Exposition Centre in Veliko Tarnovo

Emerging like a gold nugget the new exposition centre reaches out to the historic city and makes the inevitable connection with the future city centre. The building is designed as a recognisable single volume demonstrating distinctive features and reflecting the surrounding morphology and scale. The glare of the golden skin catches the eye and excites while changing with the change of weather and light. The building does not have a back, it is open to all directions and activates its environment.

The layout gives priority to the flexibility in order to provide diverse (indoor and outdoor) spaces that can simultaneously host a wide array of events. The building has versatile spaces that can easily change their roles: exposition, performance or meeting areas. The large multifunctional hall can also easily change its appearance: from a large closed independent raked floor auditorium to an open and flexible flat floor space. It can be further transformed into a broad spectrum of configurations allowing freedom in arranging and combining events. The hall opens to the plaza to the south and provides a striking framed vista to Veliko Tarnovo cityscape – also an option for a fascinating stage backdrop.

The design follows the programme of the building. The solidity and hardness of the concrete in the lobby surfaces stand in contrast to the lightness and elegance of the golden skin. The bare concrete connects the building with the terrain. The shining translucent skin reflects the freedom of functions and movement. The roof meadow creates another exciting space for people to relax, roam or contemplate.