Introduction: Crossing Borders/Building Bridges. An Interdisciplinary and Research-By-Design Approach to Nicosia’s Territorial Fragilities

This introductory essay aims to frame the book’s primary research setting, contents and contributions with reference to a “polytechnic” interdisciplinary approach to studying fragile contested territories and cities in the Euro-Mediterranean space. The main research background and premises linked to the inter-doctoral research initiative entitled “Territorial Fragilities in Cyprus” are introduced, making evident the relevance of a trans-cultural and research-by-design approach towards a sensitive urban and built environment strongly politicized for its patrimonial acknowledgement while abandoned and defined by advanced material decay. Furthermore, the issues of knowledge production, urban design and planning, and architectural preservation within a divided territory are presented. The “bridging” communication and collaboration potential of the built environment is introduced to redefine local uses and urban functions. The case of Nicosia, and Cyprus more in general, is illustrated as a critical contest to explore integrated planning, conservation practices and tools in areas of historic urbanization crossed by (political) borders.