Seven interventions focus on ancient and historic sites

Clifford’s Tower in York, England, now features a freestanding timber structure inside its 800-year-old stone shell. The design by Hugh Broughton Architects includes a viewpoint overlooking the city and suspended walkways that let visitors explore a chapel and toilet originally built for King Henry III. The addition respects the ruin’s history while improving access for modern visitors.

Colosseum piazza in Rome saw a redesign by Stefano Boeri Interiors. The semi-circular space outside the Colosseum now has travertine slabs replacing cobblestones and 44 stone benches positioned where columns once stood. The layout echoes the original Roman structure from AD 80, blending historical context with functional modernity.

In Iceland, Stöng — an archaeological site with Viking longhouse ruins — got a new lease on life. Sp(r)int Studio reinforced the existing 1950s timber shelter with galvanized steel and larch wood, adding polycarbonate panels to the roof. The upgrade preserves the Viking site while making it more durable for future research and public visits.

Zhang Yan Cultural Museum in Shanghai repurposes a dilapidated Qing dynasty home into a gallery space. Shenzhen Horizontal Design built a white concrete structure within the ruins, showcasing how rural Chinese architecture can be reused. The museum highlights traditional craftsmanship alongside modern design, offering a contrast that invites reflection.

Behind Rome’s Pantheon, Italian studio STARTT created a path connecting the temple to the Basilica of Neptune. Steel and stone additions along the route include a lift, toilets, and storage. The “micro-architectures” reveal a hidden archaeological site, making it accessible without disrupting the ancient surroundings.

Seddülbahir Fortress on Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula now has enclosed and open-air exhibition spaces. KOOP Architects designed a timber outline to reflect the fortress’s original silhouette, acknowledging damage from World War I and earthquakes. The design contrasts with the stone ruins, emphasizing both preservation and historical narrative.

At Žiče Charterhouse in Slovenia, Medprostor installed a black steel and wood roof over a 900-year-old Romanesque church. The operable folding system protects the structure from weather while allowing light to enter. The dark materials distinguish the modern addition from the original masonry, balancing respect for history with practical needs.

Each project balances preservation with innovation. Materials like timber, travertine, and polycarbonate are chosen for their durability and visual harmony with ancient settings. The interventions avoid overwhelming the original structures, instead enhancing their stories for contemporary audiences. Some designs, like the Pantheon route, also serve as educational tools, revealing hidden layers of history.

The Colosseum piazza’s benches, for example, are not just functional but symbolic. Their placement mimics vanished columns, inviting visitors to imagine the amphitheater’s full grandeur. Similarly, the Zhang Yan museum’s white concrete structure contrasts with the weathered Qing home, highlighting a dialogue between past and present. These approaches ensure the interventions feel like natural extensions rather than intrusions.

Not all projects are about access. The Žiče Charterhouse’s roof is primarily a protective measure, though it also adds a modern aesthetic. Seddülbahir Fortress’s timber outline serves as a visual record of the site’s scars, turning damage into a storytelling element. These choices reflect a broader trend: using design to honor history without erasing it.

Each of these sites faces unique challenges, from weathering to visitor needs. The solutions range from structural reinforcements to subtle additions that guide interpretation. Whether through materials, layout, or symbolism, the interventions aim to make history tangible without overshadowing it. The result is a series of spaces where the past and present coexist in thoughtful, often surprising ways.