On 20 September, the Municipality of Larissa in Greece launched an International Open Ideas Competition for The Design of the Surrounding Area of the Ancient Theatre A’ in Larissa, Greece
Architects, or multidisciplinary teams consisting of at least one architect, are invited to submit proposals for the conversion of an inactive ancient open-air theatre dating from the 3rd century BC and transformation into an active point of reference and identity for the modern city of Larissa, the fourth-most populous urban center in Greece.
The Ancient Theatre A’, the largest in Thessaly-Central Greece, was built on the slope of Larissa’s Fortress hill, or “Frourio’’, the fortified citadel of the ancient city, for an audience capacity of 10 000. Following an almost complete recent excavation, the theater will soon be fully functional.
Connecting it to the contemporary city and its landmarks will necessitate the redesigning of the surrounding area (approximately 42 hectares, or 420,000 m2). The renovation and redesign of the monument at the heart of Larissa, combined with the restoration of its functionality, will bring global recognition and visitors from around the world.
The competition is endorsed by the UIA and will be conducted according to the UNESCO Regulations and the UIA best practice recommendations.
The Competition is open to architects from all countries entitled to practice in their country of residence. Due to the complexity and size of the competition site, multidisciplinary teams, including specialists in landscape, urban design and planning, archaeology, history, sociology, led by (an) architect(s), are encouraged.
The jury is composed by:
– Renato Rizzi, Chair (Italy)
– Aristidis Sapounakis (Greece)
– Deniz Incedayi (Turkey)
– Rainer Mahlamäki (Finland)
– Christian Sumi, UIA Representative (Switzerland)
– Jacek Lenart, Deputy UIA Representative (Poland)
The deadline for registration is 19th November 2021, and for submissions is 24th February 2022.
More information and registration on the UIA website and the competition website.
