The Archaeological Site as a Theatrical Space and the Contribution of Lighting
Konstantinos Briasoulis
https://doi.org/10.60152/9esb7qqs
Abstract: In recent years, there has been a global effort to enhance monuments and archaeological sites. With the changing sociopolitical conditions and the rise in living and educational standards, it has become evident that understanding the past and gaining deeper historical knowledge benefits contemporary society. The 20th-century individual seeks to connect with history and escape the alienating aspects of modern life, which disconnects them from nature, others, and their true selves. This yearning has led to an increase in museum and archaeological site visits.
Recognizing the cultural and economic value of these sites, nations have coordinated efforts to protect, manage, and highlight their cultural heritage. This includes restoration and the development of infrastructure, such as visitor pathways, signs, and lighting, to enhance the visitor experience. These actions often recreate an atmosphere that transports visitors to the past, allowing them to engage with history in a theatrical and immersive manner. Artificial lighting plays a crucial role, shaping the atmosphere and integrating archaeological sites into modern urban landscapes.
This study explores how archaeological sites can be transformed into theatrical spaces and examines the extent to which lighting, both natural and artificial, contributes to the monumentality and theatricality of these spaces. Divided into three parts, the study first defines key concepts like “monument” and “archaeological site,” followed by an analysis of theatre’s elements and its parallels with archaeology. Lastly, it highlights the role of lighting in the presentation of these sites, drawing conclusions about its impact on the visitor experience and the theatricality of monuments.
This research sheds light on how both ancient and modern spaces can communicate a theatrical language, enhancing not only historical preservation but also creating unique visitor interactions.
Keywords: archaeological project, archaeological site, theatrical space, monument, cultural heritage, artificial lighting, natural lighting
How to cite this Paper (Harvard referencing style):
Briasoulis, K. (2024) ‘The Archaeological Site as a Theatrical Space and the Contribution of Lighting’, in R. Bogdanović (ed.) On Architecture — Shaping the City through Architecture, Proceedings. Belgrade, Serbia: STRAND, pp. 307–315.
See publication On Architecture (2024) Conference Proceedings