One of several ancient Roman landmarks in Switzerland, this two thousand year old open-air amphitheater in the small town of Avenches is subject to an unprecedented innovation. The site is home to countless festivals, many of which depend on the cooperation of mother-nature to provide ideal weather conditions to ensure financial success.
Together with a team of naval and civil engineers, we propose a dynamic lightweight structure that bridges 80 meters in diameter and acts as a viable protection from elements when conditions should require. Combining the archaic structure of the bicycle wheel and cutting edge technology in pneumatic structures, a hybrid configuration is formed that is both retractable and mobile; and in parallel reducing considerably the impact on the amphitheater.
