Larnaka Plan B was a three–day design festival which celebrated the urban environment and invited people to re–imagine the city of Larnaka. The festival’s base was an empty shop in the town centre which we transformed into a friendly, creative and curious cafe offering traditional food and drink.

Over the course of three days participants had the opportunity to experience alternative futures for the city and take part in imaginative activities, talks, and debates at the festival’s exhibition space.

The six proposals exhibited in the Cafe were created by the students from the MA Creative Practice for Narrative Environments course at Central Saint Martins in London. The students visited Larnaka in February 2011 as part of a city transformation project. The project explored how strategic changes to the physical environment can stimulate social, economic, environmental and cultural benefits which, in turn, will elevate the city status.

As part of the research we spoke to the local residents, explored Larnaka on foot and discovered its hidden gems. All this local knowledge formed the basis of the festival. By showcasing these proposals we made them accessible to the broader public and local authorities.

As a result of the success of the festival and the enthusiasm of the locals to the project we are in discussion with the Municipality of Larnaka to develop this further.