On one of the last warm weekends of 2018, students from the Projection Studio at UASG and BLD completed work on the improvement of inter-block spaces in Lozenets - a result of Building Difference - an educational initiative with care for the environment. In addition to the students, led by arch. Nikolay Davidkov, and representatives of BLD, headed by the company's CEO Dimitar Savov, many residents of the neighbourhood took part in the finishing works in the inter-block spaces between Yakubitsa, Krichim and Persenek streets in Lozenets.
The work on the new shared spaces included the design and installation of a new gazebo - pergola, a platform for play, many new benches and bins, a children's picnic table, painting and securing of old climbing frames and installation of bird houses created by the children of the neighbourhood with guidance from the students of UASG. The location was chosen with care for the environment in the area of BLD's newest investment project, the Secret Garden on the street. Gallicitsa 33, whose philosophy is to preserve the neighborhood's architectural values by combining them with modern technology and building practices.
For more DIY, and to motivate meetings and introductions between people to form new communities that will care for the common spaces, BLD is organizing a program of children's games and workshops. Together with the Bio Games team, children had the opportunity to prepare bird feeders from dough and seeds to guide them to their new tree houses, make a door sign or mailbox out of clay, or get their faces painted with bio paint. The mothers planted herbs in special boxes which they took home. People from nearby blocks also joined in cleaning up the green spaces, preparing them for winter and spring. All participants also enjoyed specially prepared burgers, organic sweets and drinks provided by the Manja van.
In a makeshift exhibition in the inter-block spaces, the residents of the neighbourhood could follow the progress of the whole initiative and see photos of the different stages. The project kicked off in April with an open discussion on "Contemporary Urban Interventions," which included students, faculty from UASG, experts, interested citizens, and BLD. Between May and July, an analysis of the neighborhood and identification of problem areas were made by the students. Taking into account the feedback of the local community and the results of the analysis of the locations, the two inter-block spaces locked between Yakubitsa, Krichim and Persenk Streets were selected, where the students carried out cleaning and securing during their summer study practice from 23 to 26 July. This was followed by the design and creation of the urban furniture and a final discussion in the courtyard of UASG, after which the installation began in their places in the neighborhood.
Building Difference: Lozenets is the first edition of BLD's social-educational platform, which aims to improve the urban environment near the company's investment projects. The project develops on the placemaking principle, bringing together the assets, inspiration and potential of the local community, professionals, active organizations, students and institutions. The initiative has the support of Sofia Municipality - Lozenets District and is implemented with the participation of experts, institutions and local communities, and its funding and coordination is provided by the construction and investment company BLD.