Unesco Ancient Theatre Revitalization Cultural Facility by Lyt X Studio Wins the Silver A' Design Award in Architecture, Building and Structure Design

The Work

Project

Unesco Ancient Theatre Revitalization Cultural Facility

Function

Cultural Facility

Category

Architecture, Building and Structure Design

Discipline

Spatial Design

Industry

Architecture

Colors

Sky Blue, Light Steel Blue, Dark Olive Green, Dark Slate Gray and Light Slate Gray

Images

5

Client

LYT-X Studio

The Recognition

Laureate

Lyt X Studio

Country

United States of America

Recognition

Silver A' Design Award

Edition

2025 - 2026

Design ID

#178892

Credits

Team

Dingdong Tang, Yangqi Yang, Haisheng Xu and Zehui Li

Image Credits

Copyrights to LYT-X Studio

Design Details

Unique Properties

This project revitalizes an ancient open-air performance structure through adaptive reuse, repositioning a protected historic site as contemporary cultural infrastructure with ongoing civic relevance. Rather than introducing a new architectural object, the design adopts a strategy of minimal and reversible intervention that preserves archaeological integrity while respecting the original spatial logic of the site. A lightweight tensile membrane roof is introduced to filter daylight and provide thermal moderation while maintaining visual openness to the surrounding landscape.

Inspiration

The project is informed by a research-based investigation into the enduring spatial logic of ancient open-air theatres and their relationship to climate, landscape, and collective civic life. Drawing from studies in archaeological preservation, environmental performance, and contemporary public use, the design examines how these historic typologies functioned as climate-responsive civic infrastructures rather than static monuments. Rather than replicating historical forms, the project adopts a methodological approach that seeks to reactivate the cultural relevance of ancient theatres through climate-responsive strategies and minimal architectural intervention.

Research

This project is an architectural design research study examining how ancient open-air performance structures can be revitalized as contemporary cultural infrastructure while maintaining archaeological integrity and spatial legibility. The research frames the theatre not as a static artifact, but as climate-responsive civic infrastructure capable of supporting year-round public use with minimal physical intervention. Methodologically, the study combines site analysis and historical research with spatial mapping of existing geometries, circulation radii, sightlines, and topographic relationships.

Challenge

The central challenge of the project lies in reconciling strict archaeological preservation requirements with contemporary performance, environmental comfort, and public usability. The design is constrained by limited physical intervention, incomplete historical documentation, and the need to preserve the original spatial and structural logic of the historic fabric. Within these constraints, the project addresses the challenge of integrating environmental performance, circulation, and programmatic flexibility into an open-air heritage structure without introducing permanent or intrusive architectural elements.

Realization and Technology

The project employs lightweight architectural systems to minimize physical impact on the historic site while ensuring long-term durability and performance. A tensile membrane roof is supported by a slender steel structural framework, providing weather protection and controlled daylight penetration with minimal additional load. The system is designed using modular steel components, allowing reversible installation, efficient assembly, and potential future disassembly in response to archaeological requirements. Environmental performance is achieved through integrated roof apertures and open circulation paths that promote natural ventilation and passive cooling.

Operation and Interaction

The project operates as an open and adaptable public cultural space, guiding visitors through the original radial circulation of the historic seating while maintaining clear spatial orientation. Performers and audiences move fluidly between stage, seating, and surrounding landscape, without rigid barriers or fixed thresholds. The open-air configuration supports flexible use across varying event scales, allowing performances, gatherings, and informal activities to coexist within a single spatial framework. The lightweight roof provides climatic protection while preserving visual and spatial continuity, ensuring openness rather than enclosure.

Project Duration and Location

The project was developed as a conceptual architectural proposal and completed in October 2025. The site is located at Ilindenska 59, Ohrid 6000, North Macedonia, within a historic ancient theatre precinct of significant cultural and archaeological value.

Specifications

The project preserves the original dimensions, geometry, and spatial organization of the historic theatre, ensuring full continuity with the existing archaeological fabric. Lightweight architectural elements are introduced without altering the primary structure, with new roof systems spanning the existing seating area through minimal and carefully controlled contact points. Circulation paths follow the original radial layout, maintaining legibility of the historic form. Structural components are designed for reversible installation, reducing foundation intervention and accommodating archaeological constraints.

Keywords

Adaptive Reuse, Cultural Infrastructure, Heritage Architecture, Urban Regeneration, Civic Architecture, Socially Engaged Design, Passive Environmental Strategies, Tensile Roof Structure