Sofia Municipality’s Pavements Standard
| Location | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| Year | 2021 – 2023 |
| Client | Sofia Municipality |
| Status | Completed |
| Team | Donika Georgieva, Miroslav Velkov, Desislava Kovacheva, Kristina Kirilova, Nurhan Redzheb, Nikola Angelov, Hristo Hristov, Marina Mateva, Silvia Chakarova, Magdalena Boboshevska, Hristo Harlov, Nikolay Boboshevski, Milena Fetvadjieva, Olya Panchovska, Margita Vasileva, Filip Boyadjiev |
Pavements in public spaces are one of the main aspects of a city’s identity and a determining factor for the quality, perception, and experience of the urban environment. Therefore, the choice of material, shape, color, and method of laying is an important step towards improving the environment.
The Pedestrian Spaces Pavement Standard under the Urban Environment Ordinance of Sofia Municipality examines the selection and laying of pavement, tactile pavement, curbs, tree grates, manholes, and drainage grates in pedestrian public spaces.
The rules for the selection and laying of pavements and covering elements of pedestrian spaces are formed as a result of:
- studies of specific characteristics and qualities of pavements on pedestrian areas in Sofia, incl. a historical reference to the initiatives for their laying since the 20th century, regimes for the protection of protected areas with individual and group cultural values (active and in the process of updating), to highlight characteristic and suitable pavements for Sofia and bring out sustainable trends;
- field studies of existing pavements to highlight good examples, characteristic situations, and aspects of the urban environment that directly influence the choice and laying of pavements, as well as to identify problems and challenges that the introduction of rules and standards can overcome;
- studies of current trends, modern technological solutions, and concrete examples concerning pavements laid down in foreign and national urban design standards.
The rules are structured in two main directions:
- principles to which design decisions (for construction, maintenance, renovation, or repair) for pavements in pedestrian spaces must comply;
- recommendations, guidelines, and requirements to support the selection and method of laying elements of the pedestrian surfaces, suitable for the territory of Sofia Municipality.
This standard is integral to the Ordinance on the Urban Environment of Sofia Municipality and cannot be considered independent and self-contained.