I heritage
Theatre by the Red Sea A vibrant park and recreational gem in Aqaba By: Rasha Samawi The Aqaba Amphitheatre is a delicate balance of a classical Greek theatre with modern iconic architecture features, designed to stand firm in the heart of the southern coast of Aqaba, overlooking the radiant red sea in Jordan. CC Group, a pioneering multidisciplinary architectural and engineering consultancy firm developed a landscape master plan design for the Amphitheatre project. The project scope of services included landscape master planning and design, architectural design, comprehensive infrastructure and engineering design and construction documents. It’s hoped that the creation of an open theater which will act as a permanent site for hosting some of the most spectacular world-class events will enhance Aqaba›s competitiveness as a tourist destination. Site Panoramic Views The project site is characterized by its distinctive sea views on the entire western interface, its easy access and the presence of a high-level difference, which gave the design team a big challenge to achieve a creative design
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which suits the requirements of the project, the functional program and client requirements. During the site visit, it became clear that the amphitheater shall be stepped naturally utilizing the contour lines and that the landscape shall be terraced gradually to meet the sea level. The Project Program An inclusive space program was prepared to accommodate various activities and needs at all times. The project consists of the amphitheater area (seating area, stage, stage building and administration building), themed public plazas, panoramic plateau, linear park, kiosks, and public facilities building and parking for 800 cars which were required by the client. Themed public plazas play a vital role in organizing the masterplan as it acts as the main connectivity nodes at different levels since it creates accessible meeting points at all levels. Three main plazas were introduced, the first plaza (main plaza at the upper level) provides visitors a useful landscape with a relaxing, multi-use experience at the entrance with beautiful lawns, plantings and design
