Participation in architectural competition, 2019
Architects: Varvara Christopoulou, Panos Dragonas
Associates: Christina Avramidi, Despina Kolovou, Eleni Rompola, Christina Tsekoura, Thodoris Tselepidis

Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in Athens and one of the city’s most important public spaces. The natural landscape of Lycabettus is the result of long-term human activity. The small urban forest was planted during the development of the city, while the hilltop was shaped by the operation of a local quarry. The most important building in the area is a 3,000-seat theatre designed by Takis Ch. Zenetos in the 1960s. Contrary to what one would expect from a Greek theatre, Zenetos chose to keep a distance between the new building and the rocky surface of the hill, creating a free-standing structure. The theatre is shaped like a radio telescope, facing space rather than the earth. The transparent scaffolding structure gives the audience a sense of detachment from the natural ground. What makes this site unique are the views of the night sky and urban landscape offered from the theatre, creating a pleasant sense of disembodiment.

With Zenetos’ scaffolding structures as a reference, the elevated promenades aim to create a sense of disembodiment as the visitor’s attention is drawn to the views of the cityscape, sky and space.