In February, representatives from the Society and Urban Form lab (SURF) met with members of the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK) to present preliminary results from the Twin2Expand project, along with insights from ongoing consultancy projects currently undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport.
A key focus of the meeting was the presentation of a lightweight, easy-to-use, and replicable spatial analysis methodology, created within the Twin2Expand research consortium. This methodology is particularly valuable in data-scarce environments.
The team emphasized how evidence-based approaches can serve as powerful tools in consultancy work, addressing a broad range of challenges related to the urban and built environment, from infrastructure planning to accessibility and the promotion of more walkable cities.
The discussion also highlighted promising avenues for collaboration, especially in shaping the terms of reference or design brief for architectural competitions in Cyprus. Finally, the meeting concluded in a shared vision, to bridge research and practice, equipping decision-makers with tools and knowledge that enable more efficient, human-centered, and sustainable urban solutions.
We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with ETEK to support and advance innovative planning across Cyprus.