INTERPRED-2

UACEG - University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Sofia, Bulgaria

Project idea

Concept:
The building welcomes the green ring of Sofia and serves as the entrance to the neighborhood(district).
Rethinking the structure and history of the neighborhood, which are embedded in the building's design.

Project description

History:
Izgrev district in Sofia is one of the most famous and historically significant districts in the capital of Bulgaria. Izgrev quarter has its special connection with the famous Bulgarian spiritual teacher Peter Deunov. He is the creator of the Izgrev quarter, because he gathered with his followers at sunrise(Izgrev) to practice paneurthymia in the meadow (a free part of Sofia at that time). Paneurhythmy is a form of motor and choreographic practice created by Peter Deunov.

Paneurhythmy includes a variety of movements that represent natural elements, animals and symbols from different cultures. Gathering in a circle and a spiral is a characteristic part of the practice of paneurythmy and has a strong symbolic meaning, so the project traces these symbols. This creates unity and harmony among the participants, emphasizing synchronicity and cooperation. An office environment and the whole process of dancing is the same and a project tries to connect these facts.

Green Ring of Sofia:
A green ring is a traffic-separated, connected bicycle and pedestrian zone that unites the city's parks, central and peripheral neighborhoods and many sports and cultural facilities. It can be used both for an alternative type of transport, walks, vacations and tourism, and as a platform for cultural, sports and educational events.

Development Issues - borders:
The neighborhood is closed off from the outside world. A large number of embassies of other countries are located there. There are only three entrances to the neighborhood. The new building should become like a new entrance, which is connected to the green ring, and therefore to the whole city.

Forming:
The building is a volume that tries to overcome the problems in place with its form. The building is trying to jump the boundary of a covered subway line from the east side. From the western part, where an inner courtyard is formed, the building is maximally open to have a passage to the neighborhood. And in its upper corner it closes the passage.

In general, the building represents a large meadow that starts from the corner of the property and reaches the roof through a large frame. Through this ramp there are entrances to each floor (every floor can be reached immediately from the outside).

Technical information

Interpred-2 is a meaningful continuation of the Interpred building. This project draws attention to the relationship between two important aspects of modern society - corporate culture and art. The aspiration is to see this connection as an integrative field where different and even contradictory aspects of urban life merge. Creating a symbiotic relationship between corporate culture and art is essential.

Office parts and exhibition spaces in close connection with each other. One floor of exhibition space equals two floors of office space. All exhibition spaces are connected by one ramp, which is a spiral. This spiral cuts through all the floors and smoothly tells the whole story of the exhibition presentations. Visitors can follow this sequence or not - there are elevators and stairwells in the building. Also, through the ramp outside, which runs the whole length of the building (and represents the roof in general), each level can be reached. People who work in offices always coexist with art. And sometimes it can be an art, and the life of an office environment can be revealed to outside visitors.

The interaction between business and culture and to create new architectural forms that complement both. This is a challenge that can lead to new typologies and public spaces that reflect an integrated symbiotic relationship between business and culture.