Just a few minutes from Volos, at 3.9 kilometers in the direction of Athens, lies the archaeological site of Demetrias. The Macedonian king Demetrios founded the city of Demetrias on 294-292 B.C. in the region of Pefkakia and Neai Pagasai. The existence of the Anaktoron testifies to the great strategical role of the city. To the north of the Anaktoron was the port; to the west, along the path signaled by the remnants of the roman aqueduct’s pillars, was the Theater, which is the subject of this project.

The ancient theater is situated on the side of the Athinon highway and is totally exposed. Upon request, the site accepts visitors, but there is a striking lack of basic infrastructure. Despite this, when discussing with local residents, it is evident that a considerable party of the folk is unaware of the theater’s existence. It is believed that the absence of a night-time lighting system only adds to this problem. Such conditions sparked up this project.

All work done on this project is based on the drawings of archaeologist P. Marzolff (1980), to which I gained access through the Thirteenth Ephorate of Antiquities. Upon doing research in-situ, taking interviews from experts and studying the available bibliography, the requirements of the region and the architectural practices to be followed were determined. The project consists of two major branches: the architectural design and the lighting design. Starting from the center of the archaeological park, the visitor takes the path by the pillars on the way to the theater. Interludes along the way show the way and accommodate visitors and archaeologists alike. The interventions near the theater are modest. With the aid of the lighting system, this proposal hopes to breathe life to the site both day and night.