Queries can be raised regarding the Competition by anyone interested in applying, in writing, to require clarification.
Questions can be sent until August 26th 2025 (up to 10 days prior to the deadline for submission) by email pazardzhikmarket@competition.bg
Question * Parking lot
What is meant by a single-story parking lot built at ground level? Does it have to be a building?
No, it must not be a building. The parking lot should be open and at ground level.
Question 53 Budget
Given that competitions are held at an early conceptual phase, are we clear that the budget would be just an estimate and may vary once the working drawings are revised?
Is there a maximum sum to respect?
There is no maximum sum to respect. The budget is indicative and will be refined during the next design phase.
Question 52 3-meter restriction zone
Regarding the 3-meter restriction zone towards the east border of the site, is it possible to place here greenery as extensions from the park (grass-schrubs-trees), or should it remain a paved area?
Within the 3-meter restriction zone along the eastern boundary of the site, no new facilities or structures may be placed, except for portable ones. Landscaping within this area is an acceptable approach if you choose to propose it.
Question 51 Built-up area
According to the brief, the maximum allowed built-up area is 4,600 m², with a strong recommendation for 2,700 m². In my proposal, the ground floor has a built-up area of 2,700 m², while the first floor has an additional 3,200 m², for a total floor area of 5,900 m². However, only 2,700 m² are actually occupied on the ground.
Could you please confirm whether this approach is acceptable — that the requirement refers only to the footprint on the ground (2,700 m² in my case) — or whether the total sum of all floors should not exceed 4,600 m²?
According to legal urban planning restrictions, the built-up area /the footprint on the ground/ may be up to 4,600 square meters, and the height may be up to 10 meters. It is recommended not to design and build to this extent. We strongly recommend that the built-up area /the footprint on the ground/ be 2,700 square meters, as there are no special requirements or restrictions on the total built-up area.
The square footage you have specified is acceptable.
Question 50 Association
Can two architects participate in the competition as partners? Is it necessary to have a lead designer and do we have to participate under the name of an office?
Yes, two architects can participate in the competition as partners. Тhey must complete and submit a document for association as part of the application process.
Question 49 Buildings with different functions
Can we add buildings with different functions?
There are no restrictions regarding adding buildings with functions different from those listed in the competition brief. If your proposal includes such buildings, it must be well justified.
Question 48 Documents for Associations
When signing the declaration for the association, we only have the name and do not have a UIC (Unique Identification Code) or registration number. When filling out the power of attorney (PoA.docx), both are required. Should we leave these fields blank in that case?
A similar problem occurs during registration on your website, where the participant authorized to represent the collective needs to enter its name and the corresponding UIC, which we do not have. Is it acceptable to write the name of the association and the personal ID number of the person doing the registration?
When the association is not yet registered, you should fill in the name you have chosen and the details of the person who will represent the association.
It is advisable to have a written agreement between the participants of the association, in which one of you is designated as the person authorized to represent the group.
The agreement can be free text, but it is necessary to include the details of all participants and clarify key clauses, such as: the rights and obligations of the members of the association; the activities to be performed by each member; agreement on joint liability where such liability is not provided for by applicable legislation; the person authorized to represent the association.
Question 47 Open-air tables for selling products
What is meant by the total area for the tables? Does 6-7 m2 of total area mean that the remaining space for the vendor’s movement is 7 m2 – 2.5 m2 (table) = 4.5 m2? Or should an additional 6-7 m2 be planned for movement around the table?
It is recommended that the sales table size be 2.5–3 m².
The total area is 6-7 m2. This includes a trading table, a packaging area, a storage area and space for trader movement.
Question 46 Open-air tables for selling products
Regarding the open-air zone, after the market is closed, should this area also be enclosed, or can it remain open to the public?
There is no requirement for the open tables to be locked after the end of the working day. The arrangement of the space depends entirely on the participant’s project proposal.
Question 45 Open-air tables for selling products
Are the open-air tables supposed to be placed inside the trading pavilions? Or should they be planned and designed independently outside them?
The open-air tables for selling products are located independently outside the trading pavilions.
Question 44 Еxtend the submission deadline
Is it possible to extend the submission deadline?
The deadlines have been announced and fixed, and cannot be changed. It is impossible to extend the submission period for the projects.
Question 43 ID, received upon registration
Should we include the unique ID (received upon registration) in the names of the project files? Are we allowed to include the unique ID within the content of the boards? Should the unique ID be added to the participation documents?
The ID number you receive upon registration is unique and intended solely for internal use for your registration process. It should not be included in the content of your competition materials, nor in their names, nor in the participation documents.
No markings or identifying information that could compromise anonymity should be placed on the competition materials.
Question 42 Submission and Jurying of Projects
Is it possible for all competition materials to be submitted only digitally, or do the boards need to be submitted physically? During the judging process, will the projects be printed, or will everything be viewed digitally?
The competition materials can be submitted digitally: via CAIS, through the competition website, or conventionally – on paper, at the Pazardzhik Municipality. (More details can be found in section 2.4, “PROCEDURE FOR SUBMITTING DOCUMENTS” of the COMPETITION RULES)
The jury will review the competition projects in digital format, but at their discretion, the projects may also be printed. The jury members will evaluate the projects on computers, but they will also be viewed on large multimedia screens.
Question 41 Connection with the park
Is it possible to propose a design that seeks to establish a connection between the competition area and the park to the east, or is there a barrier between them?
In the current market situation, some of the stalls act as a barrier between the competition area and the park to the east, but the buildings and the canopies within the competition area must be completely removed and the design proposal should present a new development for the market area, taking into account the necessary structures for this purpose and conforming to the building restriction lines designated for the property.
In the project proposal, the extent to which a connection between these two areas will be sought depends entirely on the designer’s solution.
Question 40 Limit of project proposals
Can one person submit multiple works or is there a limit to the number of works?
Every person participating in a project competition has the right to submit only one project.
A person involved in an association or having given consent to be a subcontractor of another candidate or participant cannot submit a separate application for participation or project.
Question 39 Materials
Are there any regulations regarding structural materials, exterior materials, and roofing materials that can be used?
The competition rules and the technical brief do not impose specific requirements regarding the structural, interior, and exterior materials that may be proposed in the conceptual project solutions.
At this stage (conceptual project), it is advisable to clarify at least the general type of the proposed structural system in the project solution, although it is not mandatory.
It should be taken into consideration that the selected materials can be further justified and specified in the next design phase (technical/working project). In this subsequent phase, the materials must comply with the requirements of Articles 169 and 169a of the Spatial Development Act concerning the essential construction requirements as defined in Annex I of Regulation (EU) No. 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011, establishing harmonized conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing Council Directive 89/106/EEC (OB, L 88/5 of 4 April 2011).
Question 38 Relocate trees
Are we allowed to relocate existing trees on the site? For example, is it acceptable to cluster them together in a designated green area within the plot?
No, trees cannot be relocated.
Question 37 Built-up area
The document mentions that the maximum permitted built-up area is 4,600 m², but it is strongly recommended to limit construction to 2,700 m². Could you please clarify what this recommendation means in practical terms? Will exceeding 2,700 m² (up to the 4,600 m² limit) result in a lower evaluation score?
The recommended build-up area is 2,700 square meters, with the goal of promoting more open and green spaces within the competition territory. However, the maximum allowed build-up area is 4,600 square meters. Therefore, the project proposal can suggest up to 4,600 square meters. The extent of the built-up area must be well justified, and a well-designed project will be rated highly regardless of the exact square meters, as long as it does not exceed 4,600 square meters.
Question 36 Loading zone
Does the loading zone have to be located along “Gradski Pazar” Street, or is it acceptable for it to be located elsewhere?
Participants may propose a different location for the loading zone. Its position depends entirely on the project proposal. However, the building restriction line cannot be moved or modified. The 3.5-meter setback along part of “Gradski Pazar” Street must be maintained and cannot be changed.
Question 35 Restocking
Do local producers rent a certain number of tables and supply their products using their own transportation, or is the restocking carried out centrally from a warehouse for the entire market at once, with the help of larger vehicles?
In the current market situation, local producers rent tables, and their restocking is carried out using personal vehicles, which range from passenger cars to vans.
Question 34 Trading units
Should the trading units be grouped together in a single enclosed pavilion per category, or is it acceptable to distribute the units individually across the site in separate structures, while still maintaining enclosure and functionality?
It is recommended that commercial functions be distributed throughout the entire competition area to avoid clustering of specific functions. However, the placement of these functions depends entirely on the participant’s project proposal.
Question 33 Flexibility in board content layout
Are participants expected to follow the suggested thematic separation for each board, or is it permissible to combine different themes on the same board?
The indicated schemes are not mandatory and are not an exhaustive list. Participants have the freedom to choose their own methods of expression and presentation for their project solutions. It is also possible to combine different themes on the same board. The schemes you present and their method of presentation should support the project solution. However, the drawings, schemes, and their scales must be appropriate, clear, and easy to read.
Question 32 Number of boards
Is there a required minimum number of boards?
There is no minimum number of boards that you are required to submit. The number depends entirely on the participant’s project proposal and their vision regarding how, in what manner, and in how many boards they wish to present their idea. The only restriction is that this number must not exceed 6 boards.
Question 31 Pavilions area
Each pavilion should have the mentioned area, for example each food pavilion should be 30-50 m2? Or that the total combined area for all pavilions should be that?
Each pavilion should have the mentioned area – each food pavilion should be 30-50 m2. Therefore, the total area for all eight pavilions should be roughly 320 square meters.
Question 30 Documents and project submission
Do the documents need to be submitted now? Or can I submit them when I submit my final drawings/ design proposals?
By September 1, 2025 – you must complete the registration after downloading, filling out, and attaching the participation documents: application, ESPD, and power of attorney, in the Documentation section
By 17:00 on September 5, 2025 (Eastern European Time GMT+2) – you must submit all competition materials.
Question 29 Shopping mall
What is the official number of existing parking spaces next to the shopping mall?
The shopping center has approximately 55 parking spaces. However, there is no minimum or maximum number of parking spaces required in the competition proposal. Their number should only be consistent with the restrictions of the area designated for the parking lot.
Question 28 Language
Do we have to have all the text and explanation writing in both, English and Bulgarian?
It is recommended that the explanatory texts, as well as inscriptions on the projects and related documents, be presented bilingually in Bulgarian and English, but this is not mandatory.
Question 27 Team member
Could you clarify? So we can add a new member to our team (potentially a Bulgarian architect) after we get selected as one of the prize-winners?
If or when you are ranked on a first place and win the competition, you will have the opportunity to sign a contract and to develop a Technical and Detailed Investment Project. There are two options – someone from your studio could register with the Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria, which is an easy procedure if you are a registered architect outside the country. The second option is to enter in partnership with an architect in Bulgaria who could help you to bring the project in compliance with the Bulgarian legislation.
Question 26 Submitting
After submitting the forms in the website, how we are going to submit the competition boards?
The first step is to register on the platform. Registration will be confirmed via the email address provided by the participant.
Next, you need to complete the registration by downloading, filling out, and attaching the participation documents: the application, ESPD, and power of attorney, in the Documentation section — by September 1, 2025.
The following step will allow you to submit the competition materials as well.
Question 25 Power of Attorney
About the Power of Attorney, Do I need to fill the team leader in the form and leave the rest blank?
The power of attorney shall be filled in by the team leader, writing all his/her details and the name of the team/union.
Question 24 Association Documentation
Please clarify the Association Documentation?
When you participate in the competition as a collective and do not have a common registered legal entity, it would be better if you settle your relations with a consortium agreement, where you state who represents the union, respectively who is chosen to be the “leading designer”. Such a contract will be signed by all the participants of the team and will stipulate their relations, functions and how the rights and obligations are regulated, as well as the copyrights. In the event that you have such an arrangement, the documents have to be signed only by the one designated as the representative. If you do not submit such a contract, each of you has to sign the documents separately, but also indicating that you are participating in the competition as a collective.
Question 23 ESPD
Regarding ESPD form, I did understand that the form required information for an architect or an office in European union, so do there any form for international participants to fill?
The ESPD form shall be completed by all participants, regardless of their nationality. It is a mandatory document as Bulgaria is a member of the European Union, but participants can be from all over the world.
The ESPD form is to be completed by the head of the team, and there is a column where the names of all team participants are entered. Fill in only the fields that apply to you.
‘Procurer’ is PazardzhikMunicipality. ‘Economic Operator’ is you.If you have an electronic signature and work with the CAIS system, you can also submit your documentation individually here- https://app.eop.bg/today/497206 This is the Bulgarian public procurement system. If you are not able to register and submit the projects in this system on your own we will do it for you, but then you need to fill in and give a power of attorney because all documentation is transmitted through CAIS.
Question 22 Building restriction line
What are the reasons why the middle section of the building restriction limit line along “Gradski Pazar” st. is set back by 3.5 meters?
The reason for setting back the restriction line by 3.5 meters in this area is to create space for potential temporary parking of vehicles that serve the market, such as for cleaning, loading, etc.
Question 21 Trees
Are any of the existing trees within the project site expected to be kept?
Yes, the trees to be preserved and considered in the competition proposal are marked in green and orange on the scheme. If your proposal suggests removing any trees, it must be well justified.
Question 20 Portable structures
There is a restriction “Building restriction line, within which only portable structures can be placed”. Does the portable structure mean the open-air tables?
Portable structures are buildings or shelters designed to be movable, either temporarily or semi-permanently. It is not permitted to install permanent buildings within the three-meter zone. However, the placement of open-air tables, pavilions, city furniture, and similar elements is allowed within this area.
Question 19 ID
In my country we do not have a national ID system. What should I use?
You may use any valid document number, such as a passport or other official identification, for identification purposes.
Question 18 Floors
Can we plan for shops on the first floor, or must all pavilions remain on the ground floor?
There are no restrictions regarding the placement of pavilions and shops on different floors. The only requirement is that the height of any new structures may not exceed 10 meters.
Question 17 Parking spaces
Is there a specified number of parking spaces that must be included in the design solution in the parking zone?
No, there is no minimum or maximum number of parking spaces that must be achieved. Their number should only be consistent with the restrictions of the area designated for the parking lot.
Question 16 Storage space at the open-air tables for selling products
In the area with the open-air tables for selling products, should there be a separate space for storing products (a storage room), or will traders store their goods under the tables?
There is no requirement to build an additional storage room for traders at the tables. It is necessary to provide a storage area, but its location and design depend entirely on the participant’s project proposal.
Question 15 Basement level
Is it permitted to design a basement level in the project?
In the project proposals, designing a basement level is not planned due to the high groundwater levels on the site, which reach approximately 3.10 meters from the surface. Detailed information is provided in the attached geological report.
Question 14 Storage rooms for food pavilions
Are separate refrigerated storage rooms needed for storing food products for the food pavilions (meat, fish, milk, etc.)?
There is a requirement to provide the necessary display cases and storage chambers for food products, but it is not explicitly required to add a separate refrigerated storage room for them.
Question 13 Foodservice establishments
What type of food establishments are expected to be designed – with a self-service (catering) or with on-site food preparation?
The food establishments are intended to have a kitchen and to prepare food on site.
Question 12 Formatting
Can the boards be in landscape format? And can they be organized and used to show content that is not mentioned in the provided schemes? How will the jurors review them? As PDFs?
No, the boards cannot be oriented horizontally. They must be vertical.
Yes, the boards can be organized in a way that allows displaying content not specified in the provided schemes. The jurors will review the boards of the participants in JPG/JPEG format.
Question 11 The Market
Is the competition about maintaining and developing the current situation, or designing the central market from scratch?
The buildings and canopies within the competition area must be completely removed.
The design proposal should present a new development for the market area, taking into account the necessary structures for this purpose and conforming to the building restriction lines designated for the property.
Question 10 Certificate of participation
Do you provide a certificate of participation upon request?
We do not have a practice of issuing certificates for participation in the competition, but all the competition projects and their authors will be published on the official website of the competition, and everyone will be able to see the participants, which can serve as undeniable proof of participation. You can always indicate your participation and, if you win first, second, or third place, your prize.
Question 9 Artificial intelligence
Are we permitted to use AI to facilitate the rendering process for the competition imagery submission? Our intention is to design and develop the competition proposal using our 3D CAD program and subsequently incorporate AI to assist in applying materiality and lighting to the project proposal. Is this allowed?
There are no requirements or restrictions on what tools you will use to develop the competition design. The choice is entirely yours.
Question 8 Local partner
Do we need to team up with a local architect licensed in Bulgaria to participate in the competition?
You are not required to have a Bulgarian partner to participate and submit a project. There are no restrictions on the nationality of participants. After the competition is over and if you are ranked as a finalist for the design contract, you will need to have legal capacity in Bulgaria, but this is not necessary now. According to Bulgarian legislation, which is synchronized with European legislation, the competence of designers from other countries is directly recognized, and you will be able to register in the registers of the Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria without difficulties.
Question 7 Awards
If I win, is it mandatory to have a European bank account? Would it be permissible to provide the banking details of a third party domiciled within the European Union?
The awards for the first, second, and third place winners will be paid in Bulgarian leva or euros and transferred to bank accounts. Bank accounts outside Bulgaria and the European Union may also be used.
Question 6 Entry fee
Is there an entry fee?
There is no fee to enter the competition. Participation is completely free, and anyone can submit a project.
Question 5 Contract with the winner
Is it possible for the winner to choose whether to sign a contract for the development of a technical and detailed investment project, or is it obligatory?
In the next phase, the winner will have the right to negotiate and sign a contract. It is a matter of choice whether to proceed with the project or simply submit the design for review. If they do not sign a contract, it will not affect their ranking or the awarding of the prize.
Question 4 Budget
Can the proposed project value be presented on a single sheet, indicating only the total estimated budget, without the need for a detailed breakdown of costs?
The forecasted budget for the project’s implementation should be included. There is no requirement for a detailed breakdown; it can be just one sheet indicating only the overall estimated project budget, but it must be realistic, which will be evaluated by the jury.
Question 3 Not an architect
I possess a professional qualification as an urban planner. Do I need to have an architecture-qualified partner to participate in the competition, and should I look for a local architect as a partner?
Participation and submission of a project in the competition do not require you to have a specific architectural qualification or to have a partner from Bulgaria. There are no restrictions regarding the nationality of participants. After the competition ends and if you are shortlisted as a finalist, it will be necessary to hold a professional license in Bulgaria when signing a design contract, but this is not required at this stage.
Question 2 Legal capacity and foreign participants
Is it possible to participate in the competition if I do not have a professional license in Bulgaria, but hold one acquired in another country?
Can a foreign company registered outside Bulgaria submit a project and participate under the competition rules?
Anyone can participate in the competition, regardless of their architectural professional qualification and the country in which they are registered at the time of submitting the project. After the competition ends, and if you are shortlisted as a finalist and invited by the Employer to negotiate and sign a design contract (if placed first, second, or third), at least one team member must certify their full professional qualification. This requirement is set to ensure that you have the technical and legal capacity to develop the project in the next design phase and to submit it for approval to the relevant institutions in Bulgaria.
According to Bulgarian legislation, which is synchronized with European standards, professional qualifications obtained in other countries /especially within the European Union/ are recognized directly, and you will be able to register with the Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria (CAB) without difficulty.
Question 1 Number of participants
Is there a limit to the number of participants in a team?
There is no restriction on the number of team members, but you can only participate with one team in the competition.
It is advisable to sign a team (partnership) agreement that outlines the relationships between participants, their responsibilities, and who will represent the entire team. We can assist in preparing such a contract.