A design study of an amphitheatre in Delphi: nuances of form, fabric and soundscape

The open air amphitheatre at Delphi in Greece is a structure of sublime architectural sanctity that has been the subject of study for ancient theatrical performances. This study explores through architectural and fluid mechanical modelling, the connection between layout, natural topography and the amphitheatre’s orientation. A SolidWorks rendition of the centre stage along with the stepped gallery is embedded into sophisticated environmental fluid mechanical software ENVImet, for the very first time. A historical retelling is effected through the inclusion of Delphi’s tree-scape around the amphitheatre. In addition, effects of dappled lighting of the mellow Mediterranean sunshine as the shadows lengthened for an evening spectacle is all replicated. Study of the ingress of winds and levels of coolth and warmth in the amphitheatre is also studied. Thereafter, the quality of the direct, reflected and the echoed notes are re-enacted through Autodesk Ecotect modelling. Theatrical grandeur is a subject of utmost importance in the plan of the Delphi Theatre. Exemplary transmission of sound has been achieved by creating a balance between the still surroundings of the slope overlooking the temple of Apollo, which prevents reverberations from external sources, whilst evenly distributing the sound by reflection from the orchestral area – all this is vividly recreated through the combination of architecture and fluid mechanics.