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The New Center Of Borovets

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Borovets is offering more than 58 kilometres of ski routes since the latest 19th century. Although it is the oldest ski resort in Bulgaria, the current central area is occupied by many haphazard buildings with no particular architectural language.

Since we have won the architectural contest for the area in partnership with William Matthews Associates a few years ago, we have put lots of resources into polishing out the project and making it as feasible as possible. In the latest months, we have had multiple meetings with the municipality of Samokov and other authorities to discuss the possibilities of this development.

In this post, you will see visuals showcasing the progress along with a short blitz with our regional director arch. Alexander Daw, who answers some key questions about the project.

23 December 2021

What are the problems that the new project solves? A.D.: The current centre of the resort is made up of small, haphazard single and two-story buildings with no particular architectural language or context. The layout and connectivity of the area are also very problematic with access to the location of the Gondola from the main hotels intersected by multiple vehicular access routes.   What would be the benefits for the residents of Borovets? A.D.: The project aims not to replace but to improve the facilities for the small businesses that are currently active in the area and radically improve the customer experience by creating a direct ski road connection to the Gondola and therefore increase footfall to the adjacent bars and restaurants. The design itself aims to retain the spirit and scale of the resort, which is unique in its own way, and establish a design language that is both relevant and specific. We believe this project achieves that all. 

What would be the benefits for the area? A.D.: We hope many. Certainly, it will deliver a fresh, contemporary yet warm and sustainable centre to the heart of the resort. We hope that this project, although not solving all the infrastructure problems Borovets faces, will be the catalyst to attract further investment to other critical infrastructure projects such as the gondola and the needed increase in electricity capacity for the area and help the resort become a more attractive, all-year destination.

Are there any specific characteristics of the new architecture?

A.D.: The tertiary buildings, although very considered, are relatively straightforward pieces of architecture, the main building is however deceivingly complex. It is not really a building. It is a collection of retail units linked both to the main road that runs along with the site and to the ski road at the back that services the bars and restaurants. It connects one side of the mountain with the other. There are two floors of underground parking that conveniently raises much-needed parking capacity in the area, but keep the increased vehicular activity hidden from view.

What is the current stage of the project and what are the prospects for it?

A.D.: Currently, the project is at the review stage with the municipality and we expect a building permit by the end of next year.   We very much hope that this project would turn into reality and contribute to the development of Borovets as an innovative, sustainable and attractive European leader for year-round family mountain tourism and sports.

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