Atlas Power Dissecting and Unfolding the Dissonant Heritage of Nicosia

Abstract

Dissonant heritage refers to sites marked by contested histories, conflicting narratives, and unresolved political tensions. While studies have predominantly focused on the political and symbolic dimensions of such sites, the methodological approaches often lack the tools to engage with the multi-layered and dynamic realities of these spaces. Nicosia, Europe’s last divided capital, offers a compelling case of dissonant heritage. Existing research on Cyprus has largely focused on macro-histories, often overlooking the spatial narratives. While the introduction of micro-histories has challenged dominant accounts, most studies lack architectural methodologies that engage with the evolving spatial realities. However, contexts like Cyprus require a methodology that moves beyond static representation, capable of responding to ongoing transformations. Building on master’s research that documented the border through drawing, the doctoral project repositions drawing as a critical practice that cuts into, reveals, and confronts spatial dissonances. Architectural artefacts are used to expose hidden continuities, overlooked interdependencies, and everyday life that remain invisible within dominant historical narratives. The project introduces atlas-making as its central methodological contribution. While drawing operates as an act of dissection, the atlas enables unfolding by recomposing these cuts into relation. In doing so, it allows contested narratives to coexist, confront one another, and remain open to debate.