Re:Design Elin Pelin
The competition calls for the submission of a new concept for the center of Elin Pelin (Bulgaria) by architects, urban designers, landscape architects and interdisciplinary teams from all over the world. The objective is to turn the town center into an urban environment that is safe, accessible, lively and functional, that reflects the town’s unique identity and offers modern quality of life.
Competition Scope
This project has two phases. Zone 1 encompasses the city center area, which comprises the main streets and squares, from the roundabout at Stoyan Mihaylovski Street and Sofia Street, via Sofia Street to the square in front of the Church of St. Nicholay, including the existing parking, Independence Square, and the pedestrian zone along Vitosha Boulevard, up to Hristo Botev Street. Zone 2 covers the area surrounding the first zone and concentrates on urban elements and public-space furniture design, in order to set a coherent standard for public environment elements.
Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official launch | 07 November 2025 |
| Deadline for questions | 30 January 2026 |
| Registration deadline | 04 February 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 09 February 2026 |
| Jury review | 16 February – 16 March 2026 |
| Results announcement | By 24 March 2026 |
Entry Fees & Eligibility
The participation in the competition is costless. It is available globally to separate persons or groups (experts, learners, cross-field etc.). The submissions that can be considered must comply with the rules set by the competition. Registration allows each participant or group to submit one proposal. The official platform is used for registration.
Awards & Prizes
| Prize | Reward |
|---|---|
| First Prize | €10,000 |
| Second Prize | €7,000 |
| Third Prize | €3,000 |
| Two Honourable Mentions | €1,000 each |
Design Goals & Principles
The competition is focused on reaching a sustainable and coherent urban environment by following the listed below principles:
- Durability, sustainability, and energy efficiency are the systems which materials of ecological performance and easy maintenance will be used.
- Public spaces that are open to everyone will be created, thereby facilitating social contact, cultural activities and accessibility for all including those with special needs.
- Aesthetic and functional harmony: built structures, pedestrian paths and open public spaces will be made into a single visual identity that the town’s character will be kept in respect.
- Safety and comfort: good lighting, visibility, micro-climate control and safe comfortable environment will be provided for year-round use.
- Multifunctionality and vibrancy: the public spaces will be sowed as dynamically adaptable for different functions such as events, markets, celebrations, community gatherings, recreation, and everyday life.
✦ ArchUp Competition Review
The Re:Design Elin Pelin competition is about making the town center more functional, accessible and with a strong cultural identity. The competition dares designers to think out of the box and to use different methods in the reimaging of important public places and streets from the two designated areas. The main aspects of the project are: sustainability, social inclusivity and unified urban identity. Moreover, it offers a great chance to take part in a real European redevelopment project affecting durability, community experience, safety and multifunctionality with no cost for participation and big prizes. The competition is characterized by its transparency, high expectations and great chance for actual realization.
Why This Competition Matters
Elin Pelin is a town with rapid growth, on the road to determining its identity and also the quality of life is the concern. The contest gives a one-of-a-kind chance to determine the future main area as a well-planned, socially united, and eco-friendly urban center along with the architects’ inputs. The selected projects will not just receive monetary rewards but also become a part of the urban development process. Artists will be the ones creating the model of town-center regeneration that harmonizes the past, community life, and the requirements of modern urban lifestyle.
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