Stefan Dobrev

The pedestrian bridge is located in the central part of the capital and connects the two estranged parts of South Park in Sofia. Spanning over an area of 134 hectares, this is one the largest public green areas, enjoyed by countless visitors daily. Sofia South Park Bridge offers passengers with a fluid and elegant way to transverse between the two areas of the park and the surrounding neighborhoods. With an array of supplementing pavilions and community areas the bridge provides a much needed space for recreation and public events to local residents.

The two arc beams intertwine with the meanders of the Perlovska River, creating a balanced composition, with many spaces for passengers to rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The leading principle was to reduce the environmental impact and preserve the wildlife, characteristic of this area. The hexagonal pattern of the existing public square is incorporated into the conceptual framework, making it a hallmark of the design. Soft red hues, combined with the natural greenery and enriched riverbeds, create a tranquil setting, merging the bridge into the park's environment.

The 300m long bridge smoothly overpasses Byala Cherkva Street with a slope of 5%, allowing the easy access to people with reduced mobility and families with children. The two main lanes, each 4 meters wide, have a 1.5 meter bicycle lane on the exterior side, ensuring maximum safety and comfort for both cyclists and pedestrians.

The eastern arc flows into the central pedestrian axis of the park, and continues south towards the nearby neighborhood and the inaccessible areas of the park. The western arc connects directly with the central square and unfolds northwards in a picturesque promenade along the river.

The core of the bridge, situated over Byala Cherkva Street is a wide square, isolated from the street traffic with flower beds and greenery. The four pylons serve for lighting and as a support for light textile roofing. The square opens to the river on both sides through cozy amphitheaters with greenery and wooden benches.

The flooring is made of resistant ceramic plates containing titanium dioxide, which decomposes pollution gases through a process of photocatalysis. The entire length of the bridge is an amphilade of exhibition squares and amphitheaters, with stairs allowing wide spatial access from the park to the bridge. Under them several restaurants and cafes are elegantly located, with unique design and panoramic views.

A titanium dioxide (TiO2) coating is applied to all metal parts of the bridge, including the railings and the support structure. In addition, filters for fine dust particles are integrated in its central part. This transforms the pedestrian bridge into an air-purification facility, according to the leading sustainable practices in urban design.