Newsroom
A long-awaited specialized day care center for adults with severe autism is moving a step closer in Cyprus after an architectural competition for the project attracted strong interest and selected eight standout designs from 37 submissions.
The planned facility, to be built in the Agios Dimitrios area of Strovolos, is designed to provide a safe, structured environment for adults over 21 who are on the most severe end of the autism spectrum, offering daily care, specialized programs, and long-term support.
The project, valued at around €2 million, will cover approximately 740 square meters and will be operated by the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare once completed.
A daily space built around real needs
Unlike general care services, the center is designed specifically for people who require intensive, consistent support throughout the day.
It will function as a full-day care structure, where participants can take part in specialized programs aimed at building life skills, encouraging independence where possible, and improving quality of life in a safe, calm environment.
For many families in Cyprus caring for adults with severe autism, the center is expected to provide something often described as missing today: structured daily support outside the home, combined with professional care.
Strong interest in design competition
The architectural competition, launched by Eurobank Ltd. as part of its corporate social responsibility program, drew 37 entries, highlighting strong professional interest in the project.
From these, the jury selected eight entries for awards and distinctions, praising the overall quality and diversity of ideas submitted.
The goal of the competition was to identify a design that best meets a wide range of needs, including functionality, accessibility, environmental standards, energy efficiency, cost, and the overall well-being of future users.
Eurobank will also finance the construction and oversee the project’s implementation.
“A project with long-term social value”
Eurobank CEO Michalis Louis said the center is a priority initiative for the bank and part of its broader commitment to social impact projects.
“The creation of this day care center for people on the severe end of the autism spectrum is a top priority for the bank," he said.
“Our goal is to offer meaningful support to individuals and their families, ensuring care, safety, and dignity through modern and specialized programs."
Why this matters for families in Cyprus
For many Cypriot families, caring for a loved one with severe autism is a 24-hour responsibility that can be both emotionally and physically demanding.
Currently, services for adults with high support needs are limited, leaving many families to rely heavily on informal care at home.
A dedicated facility like this is expected to:
- Provide families with much-needed daily relief and respite
- Offer adults a safe, structured environment tailored to their needs
- Support skill development and social interaction
- Reduce isolation for both individuals and caregivers
- Improve long-term quality of life through consistent professional care
What happens next
The winning architectural proposals will be formally presented at a later stage, along with an exhibition of all submitted designs.
Once the final design and procedural steps are completed, the project will move into the construction phase, with operation to be taken over by the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare.
Officials say the center represents an important step forward in Cyprus’ approach to long-term disability care, shifting toward more specialized, purpose-built support structures.
For families who have long called for better services, the project offers something simple but powerful: a place designed not just for care but for dignity, routine, and understanding.
