The Municipality of Larissa invites architects, or multidisciplinary teams consisting of at least one architect along with other disciplines, such as landscape architects, urban designers etc., from all over the world to take part in the International Open Ideas Competition for the Design of the Surrounding Area of the Ancient Theatre A’ of Larissa.
The Ancient Theatre A’ of Larissa is an open-air theatre, built in the second half of the 3rd century BC. The largest in Thessaly-Central Greece, built for a 10.000 audience capacity, it lies on the slope of Fortress hill or ‘’ Frourio’’ coinciding with the fortified citadel of the ancient city-in the center of the city of Larissa.
The theatre has been recently almost entirely brought to light after a long period of expropriations and excavations. Its restoration works, which are gradually being completed will allow its full functionality.
The competition is endorsed by the UIA and will be conducted according to the UNESCO Regulations and the UIA best practice recommendations.
The competition Organizer and Promoter is the Municipality of Larissa.
The Organizer and Promoter is responsible for financing the competition and overseeing all matters related to the competition. It will endorse the jury’s decision for the competition and organize the follow-up measures of the outcome of the competition.
The Promoter recognizes the significant meaning and value of the Ancient Theater A’ of Larissa as well as its impact to the identity of the city.
The Promoter’s intention to give the theatre to the public and make this ancient monument an active part of the contemporary life of the city necessitates the reconsideration of its surrounding area and its connection to the other important landmarks and land uses.
The future operation of the monument as a theater with an expected capacity of 1500 spectators will bring beyond its operational needs new balances and create new dynamics throughout the city, which will significantly affect the city’s identity.
The challenge of the competition is to convert an inactive ancient monument of major value into an active point of reference of modern city life, creating new balances and correlations. At the same time, by means of redefining, redesigning the open public spaces surrounding Ancient Theater A ‘, designing those that may result from the expropriations, as well as the location of its main facilities, the contestant is requested to succeed in the enhancement of the emergence of a new active landmark of civilization which will not only bring worldwide exposure and recognition but also visitors from around the world.
Moreover, the location of the monument at the heart of the city center combined with its future operation makes the occasion unique.
