Stefan Dobrev

The new port is anchored in its history, but turned towards the sea and future generations. Simultaneously a square, a coastal esplanade and a garden it creates new connections between the city and the waterfront. The project has an emblematic urban and landscape concept, forging the image of Burgas as a seaside capital. Functionality and accessibility are intertwined with rich vegetation that provides the transition between the different areas of the city, the port and the seashore. The chromatic color range highlights the diverse plant species that enhance biodiversity and create a unique coastal garden.

On the scale of the city, the project represents a new iconic public square. The round shape of the central promenade flows into the existing infrastructure connecting the port with the city. Multiple entry points allow easy access to the central pedestrian street, the train and bus station, as well as to the sea garden, thus becoming a significant urban space. Its unique form and vast amphitheater, with panoramic views facing the sea, contribute to making it one of the brightest emblems of the city.

The gardens above the amphitheater enrich the topography of the project, isolating the space from the noise of the city by creating an authentic green environment. They will be enlivened with areas for recreation, playgrounds and floral parks, offering exceptional views of the area. Thus, visitors are provided with a unique panorama of the port and the sea. As an accent and structuring element of the landscape architecture, a new type of palm trees were used, which do not freeze even below -12C.

The conceptual design reinforces the use of natural materials - beige granite and white stone is used for the flooring, while the benches are made of wood. An essential element of the urban project is the tile-colored recycled containers, as a reference to the spirit of the place, which house small shops and public toilets. Numerous dry fountains are located on the pedestrian area, which enliven the space and give it a unique atmosphere. The amphitheater has a capacity of 1,000 seats, which can be increased to up to 5,000. This could represent a great asset for the city and allow important concerts and events to be organized, especially during the summer months.

A terraced building with the silhouette of a ship is situated at northwest part of the square. It can be realized in the second stage of the project and house a tourist center, cafes, restaurants and possibly a museum of Burgas Port.

The adjacent areas to the south of the square have been developed as green spaces for recreation and walks, which can be implemented in a third phase. The arched pedestrian bridge with a movable part for ships and sailboats defines the iconic silhouette of the port, that can become one of the hallmarks of the city.