Dezeen Competitions: TerraViva's UNESCO Ancient Theatre – Valorising an Extraordinary Historical Heritage competition invites designers to enhance the site of an ancient theatre.

Submissions should propose a cohesive integration of the theatre's architecture and landscape while enhancing the site's overall appearance and harmony.

This competition is now closed

Organiser: TerraViva
Competition: UNESCO Ancient Theatre
Judges:

• Leonardo Zuccaro, professor at Politecnico di Milano
• Tea Damjanovska, architect and researcher at Ss. Cyril  and Methodius University
• Kyriakos Chatziparaskevas, associate and project leader at Heatherwick Studio
• Merve Güleryüz Çohadar, architect and founder at Balvin Architects
• René Daniels, architect and founder of We Are Size
• Elena Cantoni, architect at Studio Schwitalla
• Simona Chingoska, architect and board member at Arhrid
• Elisa Donini, researcher at Università La Sapienza
• Tianjian Li, architect at Grimshaw Architects

Submission deadline: 10 October 2025
Winner announcement: 10 November 2025
Prizes: The first prize is €5,000, the second prize is €2,000 and the third prize is €1,000. There are also five 'golden mentions' where winners will receive a free membership coupon, while ten honourable mentions will receive a free coupon to apply for another competition. 30 finalists will also be published on TerraViva channels

Click here to enter ›

Competition overview

UNESCO Ancient Theatre invites participants to design a unique space where past, present and future merge through architectural and urban continuity.

Projects should seek to unify the various elements of Ohrid's Ancient Theatre through a cohesive integration of architectural and landscape features - materials, textures and spatial relationships - enhancing the overall sense of harmony within the site.

The stage and its contemporary roof, the site’s more recent additions yet lacking in architectural merit, are to be completely reimagined. Participants are encouraged to redesign the structure from the ground up, as a bold new element capable of elevating the value of the entire complex. Similarly, the tiered seating area should be thoughtfully rehabilitated.

Finally, to ensure the functionality of the Theatre and its surrounding public space, both during events and throughout the year, designers are asked to design micro-architectural elements supporting the program and all outdoor areas.

Eligibility and judging criteria

The competition is open to architects, designers, students, engineers, artists, enthusiasts and anyone interested in the fields of design and architecture.

The jury will evaluate all the proposals according to the following principles:

• Originality of the concept
• Integration with the historical context
• Creative interpretation of the programme
• Sensitive use of materials and textures
• Landscape design solutions
• Graphic representation

Projects that express a special sensitivity towards the historical context and quality landscape design solutions will be highly appreciated.

How to enter

Participants are required to submit two horizontal A1 panels and a brief text describing their proposal.

Submission deadlines

The submission deadline is 10 October 2025 and winners will be announced on 10 November 2025.

About TerraViva

TerraViva is a platform dedicated to the organisation of international architecture and design competitions.

The organisation connects talented designers around the world with partners and stakeholders looking for high-quality projects to rehabilitate a building, redesign an urban plot, or transform an entire district.

In addition to the organisation's focus on architecture, it also works on graphic design contests, providing the ideal platform for international creatives to showcase their visual communication skills and contribute to innovative projects.

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