Theatre by the Red Sea

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 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

Enhancing Connectivity Accessibility was a shared theme between the design team and the client, and it was not an easy obtained requirement as the site has around 15m slope difference and providing accessibility for all category groups adding real value through the early design process. Access points, ramps and gateways from varied directions where designed to manage pedestrian traffic and enhance mobility through a hierarchy of terraced plazas.

The project is accessed from the new coastal street, and loading and unloading areas, parking spaces for VIPs, parking lots from the northern and southern sides of the site and from the lower street are also provided. The entrance and exit points were provided in line with the international standards in the design of theaters taking into account the design codes of the civil defense.

elements that form a welcoming first impression, the second plaza (intermediate level) provides access for visitors at the stage gates level, and the third plaza (beach level) connects the linear park with the project elements and features. The presence of small kiosks at the beach plaza plays a major factor in creating good spaces for interaction, eating and drinking which has always been a community-building activity.

The Landscape Concept The design vision of the landscape environment is based on creating a variety of spaces that offer interest, stimulation, comfort and amenities. The main idea is to place the amphitheater facing the sea and to respond to the site topography to minimize cut and fill. The amphitheater acts as the prominent node influencing all other spaces in the master plan, all spaces are connected to each other through a terrace curvilinear space starting from the upper plaza to the linear park at the lowest level. A range of passive, active and semi-active gathering areas that provide high connectivity, shade, shelter and well-designed amenities, safe access at all times of the day and a comfortable pedestrian environment through the combination of hardscape and softscape. Local Community Appreciation and Involvement The design team believes that an integrated landscape design with its local community and the urban fabric has the power to transform neglected spaces into active places. The amphitheater project will bring new life to Aqaba and it will help foster a sense of community, by encouraging collaboration between people and businesses, leading to a greater sense of identity. It will also actively encourage tourism, social and economic investment that will benefit the local community.

Planting Strategy The planting strategy for the amphitheater project includes a range of plantation, covering both evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, groundcovers, climbers and ornamental bedding annuals. This is required for

developing a landscape design concept within the potential and limitations of the local ecosystems. This ensures landscape sustainability and allows for the conservation of biological diversity and provides project character that is indigenous to the region and that contributes positively to enhancing the genius loci. The landscape design for the site attempts to accommodate the requirements of the program of facilities, taking into consideration the environmental, ecological, aesthetic, and economic context of the site.

The environmental and ecological aspects are the primary consideration when selecting the plantation. All proposed plantings are climatically appropriate, tolerant to grow in a variety of soil types and able to survive in temperatures with limited watering needed once established. The planting scheme for the site is organized according to the different typologies of open spaces. Each typology has a selection of trees that are most suitable for its functions. Repetitive use of shrubs and some selection of trees gives coherence and balance as well as a unique identity. Plant materials reflect the architectural theme of the project while giving careful attention to the “blending” or transitioning of the proposed landscape with the surrounding landscape. Landscape materials that are considered invasive to the area are discouraged.

High water use plants such as turf grass and annual color plantings are restricted in landscape area.

Hard Landscape Strategy All hard landscape areas are treated with high quality and durable materials. The proposed paving materials are a combination of permeable and non-permeable materials, textured precast concrete blocks, granite and stone tiles. The landscape design for the different spaces maintain the following strategies:

Clear and legible markings for all steps and ramps. All paving to meet international standards for access provision and slip resistance. Extend the material finish and textures to the streetscape to provide unified character and make the streetscape a part of the development. Minimizing the environmental impact of the development through careful selection of materials and by employing design applications that are considerate of sustainability issues without compromising on quality, durability & service life.

Client: Aqaba Special Economic zone Authority – ASEZA Design Consultant: CC group | https://www.group-cc.com/ Gross area: Site 60,000 Sq. Period of services: 2018 -2019 Venue Category: Performing Arts Seating Capacity: 5,000 persons

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