SESAM Identity 2.0
March 1 @ 8:00 am - March 10 @ 5:00 pm

We are excited to invite you to SESAM Identity 2.0, the Small European Student Architecture Meeting, hosted by EASA Cyprus from March 1 to March 10, 2025, in the historic heart of Nicosia, Cyprus.
This exceptional event will bring together 150 participants, including architecture students, young professionals, and creatives from various fields, to explore the theme of “Identity”. Through 12 interdisciplinary workshops—ranging from construction and theory to artistic expressions—participants will produce site-specific outcomes like pavilions, art installations, urban equipment, and performances rooted in Nicosia’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
Why “Identity”?
The theme of “Identity” resonates deeply with Cyprus’ cultural context, providing an opportunity to reflect on the island’s unique character while engaging in a dialogue with the wider European community.
Nicosia: A City of Layers
As Europe’s last divided capital, Nicosia offers a living narrative where history, culture, and memory intertwine. The city’s 16th-century Venetian Walls enclose a rich architectural tapestry that reflects centuries of coexistence and conflict. Here, visitors encounter remnants of the Ottoman era, Crusader and Venetian influences, British colonial architecture, and Cypriot modernism.
Nicosia is home to Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, whose shared history diverged in 1974, creating a divided city. The Buffer Zone, a UN-patrolled area frozen in time, separates the communities while serving as a poignant reminder of the past. Within the complexity of this landscape lies a vibrant old city, offering an ideal framework for examining how identity is expressed and negotiated through architecture and urban spaces.
A Transformative Learning Experience
Exploring Identity Through Four Pillars:
- Processes + Rituals: Investigating how daily practices—personal and collective—shape identity.
- Representation: Exploring how architecture and urban spaces reflect inclusivity or exclusion.
- Memory: Understanding how personal and collective memories shape urban environments.
- Phenomenology: Examining how sensory experiences of space influence identity.
EASA’s non-traditional approach to education encourages creativity and experimentation. At SESAM Identity 2.0, participants will engage with alternative pedagogies, fostering collaboration and discovery in a diverse community.
About EASA CY
EASA Cyprus became a registered NGO in 2024, representing the pan-European European Architecture Student Assembly (EASA) locally. Its mission includes enhancing the visibility of Cypriot architecture students and practitioners while promoting architectural events across Cyprus.
For over 40 years, EASA has connected young architects, designers, and artists to discuss architecture’s societal role. SESAM Identity 2.0 continues this tradition, delving into issues of identity, representation, and memory.
Join Us!
If you’re in Nicosia during the event, you’re welcome to observe the workshops and experience the innovative results created by the community. This is a unique chance to witness how identity and architecture intertwine in one of Europe’s most fascinating cities.
For more information and workshop locations, follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter. Let’s explore identity together at SESAM Identity 2.0!
Event Details:
- Event Name: SESAM Identity 2.0
- Theme: Identity
- Dates: March 1–10, 2025
- Location: Old historical centre of Nicosia, Cyprus
- Participants: ~150
- Workshops: 12
We look forward to welcoming you to SESAM Identity 2.0 in Nicosia!