Louroujina. Essentially, high-rise buildings are not be allowed to be constructed in the village.

3.2.2. The Buildings to Use

In the streets, the buildings, which have appropriate


structural and spatial living conditions should be detected. The buildings, which need restoration, conciliation and or reconstruction, should be defined and the project proposals scheme must be planned.

3.2.3. The Buildings to be Protected

Within the surrounding of the village square are functions such as the coffee houses, the khan, the grocery and few houses, which are the center of the village. It is essential to protect this square with its traditional and architectural values. Also Veli Usta Street where the former Youth Club building was located had always been the center of attraction. This street is open to one of the biggest square of the village. The mosque is located on a corner of this square; a restaurant can be seen at the other corner of it also. The mill which once served the entire village is also placed in the middle of this square. The buildings on Veli Usta Street should be protected and the demolished ones should be reconstructed regarding the original design and or appropriate house types of the village. Ipek Street, Etem Hoca Street, and Sevim Akbaş Street have priorities to be restored because of their rich traditional / architectural features and accessibility from the main squares. Strategically, it is significant that the restoration of the whole buildings which are determined as "need to be restored" are all indicated in relevant analysis map.

3.3. The Suggestions for the Interventions

Most of the empty plots on the streets are proves that many buildings were demolished overtıme. The cadastral map obtained from the land registry and cadaster offices dated back to the year 1967. Mere checking of the buildings on this cadastral map and the recent google images on the site, easily defined the buildings which were demolished after 1967. Invıgoratingly, if possible, the restitution projects of these buildings should be drawn according to the documents and photos obtained from Department of Antiquities and Museums. The buildings must be reconstructed considering these restitution projects. For the empty plots which doesn't any data about the demolished building on it, the typology of the buildings in the village can be constructed regarding the location on the cadastral map of 1967. The silhouette of the street; the scale of the existing buildings; the solid and void relationships are also considered for designing new buildings.

The building extensions which are not in conformism with the original state of the building should be determined and the facades must be reconstructed. The maintenance and renovation should be done considering the ethos of traditional architecture and the original design of the building. Basically, the use of traditional materials should be an uncontestable priori.

The windows and doors should be repaired according to the requirements of the original design and materials. The typology of the doors and windows of the buildings in Louroujina could be used as the benchmark for the restoration of the damaged ones (Figure 8 and Figure 9). A competent restoration expert should be in the restoration team together with architects, interior designers and other specialists. The

legal issues should be considered and the collaboration of the specialists, municipality and government should be established.

Figure 8. Traditional Door.

Figure 9. Typical Vernacular Door and Window Details.

4. Conclusion: The Application for

Restoration of Damaged Buildings

in Louroujina

Generally considering ICOMOS's Charters, various technics and methodologıes are proposed for adoption in the restoration and renovation of the buildings in Louroujina.

Hence, cleaning, strengthening, re-integration and reconstruction are the basic interventions for historic buildings. In this sense the following mediations will be done in building scale.

● Cleaning (cleaning of building extensions and facade cleaning)

● Consolidation ● Strengthening Adobe Walls ● Strengthening Stone Members ● Strengthening Load Carrying System


● Protecting wooden architectural elements ● Protecting and repairing cast iron elements Considering the cadastral map of 1967 and google earth

data a GIS (Geographic Information System) map was prepared and a GIS number was given to each building of the village. Then the analysis maps were studied. The analysis maps indicates the existing situations and the potentials of the buildings of Louroujina village including following parameters:

● The GIS numbers of the buildings are defined. ● The current situation of the heritage building masses was

analyzed considering whether they have a solid roof or not. The semi-open spaces like dairy farms and the demolished buildings were also counted.

● The buildings were classified according to their current physical condition as being solid, ruined or demolished.

● The architectural value of the buildings as being architectural monument, architecturally significant, architecturally insignificant, units of settlement texture, and whether they are ruined or destroyed were defined.

● The historical value of the buildings was analyzed as being historically valuable at first, second degree of importance or having no historic importance.

● The buildings were analyzed whether they are currently used or not.

● The preservation level of the buildings as being in good, average and bad condition was described.

● The construction dates of the buildings were defined. ● The functions of the buildings like residential,

commercial, religious and etc. were analyzed. ● The construction techniques and building materials like

stone, mud brick, and reinforced concrete were investigated.

● The numbers of stories of the buildings were studied. ● The floor areas of the buildings must be analyzed. ● The buildings with a courtyard or garden were

categorized. ● The ownership of the properties were defined on as open

access property, state property, common property or private property.

● The locations of the buildings should be examined regarding the distance from the village center.

● It is illustrated whether the buildings kept their original function or implemented a new function for recent use.

● The buildings, which are accessible for taking measurements inside, are distinguished.

● The analysis of mass and void relationship was done. ● Existing transportation and circulation pattern of the

village were determined. Primary access [which accesses the village from Nicosia], secondary access [which feeds the primary roads within the layout] and tertiary access [the streets which are adjourned by the building facades] were all identified and recorded.

● Social and spatial structure of the Village Square and traditional street pattern is examined and documented.

● A Proposal for a new mater layout, which incorporates

all the restoration drawings, is designed. ● A proposal for the restoration of the existing road pattern

and typology, which includes the primary [which accesses the village from Nicosia], secondary [which feeds the primary roads within the layout] roads and the tertiary [the streets which are adjourned by the building facades] road is designed

● A proposal for new drainage patterns is designed. The existing road typology is also restored.

● 3D model of the entire village which incorporates every single unit of building on the village layout is designed [both existing and proposed]

● The strategic master plan has been developed. ● The web page is created. ● An excavation of the Khan building was also

commenced. Conclusıvely, the restoration and reconstruction projects

which are prepared according to the principles of ICOMOS's charters and regarding the developed master plan can be realized step by step by using UN Funds and Programs, EU Framework Programs for financial support and central government resources for financial assistance of the building owners. Expropriation is the best way to restore some valuable heritage like the publıcly owned Old Khan building in Louroujina. The financial springboards should also be provıded for the restoration of both the individually owned and buildings with shared ownership.

References

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[10] Kurt, S. & Mesda, Y. (2014) TÜBİTAK 1001 Kıbrıs- Akıncılar Köyünün Korunması,Rehabilitasyonu ve Yeniden Canlandırılması Kapsamında Yerel bir KalkınmaStratejisi Geliştirilmesi Preojesi 1. Gelişim Raporu, (Print on demand by www.lulu.com) Lulu: USA

[11] Kurt, S., Kiessel M., Mesda, Y., Shaougbar, T. (2013) Vernacular Architecture in Louroujina / Cyprus: Typology of Houses. Kerpic’13 – New Generation Earthern Architecture: Learning from Heritage International Conference Istanbul Aydin University, Turk

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