Plovdiv's Headquarters

Daniela Petkova and her master's degree at the Technical University of Stuttgart, specializing in architecture and urban planning during the summer semester of 2018.


The main idea of the concept lays down on two very important questions which should be examined parallel. They need to be united under one main idea.
The first question is related to the observation, analysis and valuation of the urban planning processes from the beginning of Tabaco City in the 20th century till today. The purpose is to accomplish a possible vision which integrates this so-called “ghost area” with Plovdiv city.

The second question deals mainly with the reconstruction of the Tobacco warehouse of Kudoglu, one of the emblematic Tobacco warehouses in the city with cultural value.

After examining the current condition of the buildings of Tabaco city ensemble it was clear for me that preservation of all warehouses is not the right decision. I created a scenario in which the fulfilment contains several steps. The most important step is the preservation of only the cultural objects, like the warehouse Kudoglu. The next move could be ‘’filling’’ the missing warehouse spaces (buildings in really bad condition or ruins). New modern typologies are coming on their places, their structure remains of the old ones, but more optimized. They should be used for rentable living or co-working spaces. This solution aims not only for helping the fast-growing population of the city but simultaneously to wake up the interest of new investments. The free area concept of Tobacco city contains a mesh of different space types and surfaces, creating dynamic lines between all new and old buildings. Extending the main pedestrian street of Plovdiv through Ivan Vazov street till the main station contributes to the integration of the “city”.

The warehouse of Kudoglu works like the main entrance of the area and should be used as a representative public building. The concept is using the space as a museum, which retains the history. The old facade is safeguarded and structurally strengthened. An innovative ramp represents old and new. Interesting atmosphere brings the free space behind the existing old facade. A timber bridge is used as a distinctive element.

My master thesis was a real motivation for me! I hope that we all can give rise to one new face of Tobacco city.

A face where innovation and modernism are the future but our history cannot be allowed to sink into oblivion.

Arch. Daniela Petkova


You can find the artistic page dedicated to the project of Arch. Petkova here

In case of interest to discuss or develop the presented idea you can contact Arch. Petkova through e-mail: daniela.atanasova.petkova@gmail.com 


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