International Open Ideas Competition for the Design of the Surrounding Area of the Ancient Theatre A’ of Larissa
The Municipality of Larissa in Greece has launched an International Open Ideas Competition for the Design of the Surrounding Area of the Ancient Theatre A’ of Larissa. Participation is open to 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.
Competitors are invited to submit proposals for the transformation of an inactive ancient open-air theatre dating from the 3rd century BC into a 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, 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 theatre will soon be fully functional.
Connecting the theatre 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.
JURY
The international jury includes the chair Renato Rizzi (Italy), Aristidis Sapounakis (Greece), Deniz Incedayi (Turkey), UIA Representative Christian Sumi (Switzerland), Rainer Mahlamäki (Finland) and Deputy UIA Representative Jacek Lenart (Poland).
ELIGIBILITY
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.
PRIZES
A total net amount of 63 000 Euros will be divided as follows between the winners selected by the International Jury:
- 1st prize 30 000 Euro
- 2nd prize 15 000 Euros
- 3rd prize 10 000 Euros
- 4th prize 5 000 Euros
- 5th prize 3 000 Euros
VAT will be paid in addition to the above fees.
CALENDAR
- Competition Launch and registration opening: 20 September 2021
- Registration at the website ends: 19 November 2021
- Questions Period: 24-30 September 2021
- Answers Posted: 15 October 2021
- Submission Deadline (entries to be postmarked by): 24 February 2022
- Deadline for Reception of Entries by post or courier: 14 March 2022
- Jury Meeting: 16-18 March 2022
- Winners announced: 22 March 2022
1.1. INVITATION
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.
1.2. THE ORGANIZER - PROMOTER
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.
1.3. THE CONTEXT
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.
1.4. THE CHALLENGE
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.
For more information please visit https://www.saata-competition.gr/
