DESCRIPTION
Borovets is the oldest Bulgarian mountain
resort and the one with the brightest potentials for future development.
However, the Golden Triangle - the center of the village and its most precious
property – suffers from the informal developments that have been scattered in
the forest since the early 1990s and lacks a unified and characteristic
identity. We propose a new clear zoning of development on the north-eastern
edge of the Triangle that will define and frame the forest, while a set of
activities and outdoors uses will make it attractive to the residents and
visitors.
The project suggests a new semi-urban
center and a meeting point for Borovets, one that combines traditional elements
of Bulgarian villages and universal design qualities of contemporary architecture.
Most of the proposed buildings are condensed on the paved urban stripe that is
located along the northern side of the plot, replacing the existing informal
structures and minimizing further elimination of existing trees. To create a
more public and sharp urban front towards the street, the majority of the
largest buildings containing commercial uses are positioned close to the
street. In contrast to the urban front, clusters of eateries, cultural and
public uses are located towards the forest, opening up their outdoors
activities to the wild nature and profiting from its unique atmosphere.
Inside the urban stripe and enhanced by
the rotation of the buildings, a network of small paved streets and plazas
unfolds, offering visitors opportunities to wander, meet and organize
encounters or events in the heart of the community. Therefore, the proposed
village scheme contains urban qualities, while it smoothly merges with the
forest through the organic network of secondary intersecting paths that connect
the scattered pavilions with the activities. As a result, a new identity of
Borovets emerges, one of a modern - yet picturesque – mountainous resort that
can offer to visitor both unique experiences and a functional and iconic
physical space to inhabit and enjoy. Most importantly, however, the scheme
proves that the village and the forest can coexist and blend smoothly within
the Golden Triangle – yet the limits between nature and urbanization are set
clearly, as for the future generations to inherit a well-structured development
plan.
