This competition was promoted in the framework of the conservation and management plan prepared by the Department of Antiquities with the Getty Conservation Institute for the protection of this important archaeological site and the mosaic floors that are unique in the entire Eastern Mediterranean, as well as the rest of the remains and monuments dating to the Hellenistic, Roman, Early Christian, Byzantine, Medieval and Ottoman period.

During the elaboration of this plan, the creation of shelters for the protection and optimal presentation of mosaic floors and archaeological remains was considered necessary and of great importance.

After examining the proposals submitted by many architectural firms internationally, six architectural firms were selected for the final phase of the competition: Carmody Croarke, Cullinan Studio, Studio Gionata Rizzi, Hugh Broughton Architects, Machado Silvetti and Sela James Architects (in collaboration with Gort Scott).

At this stage, the six offices were asked to prepare proposals with architectural designs (Concept Designs) for two shelter prototypes. The first shelter is for the House of Theseus and will cover the mosaics with a scene from the life of Achilles, Theseus and the Minotaur in the Labyrinth and a complex of baths with geometric mosaics. The second shelter will protect the House of Orpheus and the mosaics with the battle of Hercules and the lion of Nemea, Orpheus and the animals that surround him listening to his music and a smaller complex of baths.

For the needs of the competition, the Department of Antiquities and the Getty Conservation Institute, in collaboration with scientists from abroad, experts in conservation issues and protective shelters for archaeological sites, created a detailed design brief which included the main criteria: the need to protect sensitive archaeological remains from anthropogenic and environmental threats, the importance of maintaining the relationship between the shelters and the surroundings, the creation of the appropriate conditions for viewing the mosaics and facilitating the movement of visitors, the use of sustainable materials and systems.