Between Automation and Adaptability: SGI at BGSKLAD 2025
How is industrial architecture changing to meet the pressures of modern logistics? At this year’s BGSKLAD Conference, SGI’s architect Vladislav Dechev joined a panel exploring the future of industrial spaces – from automation and financial valuation to ESG standards and workforce education.
The discussion highlighted a growing truth: industrial buildings are no longer just places to store. They are becoming complex, technology-driven ecosystems. As one panelist put it, “Warehouses today are starting to look more like factories – systems that must be mapped, measured, and optimised from end to end.”
Within that context, arch. Dechev shared insights from SGI’s recent work in the sector – a trio of projects that each address industrial needs through a different lens:
- Aerotechnic BG, an aviation maintenance hub with large-span structures and high operational precision near Sofia Airport.
- UNICEF’s Central Logistics Hub in Addis Ababa, designed to be both adaptive and resilient in a rapidly changing regional context.
- A solar-enhanced office building in Sofia, integrating photovoltaic technology as part of a broader commitment to energy efficiency.
What these projects have in common is not a single typology, but a mindset: intelligent architecture that supports business function, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
Another key topic was the influence of ESG criteria on property valuation – an area still emerging in Bulgaria, but already quantifiable and impactful across Europe. In time, these factors will not just influence design, but access to financing and long-term asset value.
Dechev also addressed the role of education in industrial transformation. “Before you change a process, you have to understand it. Mapping the workflow is often the moment when opportunities for innovation reveal themselves.”
Designing for a Sector in Motion
SGI’s presence at BGSKLAD reflects our commitment to the evolution of industrial architecture. These spaces aren’t just boxes on the edge of the city – they’re critical infrastructure for business, movement, and sustainability.
We care about warehouses. Because a shed is not just a box. It should reflect the identity of the business it holds – bold, efficient, and true to the brand behind it.
Where To Next?
- Project
Solar-Powered Office Building
Sofia, Bulgaria
- Project
Central Logistics Hub, Addis Ababa, UNICEF
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Project
Aerotechnic Aircraft Maintenance Complex
Sofia, Bulgaria
- Article
SGI Seeking New Senior Architect
We are currently seeking a Senior Architect to join our team in Sofia and take a leading role in the design and coordination of a wide range of projects, including residential and public buildings, hospitality, retail, and urban developments. We believe architecture is not only about form, but about creating meaningful environments that support people and communities.
1 April 2025 - Article
SGI at Residential Forum 2025: Discussing what makes architecture viable
On February 19, 2025, we participated in Residential Forum 2025, organized by The City Media Group – an event that brings together architects, urban planners, and investors to discuss the future of residential living. This year’s focus was on sustainability, investment trends, and urban transformations, with discussions providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the sector.
12 March 2025
