Yazd City Theater presented a challenge: how to bring events into the heart of a building.
The project, inspired by Yazd’s historical architecture, is a combination of public and cultural spaces designed as a space-time box. The building conceals its identity until the moment of entry, but upon entering, it immerses visitors in a rich and dynamic atmosphere.
To access this space, four ground-floor entrances were created, all leading to a sheltered amphitheater—a central core that hosts cultural spaces such as a cafe, bookstore, and gallery.
At the heart of the building lies a black box, a space designed for rehearsals and performances. This area is complemented from above by another platform, an open-air amphitheater that forms the building’s roof. This roof has become an ideal space for nighttime events and public gatherings.
The City Theater project was designed with a nod to the forms of Yazd’s ancient Zoroastrian Chartaqis and Dakhmehs. In this design, two outer layers (the roof and the floor) protect a valuable interior space—the black box—a space that cannot withstand the outdoor environment.
By layering three different types of public spaces, this project provides a stage for new experiences and the creation of unique events.
