The competition theme is Central Square – the largest open
public space in the city of Plovdiv where most of the significant historical
periods of the city overlap.
Most of the historical and architectural layers the city is
famous for intersect right here,so that is why the proposed solution seeks to
harmonize all these layers and turn the space in an interesting, functional and
modern urban area. The competition area has been divided into four thematic
zones and thus is developed and the proposed solution.
Key areas
are large Central Square which has almost no activity and archaeological
excavations that exist in its composition without any indication. There are
underground passages under the large Tsar Boris III Obedinitel Blvd. and the
Trimontium hotel parking area. Thus three problems were solved: establishing
functional and attractive modern square emphasis on underground layers of
ancient Plovdiv as a tourist attraction; solving pedestrian traffic and
solution to the problem of parking.
The main area
of the square is conceptually divided into two parts, one in space before the
building of the former Communist Party House and the other before The Post
Office. The space is even physically separated by the spiral ramp that descends
from the dome of the parking garage. Within this pad is provided the open
gallery space. Movement on ramp opens a promising view of the whole square and
archaeological excavations.
Square
before the building of the former Communist Party House is the main gathering
place for people and therefore is formed in a way to resemble the ancient forum
located below it. The metal frame is made by perimeter, coverage in the form of
an atrium which occupies a central place with great fountain. Paving is
decorated with elements derived from Bulgarian folklore and a combination of
red and white marble with paver elements. There are benches built-in by the
fountain and summer tribune within the spiral ramp. The presence of water from
the fountain gives freshness in the long summer days and brings nature into
urban life center.
Part of the
Square in front of The Post Office has several functions. It represents an
approach to the main part of the square, access to Grant Park Tsar Simeon's
Garden and touches The Western Propylaea and The Northern Forum. Because it’s a
function is complex the proposal solution of this square is paved with simple
design highlighted inline movement decoration which leads man to activities
that taking place in the square. It is highlighted with floor LEED lighting.
There are intelligent display panels giving information about the
archaeological site and mark where they are located. Embedded elements are
parking for bikes, benches and information boards. At the entrance to the park
is set glass assembly building which containing rooms for tourist information,
museum of archaeological excavations of the Forum of Ancient Plovdiv and child
cyber tech space to play. There is also a summer theater.
All
electricity needed for lighting, operation of the information displays and the
facilities are getting from a set of solar and photovoltaic panels, which
contributes to the sustainability of the project.
The three
underpasses are getting new items. The Archaeological underpass retains access
ramps and stairs, but in the tunnel is built glasses displays through that are
visible archaeological excavations and through touch panels’ people get the
information about the history of the town.
The other
two underpasses, The Trimontium hotel underpass and Gladstone St.underpass
receive new spiral ramps and stairs for access, covered with a metal frame with
set greenery in the form of segmented domes reminiscent of wars helmets by the
army of Philip II in honor of founder of the city of Plovdiv. They are also
small domes and marks points along the boulevard. The boulevard also set new
bus stops with intelligent displays giving information about traffic and events
in the city.
The
Northern Forum gets coverage in the same way as the coverage of the main
square, with detachable metal construction with built-in lighting. The approach
of the square is the spiral ramp and stairs that lead to underground Gladstone
St. through the glass wall to the forum.
Parking
before the Trimontium hotel has been transformed into a modern parking garage
made into glass facade divided into two areas. On top of the garage exits the
spiral ramp that visitors directly lead down to the main square while they enjoying
in the perspective view of the entire city center.
All urban
elements that are embedded in the architectural concept allow socialization of
people, a clear orientation and easy accessibility to persons with
disabilities. The modern approach emphasizes sustainability and emphasize
pedestrian and bicycle traffic as a healthy and environmentally conscious movement
in the centers of cities.
