SHARE Cyprus 2026: Event Overview

The event brought together international leaders in architecture, local professionals, public representatives, academic voices, and industry partners for a full day of dialogue on sustainability, urban regeneration, heritage, masterplanning, materiality, and cultural identity.

SHARE reaffirmed its role as a platform committed to fostering professional dialogue and strengthening community ties within the architectural landscape. Organised in collaboration with local industry leaders, the forum was guided by a distinguished committee comprising Constantinos Constanti, President of the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK); Alkis Dikaios, President of the Cyprus Architects Association; Christos Christodoulou, SHARE Society Ambassador in Cyprus; and Florin Mindirigiu, Co-founder of SHARE Architects.

Global perspectives and regional excellence

A defining moment of the forum was the celebration of the SHARE Architecture Awards 2025 winners. Elena K. Tsolakis, Director of Kyriakos Tsolakis Architects, presented the Troodos Observatory, the overall winner of the awards. Georgios Kalavas, Director of Agisilaou & Kalavas Architectural Workshop, presented “Aphrodite” Thematic Route in Ineia, Paphos, winner in the Completed Buildings category for Culture and Heritage. Pavlos Schizas, Co-founder of MSSM Associates, presented The Origami House in Nicosia, which received an honourable mention.

Across the forum, internationally recognised speakers presented major projects and design strategies from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Maurizio Meossi, Associate Director at Zaha Hadid Architects, presented ZHA Research and Innovation with a focus on the IBTEC Masterplan in Malaysia. Tobias Wallisser, CEO and Founding Partner of LAVA – Laboratory for Visionary Architecture, explored circularity through WA Germany, the German Pavilion at EXPO 2025 Osaka. Jeremy Smith, Design Director at Irving Smith Architects in New Zealand, shared the practice’s research-based approach to timber and sensitive environments through projects including Te Whare Nui o Tuteata, the SCION Timber Innovation Hub, and Bach With Two Roofs.

The international programme also included Manuel Aires Mateus, Founder of AIRES MATEUS in Portugal, who delivered an online keynote lecture connected to a retrospective exhibition and a reflection on houses around the world. Gonzalo Vecchiola, Associate at BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, presented Google Bay View and Google King’s Cross, two major headquarters projects for Google in Mountain View, California, and London.

Three strategic sessions: memory, future cities, and sustainability

The forum programme unfolded through three main discussion sessions, each addressing a critical dimension of contemporary architecture.

Session 1: Building on Memory: Inspiring Architecture in Heritage Structures

The first session was moderated by Lora Nicolaou, Professor in the Department of Architecture at Frederick University in Cyprus, with Alkis Dikaios serving as co-moderator. The session explored architecture’s capacity to work with memory, context, heritage, and the existing urban fabric.

Paris Philippou, Founder of J+A Philippou Architects Engineers, presented the theme of creative pragmatism, illustrating how large-scale projects can contribute actively to the contemporary city. Aida Aydinyan and Anna Nikoghosyan of Storaket Architectural Studio in Armenia presented the Azatutyun Multifunctional Complex and Shirakatsy Lyceum, highlighting a research-driven and human-centric approach to educational and commercial environments. Giovanni Ferrara, Head of Architecture and Senior Partner at Luca Dini Design & Architecture in Italy, presented the Krorez Masterplan and Colosseum 339, showing how maritime culture, waterfronts, hospitality, and coastal living can shape luxury architecture and masterplanning.

The opening session also included a partner presentation by Spyros Christou, Sales & Technical Advisor at Muskita Aluminium Industries, entitled “From Vision to Reality: Where Architecture Meets Technical Precision”.

The session concluded with the keynote contribution by Manuel Aires Mateus and a conversation with the speakers.

Session 2: Designing the Future City

The second session, powered by Maouris, was moderated by Chrystala Psathiti, Lecturer in Architectural Design and Theory at Neapolis University Paphos, together with co-moderator Marios Kazamias, Partner at Marios Kazamias Architecture and General Secretary of the Cyprus Architects Association. The session focused on global strategies shaping contemporary urban development and masterplanning.

Eraclis Papachristou, Founder of Eraclis Papachristou Architects, together with architect Panayiotis Hadjisergis, presented a residential development in Limassol. Tamer Elgabaly, Founder and CEO of Elgabaly Architects in Egypt, presented ETAPA Square near the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Telecom Headquarters Egypt. Nektarios Afxentiou and Zoi Stasinopoulou, co-founders of AMSA in Cyprus, discussed the firm’s work across building types that balance high technical standards with aesthetic and functional value.

The session also included the presentation “Minerals to Materiality. Going beyond nature”, delivered by Meria Maouri, Business Development Lead at Maouris Oikoset, and Max Sadovyy, Export Area Manager at Inalco Spain / Maouris Oikoset.

Tobias Wallisser presented the WA Germany Pavilion at EXPO 2025 Osaka as a manifesto for circularity and an example of how temporary structures can be designed for circular construction. Maurizio Meossi then presented ZHA Research and Innovation and the IBTEC Masterplan in Malaysia, offering insight into the research-led methods of Zaha Hadid Architects.

A SHARE Architects Society Dialogue followed, bringing together Alexis Vafeades, Minister of Transport, Communications and Works in Cyprus; Charalambos Prountzos, Mayor of Nicosia; Constantinos Constanti, President of ETEK; and Alkis Dikaios, President of the Cyprus Architects Association. The dialogue was moderated by Christos Christodoulou, SHARE Society Ambassador.

Session 3: Beyond Green: Rethinking Architecture for Sustainability

The final session was moderated by Markella Menikou, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Architecture at the University of Nicosia, together with co-moderator Christos Christodoulou. It served as the forum’s closing intellectual pillar and offered a broader view of sustainability, material thinking, placemaking, and architectural responsibility.

Adamantios Vassiliadis, Technical Support Manager Greece and Cyprus Sales Department at KNAUF GYPSOPOIIA A.B.E.E., delivered a partner presentation on Knauf Dry Wall systems.

Luis Loizou, Founder of scaλēta architecture, presented Living behind “mantrótoichos”, in collaboration with Ioanna Evagorou, and Habitation Prisms, bringing forward a perspective rooted in materials, craftsmanship, and the construction process. Floris Panayides, Founding Partner at Panayides Spinazzola & Agroti Architects, presented Indigo Hotel Larnaca and reflected on the practice’s architectural approach.

Benjamin Walker, Design Director at LDA Design in the United Kingdom, articulated the philosophy of placemaking and its social and environmental impact. Gonzalo Vecchiola of BIG presented Google Bay View and Google King’s Cross, showing how workplace architecture can operate at the intersection of innovation, urbanism, and contemporary organisational culture. Jeremy Smith concluded the speaker presentations with projects by Irving Smith Architects that demonstrated how buildings can inhabit landscapes and communities undergoing constant change.

The final SHARE Architects Society Dialogue included panelist guests Gregoris Patsalosavvis, Founder of GR. G. PATSALOSAVVIS ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN; Elena Parouti, Founder of EPITESSERA Architects; Elina Kriticou and Kenzo Yamashita, Founders of EKKY STUDIO ARCHITECTS; and Pavlos Philippou, Founder of J+A Philippou Architects Engineers.

A day designed for connection

The forum concluded with a series of closing remarks that reflected on the key ideas, insights, and conversations of the day, before continuing with CFI After Talks — an informal evening dedicated to drinks, bites, music, and networking, offering participants the opportunity to connect, exchange impressions, and continue the dialogue in a more relaxed atmosphere.

SHARE Architects is an international platform dedicated to promoting excellence in architecture and fostering professional dialogue on a global scale. Through high-level conferences, forums, and networking events across Europe, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East, SHARE Architects brings together renowned architects and industry leaders, encouraging innovation through the exchange of best practices.

Over time, the platform has become an important hub for the architectural community, supporting sustainable development and contributing to the quality of the built environment.