From start to finish

Peter Torniov

In this issue, we are talking about architecture subjected to sports and its material environment. Stadiums, sports halls and areas, bike lanes are an inseparable part of the urban environment and one of the very important factors for the quality of life in modern cities.
Engrossed by the sports spirit, we decided to also pay attention to an issue which is very sensitive for us – architectural bids and competitions.
Architecture is a kind of competition – with time, technologies, human and social needs, and not least – fashion. This aspect is particularly clearly defined in architectural competitions – the best format for achieving the optimal result. Unfortunately, architectural competitions are still a rarity in Bulgaria. Their social significance is underestimated, and there is a huge dose of scepticism in the public space. This view is shared not only by politicians and influential persons, but also by members of the professional circles. In order to realize that high-quality architecture is only achieved in an environment of competition, we do not need to dig into examples from developed industrial states, we could simply have a look around our Balkan neighbours. Actually, the culture of organising competitions is a matter of culture.
It seems that in this country, the fight with time is most ferocious. “We are running out of time” is the official explanation. Not long ago, a ministry announced the first sod of a building of public significance, without presenting a design project because there was no time. Weeks later, this same ministry presented a project, which had probably spent years in some office drawer. The timing was good, but they were running out of time. A month later, the ministry announced an architectural competition with an inadmissibly short deadline for the same site?! Sports have taught us that in order to reach the final, one has to begin from the start. Obviously, there is no time left. We also know that sports generate money, at least since the times of the first Olympic Games. We seem to have recently learned that culture can also generate money. And how does one generate culture?

Architecture also has its championships and world events. One of them is the Venice Biennale. And Bulgaria is the only European country which does not participate at this forum that is so important for architecture. Why? We do not have the money? The time? Or the desire to do so?
No. The reason is different. Bulgaria has not matured, we need more time. Until then, we will put up with shiny pavilions in the style of the Revival which enthral the next in a number of world exhibitions with the smell of our roses. A matter of culture.