Urban Space for Physical, Mental and Social Health

Urban Space for Physical, Mental and Social Health is a study for activating inter-block spaces and their untapped potential in Burgas, Bulgaria.

Looking at the figure-ground of a typical Bulgarian neighbourhood, one is able to discern a dominant typology: orthogonal 6 to 10-storey residential blocks, surrounded by geometries of ample green spaces lined with mature trees – a spatial organisation ripe for interventions, yet the large scale presents the grassroots activity with an intimidating volume too broad to affect with isolated small scale interventions, and the municipality with a budget too large to delegate at once.

The proposed scheme offers a budget solution to several key issues with the current urban approach, focusing on achieving sustainability and longevity of the urban environment precisely due to the inherent housing block typology, while ensuring the ensemble of activities contributes to the healthy routine of all residents as opposed to a select group.

To achieve this, the project strategically targets the three fundamental components of good health – physical, mental, and social wellbeing – by providing the necessary infrastructure in the context of a renewed perspective on the importance of nature in our everyday, strengthening our critical yet brittle relationship with the outdoors.