Dominique Perrault Architecture

chargement
SUIVANT

2009   |   2009

Sofia City Center

Sofia, Bulgaria

This project is an urban development strategy. It is not per se an architectural project. To be more accurate, architecture is used as a device to generate a territory with its specific landscape. Inside this topography not only is a river flowing, but also a park-garden which preserves the existing trees. We want this new district to develop harmonious relationships between nature and architecture. This long green space runs through the site and joins the two entrance crossroads, offering to public transports new possibilities of connections and services. The strategy consists in proposing a regulation envelope which will define the silhouette of the district and its density. Inside this "virtual" envelope, the buildings are arranged according to the programs as well as the property and economical opportunities. These pieces of city get built "under" this envelope with freedom, fluidity and flexibility. Each architecture has its own architect, its own design, its own client, but all of these architectures show gradually the specific outline of this territory. The movements of this silhouette are interralated with the urban and geophysical environment, scoring with high points the gates of the district, or accompanying with low points the surrounding streets. This park has to become the great public space, the spine of the district. It is this silhouette that shall be controlled by the public power, the private power being in charge of the building varied and mixed architectures.
client Minister for Regional Development and Public Condtruction, Sofia, Bulgaria
architect Dominique Perrault Architecture, Paris, France
engineering Arup
location boulevard Tsarigradsko Shosse, Sofia, Bulgaria
site area 65 ha
beginning of conceptual design November 2008

program
The project foresees the creation of a new governmental district, offices, hotels, residential buildings, sports facilities as well as a cultural center, and exhibition center and a park.
central state administration 325 000 m²
state and office buildings
area for Ministries
/ agencies and / or funds
park land area 190 000 m²
park, sports facilities and representative square
office, housing, hotel and commercial
area 555 000 m²
additional residential area 200 000 m²
knowledge center  50 000 m²
exhibition center 60 000 m²
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