Timeless Transition: Urban Rebirth

‘Idea Vault’ Concept Development at 51 Raiko Daskalov Street

Nestled near the terminus of the bustling pedestrian thoroughfare, ‘Raiko Daskalov,’ our contest site enjoys a distinguished position, seamlessly linking numerous historical and cultural landmarks across the city. Our proposal for this urban enclave envisions a versatile mixed-use development with a strong cultural emphasis—a testament to architectural excellence seamlessly integrated with welcoming public spaces. Serving as a pivotal gateway to nearby public attractions and cultural sites, it holds a crucial role in facilitating access to the city’s rich heritage. Positioned centrally, this revitalization endeavor has the potential to emerge as a vibrant hub in the northern precincts of Plovdiv, enriching local vibrancy and offering an essential navigational landmark to guide visitors through the diverse tapestry of the neighborhood.

The project blocks are situated at the juncture of two distinct spheres, separated by the city’s longest pedestrian walkway. To the east lie characteristic areas such as the Kapana Art District, the Old Town, and various art centers, forming an enclave rich in artistry and creativity. Conversely, the western sphere comprises leisure parks, museums, and marketplaces. The building possesses the unique opportunity to embrace both characteristics, seamlessly integrating into the dynamic flow of the public realm.

Atrium of the ‘Cantiliver’: The former National Bank building boasts a double-volume space at the ground floor level, which stands as the most expansive area within the entire structure. However, the floors above have deteriorated over time due to various alterations and adaptations. Recognizing this opportunity, we aim to strengthen and elevate this vast space, transforming it into the focal point of the building. Inspired by the spatial qualities reminiscent of traversing the narrow laneways of the city’s old town, we envision removing the floors above to create a soaring atrium. This narrative, with its inspiration drawn from the sensation of walking beneath the cantilever of a traditional house, not only guides the design of the atrium but also sets the tone for the entire restoration project.

Rhythm of ‘Verticality: At the void edges of each level, the columns revealed after removing the floors extend the sense of verticality up to the top floors, forming vista views reminiscent of historical city blocks with classical architectural influences. This interpretation of the exterior rhythm is applied to the internal atrium, enhancing its spatial character and echoing the timeless elegance of classical architecture.

Edge of ‘Under’: A new central void introduces a spiral staircase, creating a continuous route guiding visitors to the basement gallery space. This staircase embodies the narrative of discovering artifacts and knowledge hidden beneath, mirroring the city’s uncovering of important historical venues and treasures underground. The basement space serves as an extension of the gallery or exhibition space on the ground levels, particularly useful for storing or exhibiting large collections of artwork.

Structure: The primary focus of the restoration work involves the demolition of the deteriorated floors above the bank salon area. By partially opening up the roof structure, we aim to introduce more natural light into both the roof terraces and the internal atrium space, achieving significant impact with minimal intervention.

Visual Technology: Integration of LED screen technologies along the balustrade enhances the visual experience within the atrium space. This allows for the display of advertisements and visual art throughout the atrium, enriching the visitor experience and adding a modern touch to the historical setting.

Preservation: In addition to preserving the main structure, our restoration efforts prioritize the retention of important millworks, fixtures, fittings, and ironmongery documented in the brief. Elements such as flooring tiles, window panes, handrails, and chandeliers showcase the craftsmanship and history of the building, ensuring its heritage is upheld and celebrated.