Candidate – Bulgaria

Submission by: l.arch. Veselin Belchev Vassilev
Project name: Landscaping and park development of “Enterprise for processing and storage of fruits and vegetables, with Park and Administrative building to it” of the company “EXOTICA” Ltd., in the town of Byala Cherkva, municipality, Pavlikeni, Bulgaria

Short description

The project covers the territory of the company Exotica’s “Enterprise for processing, storage of fruits and vegetables, and administrative premises” in Byala Cherkva, Veliko Tarnovo region. It includes the complete Public Works-architecture, a park and a dendrological project, vertical planning and an irrigation system. The purpose of the project is to provide an ecologically beautiful environment for effective short recreation and work. It benefits from innovative techniques, an ecological approach, and an encompassing aesthetic vision involving a harmony of functions, environment, design and users.

The project was prepared in July 2017 and was built in 2018. The site covers a property with a total area of ​​8547 m2 including green areas with a park of 4950 m2. The landscape consists of alleys, playgrounds, corners, park elements, all green areas, woody bush vegetation, flower and water areas, landscape groups and plant massifs. The zone covers areas for recreation, such as rock gardens, flower gardens and arboretums, and playgrounds. The project provides a place for rest and conversations and features a remarkable dug in building with a green roof.

Social cohesion

Visitors can gather at recreational spots and observe the beautifully shaped landscapes of the project. Social cohesion due to the good comfort of the places for a general short rest.

Biodiversity

The existing trees on the site have been preserved. The project contains green areas and the park has a great diversity of species. A total of 94 species is included: 46 sorts of trees, 33 types of shrubs, 15 types of flowers.

Economic factors

High economic effect: the place is being used for effective recreation which increases labour productivity. The materials used were not expensive.

Climate

The amount of vegetation and green areas is more than the norm in Bulgaria. It improves the microclimate and reduces harmful emissions. The vegetation barrier forms a green barrier along the site.

Wellbeing of visitors/user

The use of green areas on the site reduces fatigue, increases the ability to work, and improves the health of its users. As a result, labour productivity increases and profits increase. Chief designer: l.arch. Veselin Vasilev

f) Selection, origin and quality of the products and materials used:

The pavements, playgrounds and sidewalks in front of the buildings are designed with concrete resistant pavers with color raster.

The alleys and playgrounds in the park are made of natural stone: gneiss slabs in gray, ocher, light brown. For the park elements, the following materials are used: planed wood, metal and natural stones, resistant to time.

The vegetation in the project is resistant to the local climate and soil. Various types of local and exotic plants, with different colours of leaves, both in containers and sustainable grass mixtures, are used.

Complete design (landscapes and optionally connected buildings):

The design of the project is in harmony with the composition of the alleys, the park elements and its functions, as well as with the relief, the landscape and the architecture of the buildings.

The composition of the vegetation and the landscaping is of a landscape character. Along the fences there is a linear arrangement. In the park and green areas the following elements are created: plant perspectives, butts, tapeworms, rock gardens, recreation areas, pergolas and gazebos with a harmonious park design. Oval lines are used in connection with the tradition of  Bulgarian yards. The green areas can be maintained easily.

Impact on the environment (holistic, circular approach):  

The project assures more vegetation and green areas and space for recreation and conversation. This positively affects the whole environment.  The vegetation creates shade, a favourable microclimate, no dust emissions and the possibility of new habitats for birds. Rainwater is collected from roofs and wastewater is reused thanks to a tank irrigation system-circular approach. A wide variety of species has been used.

The innovative value of the project:

The place for rest, contacts and conversations with a green roof and walls in the park increases the green areas and saves energy. A filtration and drainage system for groundwater and wastewater treatment provides water for the irrigation of green areas.