Plovdiv Central Square - Simon Barthelemy - France

The seven hills: Seven hills, to extend the amazing Plovdiv city landscape. Seven hills, to reveal and protect a remarkable archeological heritage. Seven steps, in the journey of the underground museum of Philippopolis. Seven landmarks, to attract the attention of people walking around, from visitors concerned by the antique past of Plovdiv to aimless walking people.  Seven shelters, to put a distance between the animated city everyday life and the timeless silence of the ruins. Seven hills, to have a rest on the edge of the modern forum. Seven meadows, to enjoy the coolness of trees in summertime. Seven meeting places, to debate late in the night, to play chess games with old friends. Seven hills, to protect the modern forum from the wind.

The modern forum: A modern forum, to revive the animation of the antique roman forum. A modern forum, to reveal the presence of the antique building.  A modern portico, defined by four long roofs and twelve meters high lighting columns - a new landmark in the Plovdiv landscape - arranged on the structural frame of the antique portico, a large square now opened on its four angles to enable intensive pedestrian flows. A modern forum, highly flexible, able to welcome a wide range of temporary activities, from everyday local life to international events, and close the main square, opened to large audience events—a modern forum, to protect people from the sun, the snow, the rain.