Source: https://velikotarnovocentre.com/q-a.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-20 12:31:36+00:00

Document:
At point 11 The proposed master plan should be consistent with the following list of program articulation of functions, based on the total floor-age area (228,000m2) of the NUC what is the meaning of Functions related to the engineering infrastructure?
2.1. With regard to the building of the Exposition Center – is it possible that we offer retaining walls, pergolas, amphitheater seats, external ramps and other elements of the landscape layout representing not big height in the section of the plot anticipated for the building but beyond the restrictive lines?
2.2. With regard to the areas – is it necessary that there should be on the 2 boards presented (in a table or in a text variant) floor built-up area and built-up area of the town planning proposal, as well as of the architectural proposal for the exposition center? If Yes, should we make sub-division of the floor built-up area and the built-up area of the town planning proposal per functions - residential, commercial and so on.
If the presentation on the plaques of the built-up area and built-up area is not necessary, how will the selection committee be able to evaluate the projects in conformity with this criterion?
2.1. Yes, it is possible.
2.2. Yes. It is necessary that each proposal should have design values of the structural indicators in conformity with the programme, both for the territory of the New Urban Center as a whole and specifically for the property for the Exposition Center.
A part of these indicators are FBA (Floor built-up area) and BA (Built-up area). Their calculation and demonstration in the design is a standard and established practice throughout the world in the design process and is an obligation of the designers (the participants in the competition) as a part of the implementation of the competition programme.
A substantial part of the town planning proposal is namely the balance of the areas depending on their functional designation – residential, commercial, administrative and others, from which it becomes clear that it is necessary to calculate and announce the values for each functional group either in square meters or in percentage.
I have a few questions about the competition submission, I have read and re-read the brief and some things are still unclear.
3.2. Do we also need to print a copy of the ESPD and include that in the opaque envelope?
a) All the paperwork is placed in a sealed opaque envelope.
b) Do we write this 4 digit anonymous identification number on the opaque envelope?
d) The sealed and opaque envelope is packaged together with the boards and mailed to you in one package. This package is mailed to you will have information from the sender, no? Is that OK?
3.1. This number shall be placed after your proposal arrives in the building of the Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo. The place on the board where this number will be put should be left empty.
3.2. No, the ESPD need not be presented in hard copy.
а) Yes, all the documents exclusive of the boards should be placed in the opaque envelope. The electronic carrier containing the ESPD should be placed in it, too.
b) No, this will be done by a committee of officials in the Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo.
c) Yes, such a number will be placed again by the committee mentioned herein above.
d) Yes, it is not only admissible, but it is also necessary to indicate the sender but also that this assignment is in connection with a competition for a design for a New Urban Center aimed at it being distinguished from the other arriving mail.
Should the government approvals for non existing tax debts, criminal records be presented from all the team partners in envelope 2? If the company is registered in the EU is it enough for you to check the information on a legal EU homepage concerning above mentioned issues?
If the needed information is available online, you should indicate the Internet address in ESPD and the selection committee will verify it from there. This does not mean that the obligation of all the persons to submit ESPD is dropped out.
If a participating company is from Asia, should we provide legal translations for documents necessary for submission? Should we provide diploma copies?
The documents you should present are in conformity with a model form and within this meaning no translation is needed. If you decide to fill them up in another language, in this event you should also present a legalized translation. No other documents should be presented. No diploma should be presented, but it should only be declared in the ESPD.
Dears organizers, I'm an Italian architect working for a Japanese architecture office. my Japanese company doesn't have a digital signature so I would like to know if I can sign the documents with my digital signature even if I'm not the owner of the company. And if I can sign it, should I fill the documents with my personal data or still the office data?
You may sign the documents with your electronic signature but for the purpose you should also attach a Power of Attorney from the Japanese Company by which it authorizes you to represent it. As to the ESPD, it should be signed in person by the persons representing the Company and for the purpose they should have their own electronic signatures. The documents should be signed with the data of the Company.
7.1. If the person who is signing the Form n°2 is not the owner of the company, does he must fill the authorizing document?
7.2. All the documents must be signed by the same person?
7.1. The authorized person should be with a Power of Attorney by a person who may legally manage the participant.
7.2. It is not mandatory that all the documents should be signed by the same person. It is sufficient that the signatory should be entitled to represent the participant. Regarding the signatures in ESPD see question 6.
In form n° 2 what do you mean exactly with "Power of attorney"? and the "person submitting the project proposal" can be the person who signs the documents in the place of the person which is the owner of the company?
Power of Attorney in an ordinary form in writing is meant. When another person submits the project proposal, a Power of Attorney is necessary so that he could do this.
Hello, as far as I read about it, on the envelope 2 (with all the documents) should be written information about the participant OUTSIDE ON it. I am very confused about this. Am I right? Should the second envelope (2) inside the package be labeled with a name ON TOP OUTSIDE THE ENVELOPE 2? It becomes NOT anonymous any more. Please, confirm, it is very confusing question.
Yes, you should indicate your information on envelope 2. Anonymity will not be disturbed in this manner as a committee of officials will seal these envelopes in another opaque envelope and will provide anonymity placing corresponding numbers on the boards and the envelope with the documents.
10.1. We will take part to the competition as an Italian architect (owner of the architecture office) and we will add a Bulgarian consultant as local architect; we will not a consortium.
Then the consultant will not have any legal relationship with the contracting authority and the Italian architect.
Regards the consultant, where can we add his name? what are the documents he needs to fill and send? the ESPD? in the form 2?
10.2. In the form 1, how can we demonstrate that the participant "proving undertaken reliability measures..."? what are the documents that can we use in Italy? Probably is more simple to write only a declaration?
10.1. It is not necessary to declare the consultant anywhere. If you wish to indicate his participation, this may be done in model form 1 or in a separate document / declaration in conformity with your choice.
10.2. Proving such measures is necessary only if you have committed any of the violations they refer to.
Reliability measures are based on DIRECTIVE 2014/24/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL.
In case such measures are taken, they should be declared in the ESPD.
3. has explained in detail the facts and the circumstances having actively cooperated with the competent authorities and fulfilled specific instructions, technical, organizational and staff measures, through which to prevent new crimes or offenses.
4. (New – State Gazette (SG), issue 102 of 2017, in force from 22.12.2017) has paid in full the receivable due pursuant to Art. 128, Art. 228, Para. 3 or Art. 245 of the Labor Code.
In this event the declaration is not a valid proof.
11.1. Can the signatures of the documents be scanned signature ( ESPD, Form 1, Form 2) ?
11.2. As I understood at this stage ESPD can be signed also with a normal signature and we don't need to use the digital signature. Is it correct?
11.1. No, ESPD under the virtue of the law should be signed by an electronic signature. Model forms 1 and 2 may be signed in hard copy or by an electronic signature, in conformity with the choice of the participant.
11.2. This will not result in your prompt removal, but it bears a significant risk that this will happen at a subsequent stage. After the selection committee establishes that ESPD is not signed, it will send a protocol to the participant, by which it will instruct that this irregularity should be eliminated, for which the participant will have 5 /five/ working days. If he does not manage to eliminate this irregularity, the participant will be removed. Within this meaning it is appropriate that the ESPD should be fully valid at the initial time.
paragraph 3, point 6, page 85: we don't understand where we can read art.39 para.2.
what does it mean, what documents are?
Yes, the documents are indicated there which should be contained, but it is not necessary that you should read the Regulations, it is sufficient that you submit the documents which are required in the brief and they comply with art.39 para.2. of the Regulation for Implementation of the PPA.
Hello, I would like to ask a question about the architectural competition. One of the requirements is that there should be 6 emergency exits from the big hall which should take the people directly to the terrain. My question is: must they be precisely 6 in number or could they be fewer and whether it is possible that prior to them there could be other communications as a corridor, a lounge and so on, i.e. that the way of the evacuation should be from the hall / the halls through a corridor and only after that to take out onto the terrain?
Yes. The evacuation exits must be 6 in number and they must also be with the indicated in the programme width of 2.40 m. Their location shall be in your judgment and they may be grouped (one next to the other) as well as located in various places and façades of the building.
Yes, it is possible that there should be other spaces in front of the evacuation exits as, for instance: corridors, lounges, staircases, ramps and so on with the exception of elevators, as well as that the generally known rules for the shortest way at evacuation and non-intersection of flows of people and other functions should be observed.
The requirement for the emergency exits in the competition programme is imposed by the anti-fire requirements of the effective in the Republic of Bulgaria laws and legislation.
In view of the conceptual nature of the competition the Contracting Authority did not include the full texts of the laws and the Ordinances referring to the fire safety for this type of buildings, and set up conditions concerning mainly the evacuation ways and exits, with the intention that the remaining anti-fire requirements should also be satisfied at the development of the technical design of the building for Exposition Center, without this reflecting onto the architectural concept to a significant degree.
Hello, please find attached hereto questions with regard to the Competition for a new urban center of Veliko Tarnovo.
1. Is it admissible that the competition design (2 nos. of boards, format А0) should be in the English language and the documents (a list, the application for participation, the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD), the single declaration) should be in the Bulgarian language?
2. Is it possible at the creation of an association of natural persons, to indicate the title of the association with the agreement for its creation?
3. How does the “Application for Participation – model form No 1” differ from the “List of Presented Documents”?
4.1. Must the document remain bilingual or may the information which is in the English language be erased?
4.2. In item 1. “European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) (in conformity with a model form)” is it described which natural persons the ESPD is applied for?
4.3. What is meant under “Documents proving the taken measures for reliability when applicable (when such measures are not available at hand, it is written “inapplicable”)” in the Application for Participation?
4.4. In item 2. When inapplicable – where should this be written down?
4.5. With the availability of a document for creation of an association, what is to be filled up in item 3 of the Application for Participation? May the text be erased and may it be described that “Agreement for creation of an association between natural persons” is applied?
4.6. Who signs the Application for Participation? The representative of the association of natural persons?
5. With an “Agreement for creation of an association between five natural persons who appoint one partner in the agreement itself who shall represent them, how many ESPDs should be filled up?
6.1. Must the declaration be bilingual or may the information which is in the English language be erased?
6.2. In event that in the “Agreement for creation of an association” the natural persons appointed a partner who shall represent the association, is it possible that ONLY this authorized partner should fill up and sign the Declaration – model form No 2?
6.3. Where in the Declaration – model form No 2 is the title of the association indicated as it is written down in the “Agreement for creation of an association”?
6.4. What is to be filled up in the fields “Headquarters” and “Correspondence address” in event of an association of natural persons?
6.5. In event of availability of an “Agreement for creation of an association” between five natural persons, in which they appointed one partner who shall represent the association, who are the “Persons representing the Participant in conformity with the Constituent Act”?
6.6. In event of availability of an “Agreement for creation of an association” between five natural persons, in which they appointed one partner who shall represent the association, is a “certified copy of a Power of Attorney” necessary?
6.7. If “Yes”, who authorizes whom and for what? Please, specify.
7. Is is admissible that the documents should be presented ONLY on a hard copy carrier and the ESPD with a qualified electronic signature only on a CD/flash?
8. Must the ESPD be printed out or is it submitted ONLY on an electronic carrier (CD/flash)?
1. Yes, such a variant is admissible.
2. Yes, it is not only possible but in principle this is the manner for determination of the title of the association.
3. The list contains in itself all the documents in the project proposal, and the Application only those indicated in the Implementing Regulations of the Public Procurement Act.
4. (new - SG, issue 102 of 2017, in force from 22.12.2017) has paid in full the receivable due pursuant to Art. 128, Art. 228, Para. 3 or Art. 245 of the Labor Code.
4.1. The English text may be erased. The Bulgarian text should obligatorily remain.
4.2. Yes, it is indicated for each ESPD which declares the circumstances. If this is a natural person, his names are indicated.
3. has exhaustively clarified the facts and the circumstances, having actively cooperated with the competent authorities and fulfilled specific instructions, technical, organizational and staff measures, through which to prevent new crimes or violations.
4.4. It is written in the application for participation itself.
4.5. The law does not make difference between an association of natural persons and an association of legal entities. The text that an agreement is applied for creation of an association is absolutely sufficient. If you still insist on specifying that the association is of natural persons, you may indicate this as a clarification after the text.
5. 6 /six/ numbers of ESPD should be filled up – one for the association and five for each of its members.
6.1. The information in English may be erased. The text in Bulgarian is obligatory.
6.2. Yes, declaration model form No 2 is filled up only by the person representing the association.
6.3. The title of the association is indicated in the name of the participant as in this event the association is the participant.
6.4. The headquarters and/or the address of the leading partner are indicated.
6.5. This is the leading partner.
6.6. No, the association is represented by the leading partner under the virtue of the agreement for creation of an association.
6.7. There is no need of authorization.
7. Yes, only ESPD should obligatorily be presented in an electronic variant. The other documents may be in hard copy.
8. ESPD need not be printed out.
- Is the positioning of all the plans with the north turned upwards as on plaque 1 and on plaque 2?
- Is it possible that the situational plan of the exposition center should be presented in scale 1:500, and not 1:1000 for better presentation of the landscape solution of the surrounding area?
- Could you provide us with information about the altimeter (the altitude above the seal level) of Stambolov Bridge as well as about the site of the State Art Gallery opposite?
No. There are no mandatory conditions about the composition of the boards as well as with regard to the orientation of the drawings and the schemes if the direction North, South is indicated in them.
The composition of the boards is a matter of design, this is why we would not like to impose a composition scheme, on the contrary – the author’s vision for the subject-matter of the competition and the manifestation of style in its presentation is seen in the composition.
It is necessary to observe the indicated in the competition programme contents of the separate boards 1 and 2 as well as the scales of the main drawings and schemes. The more insignificant information may be presented also in a smaller scale.
About the ESPD video on Youtube, in the beginning, do you mean first, middle, last names by "three names"? In Part IV C: Technical and professional ability section, what do you mean by "the number of diploma"? Do you need to know how many? Not a name of a degree?
Yes, these names may be first name, second name and surname. Indicate the names as they are stated in your identity paper.
In part IV В a serial number or an outgoing number of the diploma which distinguishes it from the remaining ones is meant. The Contracting Authority is not interested in the number of diplomas. If your diploma does not have a number, indicate only the University which it was issued by.
What does "UIC/BULSTAT/Personal Number (or other identification information in accordance with the legislation of the country in which the participant is established)" stand for?
We suggest that this number is equivalent to ITN (Individual Taxpayer Number) in our country, could you confirm that we are right?
In the Bulgarian legislation the legal entities may have a unique personal number which identifies the Company as an individual person. If the companies in conformity with your legislation are identified by the Individual Taxpayer Number, then indicate it.
I have a question about the hand-over of the documents for the competition. What are the requirements to the person who shall hand over the package with our project in the building of the Municipality? Must he have a notarial certified Power of Attorney? And if the answer is yes, may the Power of Attorney be in English and be certified in the state where the architect is from?
There is no need of a notarial certified Power of Attorney for the hand-over of the Project. The person may be authorized both by a Power of Attorney in writing and verbally.
Hello, I have a few questions related to the filling up of the documents. 1. To one of the questions you answered that when a consortium participates, 3 nos. of ESPD are filled up – one for the participants in the consortium and one on behalf of the consortium itself. In such an event, when the participants in the consortium fill up their ESPDs, in part II, to the question “Does the economic operator participate in the procedure for award of a public procurement together with other economic operators?” should the other participant in the consortium be indicated? 2. In Part IV, Section С, should the same person be filled up in the 3 nos. of ESPD? 3. Should the ESPD, filled up on behalf of the consortium be signed only by the participant selected as a representative or by the two participants?
1. Yes, this is the place in ESPD, which the other members of the association are indicated in.
2. This person should be indicated only in ESPD of the association because he as a participant uses it to cover the selection criteria.
3. Yes, ESPD of the consortium is signed only by the representative (the leading partner).
Mr. Daniel Panov, I contact you in order understand the exact deadline of submission of the competition for the NUC of Veliko Tarnovo. I'm sorry if this question is been already done by someone else, but I couldn't find it on the web. Does the package has to be at your municipality not after 5 pm of 20 July, or is it possible to send the package from the post office until 5 pm of 20 July?
Your first guess is right. The proposals must have been submitted to the Municipality of Veliko Turnovo before 17:00 (5 pm) on 20.07.2018. Proposals received after this deadline will not be considered, whether they were sent before that date or not.
Dear Organizers, I would like to know whether it is possible to change the shapes and construction features in the Detailed Structure Plan and the size and design of the streets (by design I mean position of the parking lot, the pedestrian walkway and the pedestrian promenade in the street, and not in the direction of the street that I know should be kept as in the Detailed Structure Plan).
The area of the territory occupied by streets, squares and alleys in your project proposals may be increased or reduced as long as the already existing water and sewerage network is not disrupted and ensure good pedestrian and transport accessibility.
The purpose of the competition (page 7) is to obtain project ideas for the NUC and in the strategy of the competition (page 8) it is written that on the basis of the selected competition projects will be updated the spatial development plans for the territory based on the best concepts of its renewal into NUC, which makes it clear that you may not comply with the current DDP for the site.
What is zip code (postal code) of the address?
The postal code of Veliko Tarnovo is 5000. The full address of the Contracting Authority is mentioned on page 2 of the Competition Program.
Can you give more information about Yantra river – ecological status, using by citizens? Is it floating in different seasons of a year? Can we propose to use it for sport activities base on it`s?
Yes, you can offer your ideas for greater access to the Yantra River, as well as suggestions for sports, recreation and recreational functions related to this despite the fact that the river bed is outside the scope of the competition program.
The Yantra River is not navigable for river vessels in its section passing through Veliko Tarnovo, mainly due to the difficult access to the steep and high shores.
In the different seasons, the river level is variable depending on the amount of rainfall in its water catchment area, but the Yantra River is also a protected area to the Natura 2000 Ecological Network, which means that construction works in its riverbed, except for those related to the strengthening of the shore and its periodic cleaning, are limited to a minimum.
According to the Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) in force in the Republic of Bulgaria, the ecological status of the Yantra River is "Moderate" and its chemical composition is "Good", with a prescription for improving the ecological status to "Good" in the period up to 2021.
Dear Organizers, in the description of the obligatory material for the Master plan it is mentioned a General Plan in 1:2000 and a Fragment of the Transport plan in 1:2000. They both have the same scale and it is not possible to show a more detailed information on one of both. Could we avoid to present this Fragment, as it is actually already presented in the General Plan? If not, please specify what kind of detail you expect to see on the same scale?
The master plan for the site includes different and multilateral information related to construction, landscaping, transport, communications and other urban and spatial aspects. Gathering them in one drawing is necessary to present and analyze the qualities of your project proposal in its entirety. The transport-communication plan clarifies a specific element of your overall proposal, and we have defined a scale of 1:5000 or 1:1000 for its performance.
Considering the exceptional importance of this part of your proposals, the Contracting Authority has included a fragmentation in M 1:2000 for the purpose of presenting your concept in detail, given the possibility of developing a part of the transport-communication plan at two or more levels.
I have only one question to ask: Must we deliver also the "Проект на договор-Draft contract" inside the envelope N.2 filled in and signed?
No, the draft contract is only for the purpose of getting the participants acquainted with its content. By signing the unified declaration you agree to the content of the contract.
Could you clarify requirement from the page 86 of the Competition Brief: "The design entering for competition and the documents under art. 39, para. 2 of the Regulation for Implementation of the PPA shall be submitted by the participant or by an authorized representative in person or by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt at the registry office of the Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo, at the following address: 2 Mayka Bulgaria Square until 5 pm on 20 July 2018."
What do you exactly mean by "registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt"? Would it be sufficient if we get an Electronic proof of delivery from our mail service?
Acknowledgment of receipt means that it is possible to certify receipt of the project in the building of the Municipality. In this sense, the Post Office e-mail certificate is sufficient.
In case if we send printed boards, does "Envelope №1" has to be literally an envelope, or it could be any form of a package (cardboard box, etc).?
No, the packaging does not need to be an envelope. It can be in any form, as long as it is opaque, including a cardboard box, a box, etc.
Are there any requirements concerning the printed boards (paperweight, finishing(matte/glossy, etc.)?
No, there are no such conditions.
Can we place printed boards in a cardboard tube inside the first package(Envelope №1), for a matter of their protection?
Yes, there is no problem if the boards are sent in a tube or otherwise packaged.
When we write down the list of submitted documents, should we include there all the documents from the second envelope only or from both envelopes (in case if boards with the design are considered as a document)?
There are no strict terms regarding the content of the list. It is logical to indicate the entire contents of the package (Envelope No.1).
You've mentioned (Q&A 3, question 2) that: " The documents (Numbers 1,2,3 and 5) should be in a separate sealed envelope, with identification data for the participant." Do we have to simply write our studio's name on it, or there must be other additional information?
There are no conditions regarding the information on the envelope. You can only specify your studio name or more information at your discretion.
“Economic Operator” is the term used for the “participant”?
Yes, an economic operator is an expression referring to the participant.
Once you are a consortium, you should submit three ESPDs - one for the consortium and one for each of the participants. In this case, in Part II, Section A, the information of the person to whom ESPD relates shall be filled in. The consortium's ESPD details the data of the consortium, and the details of the participants shall be given in the participants’ ESPD.
Can both members of the “Partnership” act as representatives and if so, should both be completing “Part II-Section B”?
Yes, the law does not prohibit the two participants from representing the consortium. To that end, however, the consortium agreement / contract must agree how exactly this representation will be, and in particular whether the two representatives represent together or separately.
Should “Part III – Sections A-D” be completed by all (the “Consortium” and the members which make it up)?
Yes, all three of them must complete Part III in the ESPD (both consortium and each member).
Should “Part IV-Section C” be completed by one or both Representatives of the “Consortium”?
Part IV, Section C is to be filled in in the ESPD submitted by the consortium as it is the participant. It is not wrong to include this information in ESPDs of one or the other, or both participants.
On “Part II – Section C” and “Part VI – Concluding Statements”, you mention rules and regulations under “Part V”. There is no “Part V” on this form.
Part V is generally available in the ESPD, but in the particular form, the Contracting Authority has not set requirements for it to be filled in and therefore does not appear in it. The text referred to in Part V is standard and can not be changed and has, therefore, remained in ESPD.
Do we have to follow the "detailed city development plan" provided in the brief or can we propose a new urban layout with new street layouts and cadastral plan?
There is no requirement to comply with the Detailed Development Plan given in the competition program. Information on previous developments is helpful to participants in the contest.
However, the contest proposal must not change the existing underground infrastructure (see Figure 6 on page 38).
Stage 2: On the basis of the selected competition projects, the land development plans will be updated on the basis of the best concepts for its renovation into a New City Center, which makes it clear that you do not have to comply with the current working Detailed development plan.
Hello, we would like to ask a question on the Technical Assignment of the Exposition Center and in particular item 2.7 - Amphitheater and other functional spaces. Are these complementary functional spaces obligatory or desirable? And should they be searched within the boundaries of the property or could they affect neighboring properties?
- Design and develop spaces to complement the functions of the building. Some of them shall provide the opportunity to temporarily merge with the interior spaces of the lobby, if necessary, in order to improve the architectural and exhibition qualities of the centre.
Yes. These spaces are mandatory for anticipation and development.
Yes. Their place should be searched within the boundaries of the property without involving neighbouring properties.
Dear Organizers, could we submit the ESPD after the results, in case of winning?
No, ESPD must be submitted together with the project proposal.
Can you specify details of the project? On the plan, we see several hills straight in the middle of the terrain with a depth of the channels up to 5 meters. Can we specify exactly what these channels represent and is it obligatory to include them in the project?
Your question is most likely about the excavations from the underground water supply network. The preparation and implementation of this project is under a European Operational Program, where the routes of the underground pipelines comply with the current Detailed Development Plan for the territory. That is why the Contracting Authority has set the condition for preserving the roads of the completed water and sewerage infrastructure in a plan without limiting your project proposals in the vertical direction. The exact fitting in vertical terms of the access roads and linking-up the existing buildings with the constructed water supply pipelines and the levels of the newly designed streets is a complex technical task, which can only be solved with a detailed investment project.
"Economic Operator" is the term used for the "participant"?
Yes, an economic operator is the expression referring to the participant.
Is "Part II - Section A" completed by the "participant" only? In our case, the "participant" is a "consortium" (not a legal entity) formed as a "Partnership" for this purpose by two Certified Architects as "Natural Persons".
Can both members of the "Partnership" act as representatives and if so, should both be completing "Part II-Section B"?
Should "Part III - Sections A-D" be completed by all (the "Consortium" and the members which make it up)?
Should "Part IV-Section C" be completed by one or both Representatives of the "Consortium"?
Part IV, Section C, is to be filled in in the ESPD submitted by the consortium as it is the participant. It is not wrong to include this information in ESPDs of one or the other, or both participants.
On "Part II - Section C" and "Part VI – Concluding Statements", you mention rules and regulations under "Part V". There is no "Part V" on this form.
1. How economical is it to use 1/6 of the heating-ventilation and cooling mode for the capacity of the entire lobby?
2. When carrying out 6 individual events, how should orientation and organization be envisaged in the main lobby?
3. How long is the reorganization planned for conducting events of different size and scope? Including for installations, preparation and heating / cooling of space required for conducting?
4. Does the division of 6 halls mean the division of 6 equal spaces?
5. Is it possible that the area of the individual 6 halls is significantly smaller than the area of the main hall?
6. Can the six separate rooms have different proportions and sizes?
1. The present Contest for a conceptual project of the Exposition Center does not require the development of HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) project, especially since the Contracting Authority did not include a detailed technical specification for the ventilation and air-conditioning of the building. This will be done in the next design phase, namely a technical design.
2. The orientation and organization of the visitors in the main lobby is a complex issue, including a quality architectural solution, a stylish interior with excellent visual and communication semiotics and, last but not least, a good logistic culture and organizational skills. Things that Contracting Authority expects to receive from you.
3. The Contracting Authority does not have any requirements regarding the time required for the transformation of the Grand Hall and has no requirement for different temperature parameters of the individual spaces.
4. The Contracting Authority did not explicitly require that, in the transformation, the spaces to which a Grand Hall is divided should have the same area.
5. Yes, it is possible, as long as they meet the requirements of the competition program (page 21).
6. Yes, it is possible, as long as they meet the requirements of the competition program (page 21).
In one of the previous questions about the possible addition of complementary functions to the main purpose of the building, the honorable organizers respond that this is possible.
1. Whether these added additional features to be on the account of the required floor area or be added to the required floor area according to the program of the competition?
For all functional areas of the Exhibition Center, approximate but not strictly mandatory values of the areas are given. The addition of additional features is a matter of discretion for each participant, and the areas of these new functions may coincide with the areas for the mandatory functions (included in the competition program).
Could you tell us if the large hall must be on one floor level or not? Can it have a stepped floor to use the unique terrain?
The Contracting Authority does not require a Grand Hall to be projected on one or more levels; this should be part of your design solution.
The design of the Exposition Center has the freedom to use the terrain features, as well as not to comply with them.
Hello, have you done a sample for composing dashboard 2 of the plans (at least 4), sections (at least 2), facades (at least 4) in 1:200 + views on sheet A0, and whether it fits?
Yes, we have done samples on the composition of the dashboards before the contest was announced, and then we specified the scale of the submission of the project proposals.
The dimensions of the plot assigned to the Exposition Center are approximately 99/83 m, which in M 1: 200 fit into a rectangle measuring 50/42 cm. Both building plans (underground and main level) could be composed next to each other and occupy ~ 50% of the area of the dashboard, the remaining levels and semi-levels (if the competition program is complied with) should occupy a considerably smaller area, all the more so that we have already explained in a previous answer to such a question that secondary plans and sections can be presented on a smaller scale, so that together with the text information they would occupy ~ 25% of the area of the dashboard.
The longest possible facade / section according to the plot assigned to the Exposition Center has a maximum length of 100 m and the maximum height is determined by the number of levels and above all by the height of the Great Hall and the main lobby, as in its most extreme version would not be more than 20 m (including underground level(s)). These parameters in M 1:200 fit into a rectangle with a maximum size of 50/10 cm, which for 4 facades and maximum two incisions will occupy 25% of the dashboard area.
The composition of the dashboard is a matter of design, so we do not want to impose a compositional scheme, on the contrary - the composition of the dashboard shows the author's vision of the theme of the contest and the appearance of style in its presentation.
Hello, We couldn't be sure about how much can we raise or lower the elevations of the current street paths due to the lack of knowledge about the elevation of the infrastructure. Is there a certain limit about changing the elevations of the streets inside our borders?
Considering the conceptual nature of this competition, the Contracting Authority has set the condition for keeping the infrastructure of the water and sewerage infrastructure in a plan, without restricting your proposals in the vertical direction. The exact adaptation of the approaches and the inclusions of the existing buildings with the already constructed plumbing and the levels of the newly designed streets in the vertical direction is a rather complicated technical task, which can be solved only with a detailed investment project.
The purpose of this contest is to find a solution to the urban development tasks of the New Urban Center, which is very important and necessary for the city before moving to a detailed design of the street levels.
Is it possible, in anticipation of a new development on the territory of the New Urban Center, to offer a building with an administrative-business function, which falls within the boundaries of the property, where at present is situated the functioning building of the Administrative Court of Veliko Tarnovo (Landed property 10447.513.299 according to the cadastral map of the city), as with such a proposal, the existing building is preserved and the boundaries of the existing property are not changed?
No, it's not possible. The property you quote is denoted in Figure 9 as such with a retaining building and is not subject to change.
According to a previous Q&A we understood that we can participate as 1 company and add only informatively 2-3 consultants, (without any legal relationship between them and the contracting authority). Could we be sure that in case of announcing our project on the website, our full list of participants (1 Company-officially and legally and 2 consultants) will be announced ?
Yes, in case of a rewarding of your project, the names of the consultants may be published together with that of the participant.
We have a question concerning the communications and transport network: Is it possible to provide a covered road network for maintenance and access at current underground infrastructures? Is it possible to create above this covered road network driveways, paths, and parks?
Your contest proposals may include any developments for communication and transport networks, provided that access to the already completed water and sewerage infrastructure and to the existing and newly planned construction is provided.
Dear Organizers, i have question about the underground infrastructure. If we want to make an underground street for all type of vehicles, we have to push down the level and dig another 2 meters. This means that the underground infrastructure has to go down as well. Is this allowed, if we apply it only on 1 part of the NUC ?
The purpose of this contest is to find a solution to the urban development tasks of the New Urban Center, which is very important and necessary for the city, before moving to a detailed design of the street levels.
Dear organizers, if we consider that the built occupation on ground floor should be of 30400 m2 and that the total built area (including all floors above the ground floor) should be 228000 m2, this means that the average block should have a total height of 7,5 floors. This seems to be too high for an area that is already on the top of a hill in front of the old city.
We would like to know if in the total amount of built m2 (the 228000 m2) the floors below the ground floor that are semi-buried also can be counted. That would mean that the visible floors on top of level +0.00 of the plan would be less than 7,5 floors. That would be more human scale.
The competition program states that the MAXIMUM Built-up Area (total built-up area), planned for new construction is 228,000 sq.m.
The Contracting Authority has not set a mandatory condition for reaching the maximum total built-up area, as well as a condition for a minimum built-up area for the individual properties and the territory of the New Urban Center as a whole.
You have the freedom to develop your project proposals according to your aesthetic and conceptual views.
Levels (floors) where the ceiling is located more than 1.50 m above the elevation of the middle level of the adjacent terrain to the street.
We tried to contact BORIKA and several other providers of electronic signatures in Bulgaria. Obtaining an electronic signature requires the personal presence of the recipient in the company's office. Is there a chance for our group (we are in Russia) to take part in the competition?
Yes, you can participate in the contest. The Contracting Authority has not stipulated that the participants shall have an electronic signature issued by the Bulgarian company. The same may be issued in another EU Member State, Russia or another non-EU country. The only condition is that this signature must possess the characteristics mentioned in the previous explanations.
A list of European Union Certification Services providers can be found here: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/tl-browser/#/search/type/3.
Apart from the above, I would like to inform you that the signing of the ESPD is not a ground for removal at this stage, but if your project is successful, you will have 5 /five/ working days to fulfill this condition, otherwise, you will be disqualified.
Hello, is it possible to set up a team of the designer company (legal person) and freelancer architect (natural person)? In other words, is it possible to develop a project that is co-authored by EOOD and a graduate freelance architect?
Yes, it is possible to participate in this way in the competition. One possibility is to unify the designer and the certified architect. Another option is for the company to enter into a civil contract with the architect and to use it as a third party if the company does not have its own graduate architects or as a subcontractor if it uses the architect only as an additional resource. In this case, the company participates independently. Both versions are perfectly legitimate and possible and can be freely chosen by the participants.
With regard to existing huge trenches throughout the entire competition site, please answer in a clear and simple way: - Are these the future final levels under the current detailed development plan for the street network? - If they are not, clarify what are the elevations of the future street network that should be observed?
We have no idea about the e-signature as we said in another question so could you tell us any specific method to sign digitally? E-signature is not common in our country; therefore, we have not figured out how to do that. We are planning to use "Borica", do you accept it? How does it work?
• and based on a Qualified Electronic Signature Certificate.
If the device you own meets those features, then it can be used to sign the documents. The best information about whether a particular service has the required features can be given by the company that provides this service.
Borica is currently available in the 'Certification Service Providers Register' of the Communications Regulation Commission, and their signature could only be used if it is qualified electronic signature rather than another service.
Hi, There is a significant height difference between the roads and the surrounding terrain, are we supposed to plan to fill up the difference in height to even up the terrain, or can we plan to have two levels: the road level, and bridges over it connecting the surrounding terrain?
Achieving pedestrian and transport accessibility should be part of your contest proposal. Raising the terrain level under a current Detailed Development Plan for a road network is unacceptable as access to part of the completed water cycle infrastructure will be compromised.
Referring to the construction density and intensity coefficient, could we propose a few districts exceeding 40% density and increase the intensity coefficient at the same time. But keeping the Overall density and intensity coefficient in NUC under 40% and 3 respectively. For example, Regulation District 586 (0% and 0), 587 (10% and 1), 588(0% and 0), 595(60% and 5), 590 (80% and 4), 591(70% and 4) etc.
Yes, for this very reason, the Contracting Authority has set limit values for construction for the whole territory and has not specified specific requirements for construction for the individual neighborhoods.
In other Q&A, you replied that roads could be refined where the underground infrastructures are not being affected. However, in page 13 of the competition program, the area of the planned transport infrastructure is listed and we should be consistent with the figure, if we decide to delete a few branches of roads, does it mean that we need to subsidy other new roads to meet the figure.
In the new urban centre is supposed to operate sites generating serious pedestrian and vehicle traffic. As a city centre, it should be secured with transport infrastructure with good conductivity. In this connection, the area occupied by streets, squares and alleys can be both increased and reduced, as long as water and sewerage networks are not compromised and better pedestrian and transport accessibility to be provided.
In one of the Q&A, you answered the underground infrastructure is not permissible to cover by any buildings, facilities and tree vegetation. Is a covered walkway under any of these categories?
Covered walkways may be included in your contest proposal, provided that the access to the completed water infrastructure is not compromised.
Is it possible to cantilever Expo Centre outside the construction borders (dotted line, page 44), but inside the land designated for Expo Centre?
Yes, it is possible to console the building or parts of it outside the building lines, subject to the following clarification: In front of the outer line of construction, when it does not coincide with the street regulation line, are allowed balconies and bay windows up to 1.5 m that cannot cross the street regulation line.
In the laws and regulations in force in the Republic of Bulgaria, there are strict rules for the edges of the buildings. Their detailed description and interpretation are not included in the competition program due to the conceptual level of project development. In the next design phase, namely a technical design, the current technical and construction norms, which will be described in detail in the design specification, must be observed.
In case if it is possible: can we cantilever part of the volume of Expo Centre towards the Alexander Stamboliyski Street if we respect and preserve the visual corridor (for Stambolov Bridge and the Asenevtsi Monument) at the human eyesight level?
Can we cantilever part of the volume of Expo Centre towards the other sides?
Yes, it is possible to console parts of the building outside the outer (towards the street) and the internal (to the neighboring site) building lines, under the following clarification: In front of the outer line of construction, when it does not coincide with the street regulation line, are allowed balconies and bay windows up to 1.5 m that cannot cross the street regulation line.
Dear organizers, we are preparing the layout of the panels and in one A0 it is impossible to fit all plans, sections and elevations of the building on scale 1:200. They are simply too big. Would it be possible then to put the main plan and the main section on 1:200 and then the rest (parking plan, roof plan, secondary sections and the elevations) on 1:500? Otherwise not only all the drawings together would be bigger than the A0 and would not fit in it, but also there will be no space left for visualizations and diagrams.
You do not necessarily represent drawings with all the facades, as well as plans and cuts of all levels at the specified scale, but only those that show that you meet the requirements of item 2 of the building assignment and by which you offer an original, functional and constructive solution. Drawings showing secondary information may be presented in the form of drawings, sketches, axonometry, etc. on a scale of your choice.
We are architects in the US. Please confirm the full address that we can send the CD of our entry to.
The design contest and the documents shall be submitted by the participant or by his authorized representative - either personally or by post or other courier service with registered delivery with acknowledgment of receipt, in the register office in the building of the Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo, at 2 Maika Bulgaria Square until 17:00 on 20.07.2018.
Dear organizers, there are several architects in our team. Electronic signatures have been received in Russia. Is there a need to confirm electronic signatures in organizations certified in Bulgaria?
• based on a Qualified Electronic Signature Certificate.
We want to list consultants as team members. Is it possible to state their names and information only on form no 1 and not as an espd document?
What matters is the role of so-called consultants. If they are part of an unincorporated company, then each of the members of this company should submit a separate ESPD. If a consultant is a person who is a graduate architect, it should also submit a separate ESPD as it is a third party within the meaning of the Public procurement law. In the event that the consultants do not fall into either category but are used to give a competent opinion on a given matter, then their listing in the application or another separate list could be accepted. Provided that the mention of these consultants is informative and does not seek to create any legal relationship between them and the contracting authority. If it is intended to create any such link, they should be declared as third parties or subcontractors and accordingly submit a separate ESPD or participate in an informal company or consortium and re-submit a separate ESPD.
How can I participate in the competition? I need to understand the “ESPD” steps. I appreciate your consideration.
Participation in the competition is made with the submission of a project proposal.
• ESPD is then saved in .pdf format and this file shall be signed with a qualified electronic signature.
• The signed ESPD in .pdf format is recorded on electronic media.
We could not find reliable heights of the land facing the NUC territory in open sources, as well as in the dwg (V.Tarnovo_AutoCAD_r2000) file you have provided on your site (Heights of the topographical contours in that file are obviously wrong). Could you kindly provide us with this data, if it's possible?
Any information concerning the heights would be highly appreciated.
Screenshots below display the area of our interest (on the left) and topographical contours shown in 3d view from the file (V.Tarnovo_AutoCAD_r2000) that is available on the competition site.
In the file 'V.Tarnovo_AutoCAD_r2000.dwg', which is part of the Appendices to the competition program, there are partial data on the terrain of the central zone in Veliko Tarnovo.
These data are in the form of topographical outlines (horizontal projections of points at the same altitude, over 1 meter) and should be considered namely in a plan (horizontal projection).
Hello, I hope this is the right platform to ask questions regarding the brief. We noticed that there is an expectation of 10% 'Sports Function' (approx. 22.8k sqm) within the brief for NUC masterplan. The total area of the land designated for the new construction is 76k sqm. Given that sport fields are flat and one-level functions, they will occupy a considerable portion of the site. Is this assumption and proportions correct? Would you please clarify what the intentions from Sports Functions are? Do we expect a football field, etc? Thank you.
The Contracting Authority has already clarified a question with similar content. All answers to queries are posted on a regular basis in the "Q&A" section of the contest website (http://velikotarnovocentre.com/q-and-a-bg.html) and in the "Buyer’s Profile" section of the website of the Contracting Authority (https://www.veliko-tarnovo.bg/bg/profil-na-kupuvacha/).
22,800 sq. m. is the recommended share of the total built-up area with sporting functions, based on the amount of the total built-up area envisaged for new construction. The Contracting Authority has no requirements and recommendations as to the type of sporting objects as well as the area of the site for the NUC to accommodate them. You have been right to find that if your design solution for sporting features is composed only of the classic type of sports fields occupying a large area, a significant part of the area for the NUC will be occupied by sports facilities.
Hello, May I ask if participants can choose and propose a design for only the masterplan of NUC, or only the Exposition Center? Or each participant should submit a design for both? Thank you.
No, they can not choose. Only participants who have proposed both a town-planning solution (concept) and a project (concept) for the building of the exhibition centre are eligible to participate.
Dear Organizers, i have one question about the evacuation exits from the big Hall. For example, if the foyer is at the hypothetic +0,00 level, and the Hall is on a +4,00 , could i use 1 evacuation staircase+elevator, reachable by a corridor from all the 6 Halls (when divided). In addition there is separate vertical connection (not for evacuation) between the 2 levels. Thank you in advance!
Yes, you have the complete freedom to design your idea of an Expo Center, as long as you meet the requirements of the competition program.
1. Functional exits / entrances from and in the hall shall be at least six, with a minimum width of 2.40 m each, with a transitional space for information boxes, wardrobes and sanitary facilities.
They provide the link of the hall with the main lobby, which in turn must have independent and representative exit / entrance.
2. Evacuation exits (other than those described above), with direct access to the outdoors - outside the building. Their number must be six, with a minimum width of each of them - 2.40m. The evacuation requirements are mandatory from the point of view of fire safety.
• Individual exits / entrances to each of the 6 parts (halls) of the main lobby must be provided.
• as well as access to direct evacuation exits must be provided, which can also be reached by staircases, ramps and corridors (in the case of evacuation no lift is allowed).
If we have not breached our obligations, do we need to answer this question, or this is only for those who have indeed breached their obligations?
No, you do not have to answer this question. Once the participant has not committed any of the listed violations, there is no obligation to declare any reliability measures.
For some points, we simply don't know if there is a database free of charge and we have realized trying to know that, that it is quite difficult to know if such a website exists.
Can we answer then for this first phase 'no' and then afterward, in case we are in a state of getting a contract if we win, provide all the required information ourselves via lawyers or similar?
These issues in ESPD are set to facilitate participants. Once it's not known if the information is available at a complimentary and free access address, then you say "no". If this information is subsequently detected, it may be presented as necessary after the winner has been selected.
In the brief, we read: d) Does the registration or certification cover all of the required selection criteria?
Our certification indicates when the company was open, that we have a valid operational permit for an indefinite time, our address, the name and address of the two owners. Is that what you mean for 'selection criteria'?
In your question, it is stated that the quote is from the Assignment, but it is from ESPD. The Contracting Authority does not make a registration requirement, so this issue is inappropriate.
What do you mean by 'references' in this text.
In your question, it is stated that the quote is from the Assignment, but it is from ESPD. The participants should not respond to this issue, as there are no requirements for registration or certification according to the instructions in the Assignment.
We are having problems understanding what do you mean as 'digital signature'.
In the official website of our country (the Netherlands) the government distinguishes between a Digital signature and a Qualified electronic signature.
A digital signature is just a scanned signature.
A qualified electronic signature has to be approved by one external company who provides companies a kind of certification.
Can we just scan our signature and paste it with Acrobat in the ESPD document or do we need another kind of certificate?
The electronic signature that shall be used is a Qualified electronic signature. Scanned handwritten signature is not recognized as an electronic signature, and the document will be considered as unsigned.
In the brief we read: If applicable, is the economic operator registered on an official list of approved economic operators or does it have an equivalent certificate (e.g. under a national (pre)qualification system)?
Do you refer here to the registration in the Chamber of Commerce of our country?
In your question, it is stated that the quote is from the Assignment, but it is from ESPD. In this case, participants do not have to register with a particular organization in order to participate in the competition. This requirement is not mandatory and does not necessarily correspond to it and to the question in ESPD.
Hello, In the provided documents, it's very difficult and confusing to understand where the photos were taken from. Is it possible to provide an indicator for some photos which shows where the photograph was taken from? Thanks in advance.
Hello, you can find an INTERACTIVE MAP - http://www.velikotarnovocentre.com/interactive-map-en.html on the contest site in the GALLERY section. Icons indicate the locations where each of the photos is taken.
If we unite for example 6 or more plots in 1 and the underground infrastruction in this area is serving only this newly formed plot, could we have a built up area that is partly overlaying the underground infrastructure?
It is not permissible to propose solutions for changes in the water supply networks or their partial coverage with buildings, facilities and tree vegetation.
What about the heat pipeline? should it be kept unbuild on ground level, or again can be partly built ?
There is no statutory requirement for its preservation.
Dear Organizers, we are participating as an informal team of 2 architects. In the competition brief it is written that each one of the participants should fill the ESPD, in the Q&A i read that we need as well 1 ESPD for the union (consortium). Does that mean that we need to obtain 3 ESPD with 3 Certified electronic signatures ? Please clarify that requirement. Second question - could we make a union of 1 Company (legal entity) and 2 architects? How many ESPD should we provide in this case?
1. Have you correctly understood that in the case of the unification of two architects, it is necessary to present three copies of European Single Procurement Document (ESPDs), one on behalf of the unification and one copy for each partner. The ESPD of the unification shall be signed by the lead partner defined in the Consortium Agreement. The other two are signed by the respective partner. That is, only the two architects must have a qualified electronic signature.
2. Yes, it is possible to create a union of a legal entity (company) and two architects. In this case, four ESPDs should be submitted. One for unification and one for each partner - two of the architects and one of the company. The company's copy should be signed by the persons listed on pages 83-84 of the Assignment.
Can you give any information of local service shop of printing documents, saving into DVD and delivering to the submission address?
Providing sample information on where you can print and burn a disk on the territory of the municipality would violate the freedom to provide services amongst companies performing such services. Such information and contacts can be found on the Internet. During the competitive procedure, the Contracting Authority can not provide you with a proxy or partner to submit your contest documentation as this would violate the principles of equality and free competition.
In the event that you choose an alternative for submitting your project proposal from another person, there should be an authorization of the person submitting the offer in case the person is not a courier.
We would like to know if there are any laws in Bulgaria concerning Norms of Insolation, that we need to consider?
And if they exist, could you please provide them?
Yes, naturally, there are regulatory requirements in the Republic of Bulgaria concerning the spatial planning, construction, etc. They are publicly available both on the Internet and on a paper or digital medium in the commercial network on the territory of the country.
However, their quantity and variety are such that it is not in our power, as the organizers of the competition, to collect, summarize and provide this information for the needs of the participants, and it is not necessary. In drawing up the competition program, we have complied with the hypothesis that participants from other countries do not know in detail the legal and regulatory base in the Republic of Bulgaria.
That is why the competition is for an urban concept and for a conceptual project for an Exposition Center building, where it is sufficient to observe the general architect knowledge, rules and physical laws and it is not necessary to respect the local development and construction norms.
In the next stages of planning and design, after completion of the current competition, detailed terms and conditions will be prepared for the contractors, who will clearly regulate all the regulatory requirements.
In the previous "Questions & Answers", you've replied to another participant that we can unite adjacent plots (grey zones), but it's not completely clear yet.
Could we change land plot borders, if we keep their area exactly the same as it is in DDP and respect the existing W&S network, to improve our masterplan design?
Yes, you can connect neighboring properties, the only rule being that no underground infrastructure is built between them.
What is the distance of the setback from the W&S Network to buildings and from the W&S Network to plot edges?
For the needs of conceptual town planning solutions, you do not need to know in detail the norms and rules in force in the Republic of Bulgaria. Their strict application is the subject of the next stages of design, where a detailed assignment and requirements to contractors will be prepared after completion of this competition, which will clearly set all the necessary requirements.
Could buildings cantilever or bridge over the W&S network (if we provide required access to the W&S network)? And are there any law limitations concerning overhanging buildings above the public roads?
The underground infrastructure built must be located only in the areas designated for the street network.
With the exception of the streets on the periphery of the New City Center, in all internal to the territory of the New City Center streets, it is possible / permissible passing / hanging of buildings above them.
Brief page 8, Strategy for Phase 2 : "Update of the Veliko Tarnovo Urban plan on the basis of the best concepts for the developing the territory into a NUC." Does this mean that the final master plan can include best points & elements from the other entries as well (apart from the winning entry) ? If so, then it does indicate that the Expo centre building design will be given more weightage than the master plan in assessment criteria by the jury. Please clearify!
No, the design of the Exposition Center proposed by the participants will not have a greater weight than the urban plan for the territory (master plan), and vice versa.
In the competition program on pages 29-30 in the section "Evaluation Criteria," the criteria and the system for evaluation of the competitive tenders are clearly set out and explained.
Of these, it is clear that both elements of the competition - Urban planning (concept) for the territory and the Project (concept) for a building of the Exhibition centre, have equal weight in the final assessment of the jury.
Dear Organizers, Digital signature issued by indian company shall be accepted? If Yes, then digital signature in individual name shall suffice?
The Contracting authority did not set any condition regarding the country of origin of the digital signature. The only condition is that this signature is a qualified electronic signature, for these are the requirements of the EU and Bulgarian legislation.
• and is based on a qualified certificate for electronic signatures.
Any signature that complies with these requirements is sufficient and can be used to sign the documents in the competition.
Every participant should enquire if the electronic signature that they have, has the aforementioned requisites.
Who are the members of jury? We cannot find their names in competition documentation. Could you please publish the full list of jury members as it is usual in architectural competitions? Best regards.
We would like to ask you if it is necessary to consider the public communication (bus?) inside of the area of the new urban Centre or we can consider it only along the border of the area.
It is not mandatory, but you can submit proposals for a new public transport destination as well as the location of elements of the related infrastructure, according to the distribution of functions and the intensity of construction in your competition decision. As described on page 15, paragraph 12, any suggestions can be made to improve the current traffic organization and promote environmental protection.
Through the brief it emerges for the public building a given program of 3.300 sqm, quite clear in content and restrictions. However, the building should have a total floor surface of 16.500 sqm. It means 5 times the minimum required.
* Is the quantity of 16.500 optional or strictly required? If yes, can you specify what are the additional functions required by the local community?
* If the 16.500 are optional, does this mean that the decision between making a building of 3.300 sqm or up to 16.500 sqm is completely left to the designer? The consequences are enormous, because the relative budget of construction variates way too much for options in between. Can you specify an approximate budget for the construction of the public building?
The design assignment does not indicate that the Exhibition Center building should be 16500 sq. m.
The structural indicator gross floor area – whose maximum value is 16 500 sq.m (page 18 of the competition program) is solely and only a limit value of construction in this property, no matter who and what will be built in it.
This value is irrelevant to the design assignment of the Exhibition Center, except to limit the construction of buildings in this property with a total area of 16500 sq. m.
The other indicator you mention - 3300 sq.m. represents the maximum built-up area that is possible in this property, in other words, this value is generally the maximum area of the first (ground) level of the building. The building can have a second, third, and so on aboveground levels as well as underground levels. No one restricts you in this respect.
The strict program (as you call it) in terms of the types of functions and their respective areas is in fact approximate values of the mandatory elements and functions of the building for the Exposition Center according to the requirements of the Contracting authority, in order to establish uniform conditions and specific values for all participants, ensuring accuracy in project evaluation. No limitation is given in the assignment for the inclusion of additional functions according to the discretion of each author.
Of course, the budget is of great importance, and it is in line with the preparation of the competition program by setting the approximate areas for the individual functions. The price / quality ratio always depends on the size (area) of the building, but also on the design. In this sense, the creation of a project assignment for the Exhibition Center with a "strict program and approximate area" is in order to offer you the opportunity to compete with the other participants at the architecture and design level without the budget dictating the rules.
No, we cannot declare the approximate budget allocated to the construction of the building because the competition is international and the construction prices in the different countries are different so that the participants would hardly present an adequate budget for the realization of their project in Bulgaria.
Is it possible to change the ratios in the "list of programme articulation of functions, based on the total floorage area (228,000 m2) of the NUC" (page 14) and to what extent?
For example, we would like to reduce the percentage of the commercial area (approximately for 5 %) in favour of other functions. Do we have to strictly follow the recommended percentages?
It is advisable not to change the percentage ratios. Their values are determined on the basis of a public opinion poll and after discussions between local experts and spatial planning specialists.
Is there a possibility to slightly change water and sewage network (max 10% out of all of the network) in some limited areas in order to improve the masterplan qualities?
It is absolutely necessary to preserve the water supply and sewerage network pipelines as they are made by funds from the European Union Operational Program (in guarantee period).
We had an idea of placing one render on both boards in case if they would be standing next to each other.
Would it be possible to remove black frame (that is offset by 2cm. from the borders of the board) on the design template, while keeping all the logos and titles intact.
Boards should be mandatorily presented with the content specified in the assignment. The jury is independent and the Contracting authority can not instruct it‘s members on how to review and evaluate the submitted competition projects - whether they will compare and scrutinize the board No. 1 with the town planning decisions (concepts) for the territory or they will watch both boards simultaneously, only the jury can judge it. The Contracting authority cannot guarantee that the board No 1 and the board No 2 of a given competition project will be placed side by side in the evaluation process. It is also not possible to remove the frame from the template. It is, for the sake of unification of the competition projects, indicated for preventive purposes (the edges of the template can undergo unintentional and small physical deformations after gluing it on a rigid basis during transportation, jury or storage).
Could we slightly exceed the max. built-up area, if we satisfy the requirement of 60% of the minimum green areas by making green roofs?
It cannot be changed. The values stated are marginal and derive from the requirements for the implementation of the general urban development plan of Veliko Tarnovo, which is from a higher hierarchical level of planning and with which the future detailed development plan should be adapted to. The values refer to the entire territory provided for new construction and not to each property individually, which gives sufficient freedom to the participants in the competition to draw up an aesthetic and functionally sustainable town-planning decision.
- In the expo centre plot, is it possible to design other functions in addition to the expo centre building?
- Does the expo center plot dedicated only for the expo center building?
Yes. It is permissible to provide other functions as long as they serve or complement the main function of the building, namely the Exposition Center.
Yes. The property is designated only as an Exposition Center Building, with complementary and service buildings and technical facilities.
On page 39 of the Brief a road is marked that should be preserved. Is it possible to have further clarifications?
Based on what is shown on the plan, along this street are located two ramps linking with the underground floors. If that is correct, can you explain us how deep are the existing ground floors?
Yes. Figure 7, page 39, shows a street that needs to be retained in the competition projects because it represents the only link between the underground levels of existing buildings and the street network of the city. Unfortunately, this street is not yet realized and therefore we cannot provide you with output levels. Such filming is necessary when preparing a detailed technical project, which is not the subject of this competition - for the concept of a town-planning decision.
Please, as requested on page 20 of the Brief, is necessary for the planned activities to divide the Large Hall in six parts. Please, let us know if the six separate parts (halls) of the Large Hall will be used as conference rooms or video presentations. Should we provide rooms for translation in each one of them?
Is it Correct if we locate theese functions only in the Large Hall?
Yes, it really is. This is a transformation requirement of the large hall, which must have the property / ability to divide into 6 individual separate parts (halls), allowing the simultaneous holding of different events in them.
We cannot determine what events will take place in individual parts, but they will be related to the functions of the Exposition Center. These can be conferences, video presentations, exhibitions, performances, etc.
Yes. You have correctly understood that simultaneous interpretation rooms should only be provided in the large room.
To whom it may concern, Could you tell us more about the required e-signature? It seems like there are 3 types of e-signature, 1 'Simple' Electronic Signatures, 2 AdES and 3 QES according to https://ec.europa.eu/cefdigital/wiki/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=46992760. Which type do you require? We have no idea about e-signature so please describe in great detail. Thank you in advance.
On page 85 of the Brief it is pointed out that “the filled-in form shall be saved and signed with certified digital signature”. This kind of signature is identical to a Qualified electronic signature (QES) - in the link in the question. That kind of signature must be used because the Qualified electronic signature is the only one that is equivalent to a written signature as is stated in article 13, para. 4 of Regulation (EU) 910/2014.
Any participant should contact a service provider and acquire a Qualified electronic signature in order to be able to sign the eESPD and other documents as well, if so choosing.
I'm extremely interested in participating in the competition, but am having a bit of a difficult time understanding the procedure and method for registering and ultimately submitting my proposal. Has all information regarding these already been put on the website or is there more yet to come? Is there any way to outline the required steps and links for registering and submitting in a more clear way? Thank you.
c. name of the competition.
That are the necessary steps to take in order to participate.
3. European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) filled in for the applicant in accordance with the legal requirements and the conditions of the Contracting Authority, and where applicable – an ESPD for each of the members of a consortium, which is not a legal entity, for each subcontractor and for each person, whose resources will be relied on for performance of the contract.
5. Declaration Template – Form No 2.
5.1. Authorizing document, when the person signing the declaration is not the legal representative of the participant or the person representing the members of a consortium according to the agreement for establishment of the consortium.
6. The documents (numbers 1,2,3 and 5) should be in a separate sealed envelope, with identification data for the participant.
If You decide to submit the documents on a digital carrier (CD, DVD, flash drive etc.) there should be at least two carriers in the package, one containing the documents (numbers 1,2,3 and 5) and another containing the design (number 4). The one containing the documents still needs to be in separate envelope with identification data for the participant.
To whom it may concern, In the Brief on page 82 stated as follows: "the package (1) shall be accompanied by the boards presenting the design, which shall by no means contain participant's identification information" While, at the bottom-right corner of the A0 Panel Template, there is a small box supposedly for the Submission ID Code. Is this box meant to be left blank?
Yes it should be left blank. This is the place for the number that will be randomly assigned to the project for the anonymous evaluation by the jury.
We are contacting you in order to express our interest in registering for the competition for the new Centre of Veliko Tarnovo. How could we register and proceed?
There is no need for registration in order to participate. Applicants need to submit their project proposals before the set deadline in order to participate in the competition. In the documentation there are all the needed documents that should be filled for participating in the procedure. In the previous answers there is information about how to prepare your project proposal.
Hello colleagues, we read the Brief very carefully and we are surprised by the dimensions of the size of terrain allocated for construction of the building. It is hard to fit the size of the building in it. Are the borders for on the above and underground construction mandatory or they can be optimized with the master plan? Is it mandatory to comply with the areas of 1800 m2 for the hall and 900 m2 for the lobby? Greetings.
On fig. 12 and in the annexes, the borders of the above and underground construction in the allocated lot are shown with a borderline, which means that the measurements of the future building must conform to them.
The borders of the above and underground construction are of the limiting kind, which becomes clear from the type of line that is used to define them – a dotted line, and they are not mandatory – in that case they would be represented with e full line.
About the underground construction – the Brief gives the opportunity to use 100% of the lot area, but this is only an option and is not mandatory, meaning that there is no need of optimization.
About the aboveground construction – the area shown on the fig. drawn with limitation lines is approximately 3300 m2 and this area is the maximum allowed, meaning it is limiting and not mandatory. Besides that, according to the other condition in the Brief - 60% construction density for the lot with total area of 5502 m2 the maximum construction area in this lot is approximately 3300 m2, which according to the Contracting authority is enough for the purpose and does not come into conflict with the Brief and its requirements about the building.
The areas You cited, that are listed in the Brief are approximate and have the goal of creating a more clear and concrete conditions for making and evaluating the project proposals.
The only mandatory condition, that must be complied with is that the large hall should be with minimum capacity of 1200 people. The area of the hall is determined by the limiting fire safety norms for minimum density measured in m2 per person, which for this class of functional fire safety (fig.2.2) is 1.35 m2 per person. So the area of the hall is 1200*1.35=1620 m2.
Hello, I am an architect in Los Angeles interested in participating in the design competition. I understand that my name should not appear on the entry boards. Do participants get a personal id number assigned? And how should we identify ourselves on the submission materials? Please advise. Thank you.
The mechanism to ensure the anonymity of the competition is that no personal information is located on the tables, but a unique personal number of the participant is put on them. This happens after the deadline is passed and is done by a specially appointed commission of officials. These officials separate all the documents that contain information about the participant (the separate envelope see. p. 85, num. 6. in the Brief) and put it in an unmarked envelope. A random four digit number will be put on the unmarked envelope and the project boards. This is done in order to ensure anonymity for the evaluation process. The officials also create a list with the names of the participants and their corresponding number, which is sealed in an opaque envelope. This envelope is opened after the evaluation by the jury is done and the winner is known only by his/her number. This happens in a special session of the jury where the awarded participants will be announced.
Having this in mind the only thing You should consider when You identify yourself is to not put Your name on the project boards and/or any other information that could be used to find Your identity. The other documents must contain information about You, but that won’t affect the anonymity of the evaluation because of the aforementioned actions of the officials.
Can we submit our design on a CD and mail it to you? Or, is there a way to send via email, or upload to a website? Where can we find the application form? Please advise. Thank You.
Yes, You can submit you design on a CD and mail it (or use other currier service or use another way to deliver it) to the following address: Veliko Tarnovo, Mayka Bulgaria Square No2. Bear in mind that the parcel should arrive before 20.07.2018, 17:00/ 5pm local (Bulgarian) time. Project proposals that arrived after that will not be evaluated.
Unfortunately You cannot make an online submission.
The “Application for participation” form can be found on that address: https://www.veliko-tarnovo.bg/bg/profil-na-kupuvacha/582/ the name of the file is as follows: Проект на договор, заявление и декларация - двуезичен/Draft contract, application and declaration – bilingual.
In point 3: INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF DESIGNS ENTERING FOR COMPETITION (pag.81) it's written that "the design entered for competition shall be presented in a sealed opaque package(1), inscribed with the name of the applicant or participant, address and name of the competition".
Is it an anonymous competition or not?
Yes it is anonymous, but the anonymity is insured after the project proposals arrive and a commission of officials is taking care of that. The process is shown in more detail in the answer of Question 1 and in the Brief.
3.2 - in the point 2: "Application for participation – FORM NO 1. The application form shall be accompanied by the documents listed therein, IF APPLICABLE"(pag.82).
It talks about a Form n.1. Where Can I find this Form n.1?
What does “if applicable” means?
In the Application there are listed documents that could be attached to it. In case You need to attach such documents you will do so and if You don’t have to, then they are not applicable.
3.3 - in the point 5 and 5.1 it talks about of a FORM NO 2(pag.85). Must this document ever be delivered or in same case?
Yes, you need to have this document as a part of your proposal. This document could be found in the same .zip file as the Application for participation.
3.4 - we have understood that all documents must be signed with digital signature. We are from Italy and we use .P7M digital files. Is it ok for you?
First there should be a clarification that only the ESPD should be digitally signed, because only this document should be submitted on an electronic carrier (CD, DVD, USB etc.). the other documents must be electronically signed only if they are submitted on an electronic carrier.
Yes these types of files are allowed and can be used.
3.5 - we have a doubt about submission of the design entering. We have two possibilities: the first is a package with printed boards and all documents inside and the second a package with a DVD, CD or USB pen drive with all documents and the two boards in digital form inside. Is it correct or not?
The two possibilities are permitted, but in order to be prepared the right way the design proposals need to be submitted the following way.
You need to have two envelopes. One is containing everything (the package) 1. the boards and 2. the second envelope. The second envelope should contain all the documents besides the boards. The only document that must be electronically signed and presented on a DVD, CD, USB drive etc. is the ESPD (also goes in the second envelope). Other documents can be presented on paper or electronically it’s Your choice. The boards can also be presented on paper or electronically or both, which way You prefer. If everything is presented electronically there must be the envelope (the package) with everything in it: 1. CD, DVD, USB drive etc. with the boards and 2. the second envelope with the CD, DVD, USB drive etc. with all the documents (besides the boards) who are digitally signed.
Dear organizers, We are very interested in this competition. After reading the brief we have some questions about registration and submission. Could you please be so kind and reply to these subjects?
4.1. At page 85 you are describing an online submission via the ESDP procedure. We understand that we can upload here a zip file containing all the requested documents as well as the two boars. At page 86 point 4 you are describing a submission post-mail to Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo, at the address: 2 Mayka Bulgaria Square.
Please could you confirm that is possible to submit the competition online?
No, there is no such possibility. The ESPD online platform is only used to fill the template of the ESPD and save it, not to send it to us. You should use regular mail, other similar service provider or other person, who need to physically bring and submit Your proposal at this address: 2 Mayka Bulgaria Square, Veliko Tarnovo.
Can you be also clearer about what envelopes one and two should contain as it seems that the A0 boards are on the two.
No, the boards should be in envelope one, along with envelope two. For more information see the answer 3.5.
Can you confirm that we make an online submission we can replace the envelopes with folders?
4.2. Could you be more specific about what a ‘design certification that is valid in the Republic of Bulgaria’ means?
Can you confirm that is a degree of architect recognized by the European Union?
1. They are legally based in another member country with the intention of practicing the profession.
2. The person is practicing that profession in one or more member states full time for at least a year or an equivalent duration, when the person is not working full time, gathered in the last 10 years, when the profession is not regulated in that country. That requirement is not applicable when the profession or the education needed to practice it are regulated in the country.
The designing of the building is possible through other means that will be presented to the winner of the competition in the invitation part of another procedure.
Dear Organizers, I would like to ask you the following questions: I am an Italian architect, registered in the Official Register of Architects, Planners, Landscape Architects and Conservation Architects held by Milan Order, and therefore possesses the requisites indicated in the European Union Directive 2005/36/CE. - Do these requisites comply to the ones of the Republic of Bulgaria in compliance with the requirements of the Bulgarian law to participate to this competition and negotiate the contract in case of win? - Are they valid for the issues defined in the tender: The international participants should have qualification recognized according to the requirements of the Statute of the Chamber of Architects and Engineers in Investment Design - The participant should have the resources for design according to the Cultural Heritage Act? - or do we need to have a Bulgarian Architect in the design team to be able to participate to the competition and negotiate a contract in case of win? - In case my requisites don't comply with the competition requisites, is it possible to add, after a positive result of the competition, a local architect that has these requisites for receive the awards and/or sign the contract? - Is it possible to send the competition documents and boards only digitally? - Which is the mail address where we can send them? - Does the limit of 10Mb apply for each document and board or is the maximum for the entire attachment? - How is the procedure to send two digital attachments (documents and boards) maintaining the anonymity? Thank you very much for your attention. Kind regards.
Hello, I have two questions: Could a non-European country architect participate in the competition? If so which legal documents should they submit? Thanks a lot.
Yes a non-European architect could participate in the competition. The documents they should present are no different than the ones that should be submitted by the others participants.
Yes, You can participate in the competition.
Hello, is it allowed to change the borders of the lot allocated for the building of the Exposition center and to change the configuration of the two lots between the buildings of the Provincial government building and Corpus 5?
1: According to the Brief it is not allowed to change the borders of the lot allocated for exposition center, as well as changing its configuration regarding the surrounding lots, streets and regulatory lines.
2: There were news that there were archaeological studies made in the limits of the Old military school. Is there information that should be taken into account or some recommendations?
Everything that the participants have to take into account is in the Brief that can be found on the site of the competition.
3: Is it allowed to make a proposal for partially or completely preserving the only remaining building of the Old military school and its reconstruction?
According to the Brief it is not allowed to partially or completely preserve the only remaining building Old military school as well as its reconstruction. See fig. 9 – Ownership p.41.
Yes, the diploma is enough for participating in the competition. Full design certification is needed only if the participant is announced as the winner in the competition and is invited to design the building.
Are the plans and schemes compiled in Table 1 - Territorial Development Plan (Concept) for the Territory, including the Transport and Communication Plan and the Master Plan (according to the design assignment), compliant with Ordinance 8 on the volume and content of spatial planning plans and / or the annexes to the Ordinance concerning "Requirements for Content and Graphic Design for the Design Parts of the Planning Plans" and "Displaying Graphic Elements and Balancing the Territory to the Development Plans"?
There are no requirements for the volume and content of the plans and schemes clarifying the Urban Development (Concept), as they will not be approved by a local government or local administration or by the Chief Architect of the Municipality.
The "Plan and Project Coverage" section of the design assignment outlines the existing spatial plans of the site. Should the project proposals of the participants in the competition be in conformity with the above-mentioned documents, in particular with the provisions of the 2002 Plan, which have not been implemented subsequently (the tunnel crossing of the transit traffic and the roundabout in the crossing area of Str. "Hristo Botev", "Marno pole" and 7th July "St.")?
There is no requirement for compulsory compliance with the provisions of the non-applied spatial plans or parts thereof. Information on previous developments is helpful to participants in the contest. It can serve as a guideline for what city planning needs the city and the territory for the NFCs and which have proved inapplicable over time. The results of the contest can serve as a basis for the updating of the development plans.
The design assignment and the annexes to it clearly define the boundaries and scope of the territory subject to the competition. Is it permissible for project proposals to provide for interventions outside of these limits in relation to transport-communication solutions (eg proposals for new communication links within the NFC's territory with the park area around the Asenevci Monument and the State Art Gallery)?
It is acceptable. If the participant considers that the existing planning solution for the transport and communication services on the territory of the NFC and the city needs updating, it may propose an alternative solution. In the source materials there is a file that contains information about the terrain of the surrounding area.
Are additional information available on the results of 2010 from Yantra Today a sociological survey of public attitudes and where can they be found?
The results of the sociological survey are analyzed as being included in the terms of reference.
- Do the percentages of functions, described in the point 11 of the brief, include the preserved buildings, or are referred only to the new constructions?
- In the point 12 of the Brief: "The street and alley network in the transport proposals should be consistent with: the W&S networks already built on the territory under a project funded by an operational" Being this network following the network of streets of the DDP Figure 7, does this mean that we can't change the forms of this street's network?
- In general, are the shapes of the plots, such as the grey ones in the DDP Figure 7, mandatory? Is the DDP in its general design mandatory so we have to design only inside the grey areas?
- In the point 13 of the Brief,: "It is advisable to comply with the location of the restored private land plot, in which spatial development and construction should not be proposed"
The boundaries of this plot, as in DDP Figure 9, are taking some grey plots and part of a street: does it mean that we cannot design nothing there?
- Do we have to suggest a future use for the Former Flour Factory Belyanka?
- The total floor area of the Exposition Center is max. 16.500 m2, but the sum of the functions defined in the Brief is 3.300 m2. Which functions do we have to propose for the remaining 13.000 mq?
- As you replied in the questions: "Yes, You can submit you design on a CD and mail it (or use other carrier service or use another way to deliver it) ": will be a difference, in the judgment, between printed proposals and digital proposals?
- The described in item 11 of the brief percentages do not include the existing sites subject to preservation in conformity with Figure 9, but refer solely to the new construction, inclusive of the property anticipated as an exposition center.
- Yes, it is mandatory that the existing water supply and sewerage networks should remain located within the borders of the streets, but proposals may be given in the competition proposals for transformation from a street into an alley as well as for a change of streets within the borders of which there is no existing technical infrastructure.
- Figure 7 treats a specific requirement of the Employer, namely a mandatory preservation of a street approach to an existing building defined by the effective Detailed Urban Plan and all the indicated properties are designated in gray color.
- Both the properties with existing buildings not subject to a change, inclusive of the property designated as a building of an EXPOSITION CENTER are indicated in Figure 9, as well as properties without construction subject to a change or not depending on your conceptual solutions for construction on the territory of the New Urban Center depending on the interference you propose for the transport-communication servicing (levels, overall dimensions and functions).
- Parts of the restored private property get onto: 1. Streets; 2. Property with bank protective vegetation; 3. Properties designated for construction.
- The project proposals do not have to anticipate construction over the parts of the restored private property, getting onto streets as well as over the property with the bank protective vegetation. In this lot there should not be any buildings intended for public purposes (serving the needs of the municipality).
- It is not mandatory.
- The indicated on page 18 in item 2.2. structural indicators of the property are defined by the effective Detailed Urban Plan for the territory and are of a restrictive and not mandatory nature, i.e. it becomes clear from their value what maximal construction it is possible to design in this property.
The requirements of the Employer for the approximate size and capacity of the building for an EXPOSITION CENTER whose areas are rather lower than the maximal values of the structural indicators of the property are clearly stated in the competition brief in the part of TECHNICAL TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR AN EXPOSITION CENTER (from item 2.3. to item 2.5.).
- No, there will be no difference at the evaluation.
Regarding the ownership and use of the land, is it possible to use as building areas the Municipal Public Properties, when they are not occupied by engineering infrastructure and so they are not intended to be used as roads or alleys?
On the other hand regarding the Municipal Private properties, are we allowed to use part of these spaces for public uses, like boulevards, plazas, and so on?
Should all the buildings in the NUC territory be detailed in the level of Expo Center building or should only the bulk of the buildings be shown?
It is necessary to indicate the general distribution on the territory in voluminous-spatial aspect – underground and overground construction, the connection between them, where there should be open areas /squares, green areas, water areas and so on/ and others. The predominating functional designation of the new buildings and the open spaces and underground levels should be indicated in the concept. A specific site or a fragment of the competition proposal may be shown in details and its degree of development should be indicated in fewer details than that of the exposition center.
About the plots - is it allowed to unite plots?
For example uniting all the plots within one block (area between four streets), or some of the plots, to get a bigger design area with more design composition possibilities.
If the current plot configuration is kept, with the built area taking up to 40% of the whole plot area, then we would have built up areas evenly distributed within the plots.
In case of plot union, there would be bigger flexibility in the configuration of the built up area.
Yes, it is possible, but the tender’s proposal must not change the existing underground infrastructure (see Figure 6 on page 38).
On page 58 it is said that there is connection starting from that roundabout in direction to the University, but it is not mentioned where it should lead to. Does it go to an underground parking for the University?
Are there any plans that are already approved and should be taken in consideration, as it is not marked on the street network plan on Figure 7. Or the design is up to the participants.
Stage 2: On the basis of the selected tender projects, the land planning plans for the territory will be updated on the basis of the best concepts for its renewal in the NTC, which makes it clear that you may not comply with the current DDP for the site.
However, the tender’s proposal must not change the existing underground infrastructure (see Figure 6 on page 38).
On page 58 it is said that the routes included in the DDP are not subject of change. Given this, is it possible to change the traffic designation of the streets - mainly bicycle and pedestrian alleys with restricted vehicle traffic? Nevertheless, the pedestrian alleys would keep the routes of the streets as they are in the DDP, but in that matter, a further change in the design would be needed, for instance, changing the dimensions of the streets ( to be turned int pedestrian alleys, division between car lanes will not be needed), banks, materials, etc.
possible to break the fence?
According to the tender’s program, it is necessary to keep several panels of the existing fence and not the whole fence (which is marked with the number 2 in figure 5), and to suggest an idea for their exposure. It is also not necessary to preserve the original location of these panels.
Is there web site where will be posted any updates related to the competition?
The brief asks to allow the large hall to be divided into six halls. Is there any specification about what might be the uses of the divided halls?
The requirements for the individual halls are to have functionalities which are closely related or originate from the main function of the building, the Exposition Center.
What is the needed clear height of the big multi-functional hall in the exposition center?
The height of the hall is in conformity with the judgment of the participants who at their designs should take into consideration the requirements for attainment of good acoustic environment, visibility and luminance in the hall in conformity with the criteria in the competition program.
Is there web site where will be posted ALL questions and answers posted by various participants?
The addresses of the websites are indicated in the answer above. All the answers to the questions asked so far with regard to the competition are published on the Bulgarian and English languages, regardless of the fact which of the two languages they were asked in.
Re: Participants (pg.4*) - could you please provide definition to "certified architect"?
A person who acquired a diploma for completed higher education in an accredited higher school with professional qualification “architect”.
Re: Language (pg.4*) - can the project proposal including drawings and written part being presented on "English "only or will need a Bulgarian translation as well?
Competition aim; Level of design of an ECB (pg.7*) - please define / clarify the sentence: "should play the role of the first "acupuncture point"?
The expression «acupuncture point» is a metaphor whose clarification is given in the text where the extract was made from (page 7*) – “to activate the town forming vectors, to arouse the investment interests of the private sector and to commence the process of the development of the New Urban Center as a program of a future PPP (Public Private Partnership)”.
Strategy, PH2 (pg.8*) - please define "selected designs" ? * is that 1st place ONLY or * 1st, 2nd & 3rd or * 1st, 2nd & 3rd plus all 5 premiums?
Terms and abbreviations (pg.9*); "architectural design concept" is defined as "architectural project providing general aesthetic dimensional and Master Plan, functional and structural parameters for construction and operation of a building. The building should be a part of the specific Master Plan proposal for the territory." However the actual project program listed in TECHNICAL TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR DESIGN AN EXPOSITION CENTRE (pg.17 to pg. 22*) is very specific and detailed which is more typical for construction documents drawings. * What would be the level of plans detailing expected? * What would be the level of drawings completion expected - schematic design, Design development, construction documents?
A design, on the grounds of which it should be possible to develop more detailed documentation in the next design phase, according to which a construction permit should be issued. No Priced Bills of Quantities are required in this stage. The members of the Selection Committee shall compare and evaluate the functional and aesthetic solutions for the exterior and the interior of the building, this is why they should be presented well enough in Panel 2.
DDP (pg.9*) - defined as " detailed development plan (a term in the BG urban legislation terminology) - a graphic urban plan document, which defines the specific designation of the different land plots within its scope, and which should be approved by the local government authorities and is the equivalent of a regulatory document." . Such specific land designation will limit the flexibility for future land re-assessments and re-evaluation - is it required to be mandatory part of the "Master Plan (concept)"?
In conformity with the Technical Terms of Reference for elaboration of the urbanization solution (concept) there is no requirement for the development of a Detailed Urban Plan as a part of the competition solution.
The best conceptual solutions from the competition will serve in a next stage at the development of a Detailed Urban Plan.
Terms related to building (pg.10*) - please clarify "Building Floor-age" term. * Is it number of story or total building height or…? * While on the same topic - is there a height restriction for this neighborhood and /or region? * If so - how many story / meters?
There are no restrictions for the height of the buildings located on the territory of the New Urban Center.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PRESENTATION OF THE PROJECT DOCUMENTATION (pg.23*) - "The boards should be submitted in digital form (PDF format), with a maximum file size 10 Mb, prepared for printing and containing images with a resolution of 200 dpi" * Is that mean that ALL of the boards will be printed by the CONTRACTING AUTHORITY AND ORGANIZER? * If all boards printed by organizer how you would keep the anonymity of the submission attached to the printed board? * Also why there is a limit of 10 MB to the file size?
With a view to the alleviation of the participants, the competition developments may be presented in the indicated digital format and parameters as well as printed out in hard copy.
The selected format PDF is a universal format which includes in itself both vector and raster graphics which makes it completely appropriate for the purpose.
The restriction in the amount of the files is placed with a view to the publication of the competition designs on the web site of the competition without the need of additional processing of the files.
Anonymity is guaranteed, see page 87 of the competition program.
ASSESSMENT BY THE JURY (pg.28*) - "The assessment and rating results will be announced at a public session……". * How the international participants will be notified for the results? * Will the wining boards incl. 1st, 2nd, 3rd plus all 5 premiums be available for open public view? Is so - where? * Will all submission be available for open public view? Is so - where?
All the participants may attend the announcement of the designs which were conferred a price by the Selection Committee. The date and the time will be announced at the Buyer’s Profile and the site of the competition at least two working days prior to the session. All the participants will be notified about the results of the competition at the correspondence e-mail addresses indicated by them. The results will be published on the website of the competition and on the site of the Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo. All the competition designs which were conferred prices will be published on the web site of the competition - http://velikotarnovocentre.com/. Other competition designs may also be published on the site of the competition in the judgment of the Contracting Authority.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA (pg.30*) - will there be different value point system for the 3 categories listed below, and if so what will be the value for each one: * «Good proposal» * «Efficient proposal» * «Original way»?
No, there is no other system for evaluation related to these categories. The indicated concepts are clarifications of expressions used in the evaluation criteria. These clarifications were made aimed at orientating the participants with regard to what the Contracting Authority will value in a certain design and turning the participants into this direction. In this manner the subjectivity at the evaluation of the designs will also be reduced.
For precision we quote for you an extract from the competition program in connection with the evaluation.
10 points – Design proposal, which has met and exceeded the requirements specified in the terms of reference in the most efficient and original way.
7 points – Design proposal, which presents efficient proposals that are better than the minimum requirements specified in the terms of reference.
4 points – Design proposal, which presents a good proposal of the minimum requirements specified in the terms of reference.
1 point – Design proposal, which meets only the minimum requirements specified in the terms of reference.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA (pg.30*) - please clarify the statement and APPLICABLE process re: "If the participants are equal on the basis of these criteria, the jury shall carry out a public lot ( assuming meaning is public selection?) for nominating a contractor among the projects ranked first in accordance with Art. 58, para. 3 of the RPSP." * Who will handle this public selection process and what will be the criterion's, rules, deadlines, specifics etc * Where will be announced?
The described on page 30 in italics notes indicate methodological rules for work of the Selection Committee in particular cases. The requirements to observe such methodology ensue from the Bulgarian legislation. The notice for casting public lots will be announced on the web site of the competition, on the site of the Contracting Authority and e-mails will be sent to all the participants in the competition.
PRIZES AND AWARD OF CONTRACT (pg.31*) - "Part of the winner's prize will be the right for direct award of contract for TECHNICAL/DETAILED INVESTMENT DESIGN…..". Is that mean the 1st prize winner only?
Yes, with satisfaction of the indicated conditions on p.31.
PRIZES AND AWARD OF CONTRACT (pg.31*) - "By participating in the competition the authors transfer to the Contracting Authority the copyright on the respective design, including the right for publishing and distribution". * Is that applicable only for the winners of 1st, 2nd & 3rd prize plus all 5 premiums or * to ALL participants? * What if such copyright release requests contravene some international laws of jurisdictions where the international architects are practicing architecture?
The competition conditions are in conformity with the Bulgarian legislation which is a part of the European such.
Pursuant to Art. 93. (1) of the Private International Law Code „Contracts shall be governed by the law chosen by the parties. Any such choice must be expressed or clearly demonstrated by the terms of the Contract or by the circumstances where under the contractual relationship evolves.” It is explicitly indicated in the draft-contract attached to the competition documentation that the applicable law is the law of the Republic of Bulgaria. Within this meaning the Bulgarian law is applicable in event of collision.
The Grey land plots are not expandable on the streets if they do not create any conflict with the existing infrastructure?
It is permissible to change the street network if this does not create a conflict with the existing underground infrastructure shown in Fig. 9.
Can we combine two adjacent land plots?
Can we create some new alleys that cross the grey land plots?
Is it possible to insert some buildings within the two land plots where there are located the History Archives and Administrative buildings?
No. The plots you quote are designated in figure 9 as such with preserved buildings and not subject to a change.
In the DDP that you sent in the .dwg file there are many public, sporting and cultural functions. They must be included in our proposal as they are the functions listed on page 15 of the brief?
Probably a technical error is made at asking the question and in lieu of page 15, page 14 is meant. Although they satisfy the requirements in the assignment, it is not mandatory that you should take into consideration the anticipations of the DDP.Exceptions are the properties for Build № 5 of the Veliko Tarnovo Universuty, the district administration, the National Military History Archive and the exposition center, with which you must comply.
• Within the supplied cad file, the red layer plots are allotments. When defining the actual buildings mass, is there a minimum distance from the street and from the adjacent allotment to respect?
There are requirements for a distance from the main street and from internal borders of a plot which shall be taken into consideration in a next phase of planning – at updating a DDP on the grounds of the best conceptual solutions. There are no requirements in this phase (competition).
• Is there a rule on distance between buildings?
There are rules in conformity with the functions, the nature and the manner of the construction which are taken into consideration in a next phase of planning – at updating of the DDP. There are no requirements in this phase (competition).
Отговор: Има правила според функциите, характера и начина на застрояването, които се съобразяват в следваща фаза на планиране – при актуализация на ПУП. В настоящата фаза (конкурс) няма изисквания.
• When working on adjacent lots, is it possible to incorporate them and propose a building by fusing two lots, or the actual property plot division needs to be respected literally?
• Is it possible to build in adherence between plots?
• From the manual we understood that it is possible to print and sign manually the document, and include it in one of the two envelopes askes with the submission. Please, can you confirm that the original signature is valid?
The European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) is presented on an electronic carrier and is signed with an electronic signature. There is no other variant for presentation of a valid ESPD.
In paragraph 2.1, page 19 of the brief, you mention the request of parking for the public building, as being part underground and part on surface, in order to allow maximal green exploitation of the site.
• Is the parking required for the public building a percentage of the total 2000 lots requested for the masterplan? If yes, what is the percentage of parking to allocate for the public building?
The figure of 2000 parking spaces in paragraph 2.10. on pp.13-14 of the competition program is the minimum number of parking spaces that the Contracting Authority has defined overall for the territory of the NUC.
Referred to in paragraph 2.8. on page 22 of the competition program the number of parking spaces is part of the total amount for the territory and represents the minimum amount of parking space required for the building of the exhibition center.
No. There is no requirement for the ratio between the above two minimum values.
• What is the percentage of parking for the public building to allocate underground and what’s the percentage above ground?
In item 2.8., page 22 of the brief requirements are indicated for the provision of a number of underground spaces for parking and of a minimal number of parking spaces within the framework of the property. There is no defined percentage ratio between the numbers of underground and overground parking spaces.
• In the brief, at page 85, paragraph 6, it is mentioned: the documents under art.39, para .2 (item 1 of this section) and the declaration under item 5 shell be placed in a separate opaque envelope, on which the participants’ data shell be indicated.
Can you confirm that the personal data of the participant have to be placed on the envelope (outside) and not inside the envelope? This would mean that this internal envelope would not be anonymous. Is that correct?
The information about the participant should be placed on the envelope. The anonymity of the participants is guaranteed by the actions of a Committee of officials who separate all the documents containing information about the participant in a non-transparent envelope, which only the number generated on an accidental principle is being placed onto. The selection committee shall not have access to the documents with the information about the participants prior to the session for disclosure of the classification.
Dear organizers, In case of absence of a digital signature, can a scanned copy of the actual signed document be submitted as a part of the CD (soft copy) type submission?
No, it is necessary that the documents presented in an electronic manner should be signed by a qualified electronic signature.
At page 14 there is written that the construction density should not exceed 40% of 76.000m2 (= 30.400m2). Does it means the 40% on each single land plot or on the sum of all lands plots of the NUC?
The density of construction should not exceed 40% of the total area of the territory anticipated for the new construction and not of each separate land property.
-the total floorage area of the NUC (228.000m2) is the maximum area? Is there a minimum TFA?
No. There is no requirement for a minimal built-up area in the competition programme both for the individual properties and for the territory of the new Urban Center as a whole.
About "Public and cultural functions: (incl. the Expo Centre building)": TFA= 20%= 45.600m2: since that in these functions there is the Expo Centre, must we consider 29100m2 (=45.600-16.500m2) the right total area for the other functions (spaces for museum exhibitions of military artefacts, history of photography, tourist and youth art centres, library) or 42.300m2 (=45.600-3.300m2)( 3.300m2 is TFA required from CONTRACTING AUTHORITY AND ORGANIZER)?
The requirements of the Contracting Authority for the approximate size and capacity of the building for an EXPOSITION CENTER are clearly stated in the competition program in the part TECHNICAL TERMS OF REFERENCE (from item 2.3. to item 2.6.), whose areas are rather lower than the maximal values of the structural indicators of the property. Your architectural solution for the Exposition Center building is necessary to meet the requirements and needs of the CONTRACTING AUTHORITY. The indicated by you calculations do not correspond to the requirements of the competition program.
What do you mean for TRADE and AMUSEMENT CENTRES (Commercial functions)?
The sites quoted by you are given by the Contracting Authority as exemplary with regard to the Commercial Functions. Each participant has the freedom to select and offer variants of these functions corresponding to his specific development. The commercial functions include in themselves sites for exchange of goods or services for monetary payment which the sites with public-cultural, administrative-business, hotel, educational and sports functions do not refer to.
Are Educational functions the schools? How many schools must we insert and which type of schools?
The Contracting Authority does not place a limitation for the kind and the number of the sites with educational functions. Each participant has the possibility to offer his vision for this type of function.
We think that Sports functions are swimming pool, basket gym, volley gym, etc.. As written the TFA for this function is 10%=22.800m2. In our opinion there could be a problem to design the Masterplan: if it's right that the maximum Built-up area is 30.400m2 and that this type of functions is at ground level, we have about 10.000m2 free for arrange the other functions. Is it right?
The quoted by you percentage for Sports Function (~10% = 22.800 sq. m.) are on the basis of the recommendable such set up by the Contracting Authority, proceeding from the total floor built-up area (228 000 sq. m) of the New Urban Center. We remind you that Floor built-up area (FBA) is the sum of the built-up areas of all the overground floors.
In this sense, your reasoning is correct, if in your competition proposal you only give priority to stand-alone sporting objects on a terrain and occupy a large area.
We notice that the procedure is only for drafting a Detailed Design of the building.
Yes, the development of a technical design refers only to the Exposition centre building.
What about the Urban Master Plan? We do not find any reference about the Master Plan development Phase.
The current architectural competition is for an Urban Planning solution (concept) for the territory of the Old Military School and a project (concept) for an Exposition Center building. The purpose of the competition (see p.7) is to get the project ideas for the New Urban Centre. It is imperative to prepare a design contest containing a city-planning solution for the territory at a conceptual level. There will be no consideration and evaluation of competition projects that do not contain such a solution. It is the Contracting Authority’s wish, that in the next stage the urban development ideas for the territory as a result of the competition (more than one), are collected and then be discussed with the general public. The idea about the Exposition Center (one) will be further developed into a detailed design by the author.
Will the author of the winning project takes part in the next Stage of the Urban Plan development?
Up until this moment, the Contracting Authority has no immediate plans to carry out a procedure for a more detailed drawing of the urban planning idea. Such procedure will be carried out in the future, but a concrete date cannot be set for the moment.
Can you confirm, please, that the total amount of BGN 300,000 (three hundred thousand BGN) is the maximum price for design works and it does not include the works Supervision and also it does not include any other service regarding the further Master Plan development?
Yes. The amount of BGN 300,000 (three hundred thousand levs) is the maximum price for the design of the detailed design of the Exposition Center building, which will be awarded in the next stage after the completion of the competition.
Yes. This amount does not include any other service related to the further development of the master plan, including supervision.
Hello i am an urban planner from Turkey. Can I participate this competition?
We are 2 architects applying to participate the competition. Where shall we subscribe as a team to the competition? we couldn't find the any team document which show we present it together.
When participation as a team is made, which is not represented by a legal entity, this in conformity with the Bulgarian legislation represents a non-personified company (association). In this event the participants should sign a contract or an agreement for creation of such a company. The Contract should have the minimal contents (referring to a consortium) indicated on page 76-77 of the Brief. Only the signing of a contract / an agreement in writing is needed for the creation of a non-personified company (association), without the need of registration or a permit. A copy of the Contract shall be attached to the application for participation Model form No 1.
Is it the ESPD PDF document we shall fill. is it individual format which each one of us shall fill and send?
In event that the participant is an association / a non-personified company / consortium, an individual ESPD should be submitted for the association itself and a separate ESPD for each participant in the association.
Shall we send the document before the final presentation (2 A0 boards) or with the our final presentation?
The A0 shall be printed or CD is enough?
The submission on a compact disk or another electronic carrier is enough.
The effective DDP (Detailed Development Plan) for the territory of 2002 anticipates a bus station. Is the preservation / anticipation of a bus station for the territory necessary?
The non-realized anticipations of the DDP are not mandatory for being taken into consideration.
Is the preservation of the district and property structure in conformity with the effective DDP of 2002 necessary?
With a view to the preservation of the built up in conformity with the OP of the EU water supply and sewerage infrastructure the preservation of the district structure is mandatory. The participants in the competition have the freedom not to take into consideration the property structure in the parts which no construction subject to preservation is realized in.
Can you provide for use the Master Communication Plan of 1997 for the town described on page 59 of the Competition Program.
There is no requirement entered into the competition program for conformity of the competition solution with the anticipation of the Master Communication Plan of 1997, due to which it is not necessary that it should be presented to the participants in the competition in the package with initial data. The plan was drawn up under different public-economic and structural conditions and it is not topical any longer due to made substantial changes in them.
Does the zone for urban center have access to Kraybrezhna Street, and would you provide the developed detailed design for information in the competition?
Kraybrezhna Street, within the section of the territory of the New Urban Center, is not executed and respectively there is no realized transport access to it.
Does the territory get within the buffer zone of the historical core of the town with a status of a value and are there any instructions to the competition program of the Ministry of Culture – the National Institute for Immovable Cultural Heritage which should be taken into consideration?
The territory of the National Urban Center gets within the security zone of a group immovable monument of urbanism and the cultural landscape “Historical settlement Veliko Tarnovo”, which is of category of national significance. The competition program is coordinated in accordance with the procedure established by the Cultural Heritage Act and the competent authority did not indicate specific requirements for entry into the assignments for workmanship of the town-planning solution (concept) and of a design (concept) for a building. Regardless of that in the assignment for workmanship of the town-planning solution (concept) the Contracting Authority the Contracting Authority indicated as mandatory the conformity of the competition solution with the scale and the specific particularities of the town and as inexpedient the use of unusual for the local geographic and social-economic conditions forms, volumes and other visual elements and functions.
In Figure 6 – Existing water supply and sewerage network – a section with direction east west getting in the old playground and a water supply pipeline with direction east west in front of the southern façade of the building of the University of Veliko Tarnovo, implemented in conformity with a Project under Operational Program “Environment 2007-2013" is indicated in the underground infrastructure. At an inspection on the spot there are no traces of realization of the two routes with direction east west, as seen at the other executed excavations, shafts and fire hydrants. Were these two routes realized and should the project proposal be conformed to their level and direction? What elevation are they at if they were realized?
All the networks and facilities of the water supply and the sewerage reflected in Figure 6 were realized on terrain. The placement of the conduits is conformed to the anticipations of the effective as of this time DDP for the streets of the territory of the OMS. There is information in the package of initial data with elevations for the levels of placement and for the level of the terrain as of this time. The minimal depth which the water supply pipelines are laid at, is 1.70 m with regard to the streets in conformity with the DDP and of the sewerage branches – 2.30 m.
There are trees in the property designated for an exposition center whose removal would generate public dissatisfaction with their cutting down and the town shall be deprived of good tree species. Have the selection of this property and the competition programme passed through public discussion and what is the opinion of the citizens of the anticipated future construction of the property for an Exposition Center?
The location of the Exposition Center is determined by the Integrated Plan for Urban Restoration and Development of the town of Veliko Tarnovo, which was subjected to public discussion. Its realization is anticipated as the first stage of the implementation of the plan. Its location is mandatory for being taken into consideration unlike the sites anticipated at the second stage of the implementation of the Integrated Plan for Urban Restoration and Development. The tree specimens within the scope of the plot anticipated for construction with the building for an Exposition Center are evaluated in the developed dendrological assessment, and a recommendation is provided for their preservation or movement. In this connection a requirement is placed in item 15 on page 16 of the Brief for a town-planning solution (concept) for the territory for preservation of the available tree vegetation in a good condition or in the events when this is impossible, ideas should be given for their conflict-free movement to close green areas.
There are quoted distances between an anticipated spot for construction and the regulation lines in the property designated for an Exposition Center and the presented scheme with limitation lines. Which distance of the indicated ones is mandatory?
In figure 12 there is no indicated spot with mandatory lines of construction but limitation lines of construction, within the scope of which the future building of the Exposition Center may be positioned. The building may not go beyond the lines indicated in a dotted line but it is not obligatory that its outlines should coincide with the limitation lines.
What is the intention of the Contracting Authority about the functioning of the Exposition Center and furnished with “mobile individual seats” – should they be on fully horizontal flooring or also other their location should be sought – uneven flooring or another kind of furnishing?
There is no indicated requirement for horizontal flooring in the brief for the design of an exposition center. The participants in the competition are expected to offer a solution for functioning and furnishing of the hall, which should cover the general requirements and those specific for transformability of the hall in the brief.
Is it possible to offer some traffic solutions, bridges outside of the site boundary?
Yes, and in connection with which the initial data are provided on a foundation with a wider scope than that of the territory of the New Urban Center.
What is the maximum building heights on the site?
There is no regulated in a statutory document or in a structural plan height of construction for the buildings, getting within the scope of the territory of the New Urban Center. There is an indicated Cint (intensity of construction), which, as described on page 10 of the competition program, represents a ratio between the sum of the built-up areas of all the overground floors to the area of the property.
Should we follow the detailed master plan or are you encouraging competitors to make a proposal different than the detailed masterplan given in the brief?
It is not obligatory that the participants should take into consideration the property structure and the functional designation of the properties in conformity with the anticipations of the DDP, which were not realized. Proposals may be made for their change if the same satisfy the requirements of the Contracting Authority for preservation of the built-up water supply and sewerage infrastructure, the plots of the University of Veliko Tarnovo, the regional administration and TWO and others described in the brief for development of a town-planning solution (concept) for the territory.
Is there a 3D model of the city or of the site available ?
None. The participants in the competition may get an idea of the terrain and the available construction further to the provided in the package with initial data geodetic survey, also from the published on the web-site of the competition interactive map and panoramic photographs.
16,500 m2 total floor area, includes what exactly? I couldn't found any measure on auto cad that fit to 16,500.
The quoted by you value of 16500 sq. m. is inherent only to the PROPERTY, it indicates what maximal total value of construction (sum of the areas of all the overground floors), could be MAXIMALLY realized in this property in conformity with the urban plan effective at the moment.
The REQUIREMENTS of the Contracting Authority for the approximate size and capacity of the building of EXPOSITION CENTER, whose areas are rather LOWER THAN THE MAXIMAL values of the structural indicators of the property are clearly stated in the competition programme in their part TECHNICAL TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR EXPOSITION CENTER (from item 2.3. to item 2.6.).
Your architectural solution for the building of the Exposition Center must be conformed to the requirements and the needs of the CONTRACTING AUTHORITY!!!
The long building on the main street, not in use, next to administrative court and district administration to demolished, can it be renovated to different function / designation?
No. The building mentioned in your question is anticipated for removal / demolition.
"30,400m2 max. built-up area planned for new construction" - this includes only new construction buildings also including expo center, is that correct? What about a building that would be underground but only it`s roof/one floor would emerge for example in 1 floor heights above the ground and it would be an extensive roof - does this counts into 30,400m2 or 76,000m2, or in green territory? In another case if one part of the building is placed on columns that are for example 7m high, does the part of the building that is placed on the columns counts into 30,400m2 max. built-up area?
YES! The built-up area of the building of the exhibition centre is included in the indicated 30,400 m2.
In the first example given by you, the underground part of the building should not be included in the maximum built-up area (30,400 sq.m). The above ground (roof / one floor), if its height is up to 1.2 m from the average level of the adjacent terrain, should also not be included in the maximum built-up area of 30,400 sq. M.
The first value of 30,400 sq. m. refers only and exclusively to buildings - and represents the maximum built-up area of all newly built buildings, which in general can be defined as the sum of the areas of their first floors.
The second value - 76,000 sq. m. refers only and exclusively to the territory - areas of properties where new construction is envisaged.
Among the parameters on page 13 is described another value – 27,000 sq. m., which represents and refers only to the territory intended for coastal vegetation. This value has already been realized in the slope to the Yantra River in the properties shown in figure 3 on page 35 and figure 11 on page 43 in green colour. The overhead part of the building, no matter how green it will be, should not be included in this value – 27,000 sq. m.
In the second example, the part of the building located on the columns does not enter the maximum built-up area of 30,400 sq. m, however, this area must include the area of the colonnade, representing the first ground floor.
The precise calculation of the built-up area in such a non-standard solution (according to the Bulgarian law) can be made only with clear architectural and constructive plans, but for the purposes of the competition, the following rule can generally be adopted: Built-up area of a building is the area of the closed geometric figure including all structural and architectural elements (walls, columns, washers, etc.) entering the ground, foundations or other underground level, except for those elements that are up to 1.20 m high from the adjacent terrain (stairs, terraces, etc.).
It should be noted here that the part of the building located on the pillars should be included in the maximum size of the total built-up area planned for new construction – 228,000 sq. m. - also on page 13.
Generally speaking, the figure (30,400 sq. m.) is the maximum value of the sum of the areas of the first floors of all new buildings and the figure (228,000 sq. m.) is the maximum value of the sum of the areas at all above ground levels (including the first) of all new buildings.
Could you tell us the reason why it is not allowed to preserve the Old Military school building?
Has not this building the same historical value of the flour factory Belyanka?
The building of the Old Military School has been in poor operating condition and has not been managed for years. During the implementation of the water cycle project, its construction was further damaged, found to be dangerous and an order was issued for its demolition. The property is municipal, unlike the building for the former Belyanka flour factory. Both buildings are not declared and classified as real cultural property within the meaning of the Cultural Heritage Act. The coordination of the competition program with the competent institution for the protection of the cultural heritage does not require preservation and exhibition. According to article 9 of page 13 of the town planning decision (concept) for the territory, the Assignor recommends the preservation of the building for the former factory. The decision for its preservation, however, remains entitled to its owner.
"76,000m2 - total area designated for new construction" - this includes new construction buildings, sports fields, kids playgrounds, monuments, etc., is that correct? In case of plaza, open space with a solid ground covering is it counted in 66,000m2 - planned area for transport infrastructure?
Yes, the square space should be referred to the transport infrastructure area and not to the area planned for new development.
Hello, we wanted to know if you have any 3d files of the existing? We see one file has the topography lines in 3d but everything else is 2d. Also, for the number for the boards, do we just make a number up, or will you be sending it to us?
No. The Assignor does not have a 3D model on the site as well as on existing buildings. All the information you need to find out is in the competition program and its appendices. In Annex 4. Geodetic Filming - The terrain horizons are plotted with their actual altitude / elevation. For the four-digit number, located at the bottom of the boards 1 and 2, you do not have to fill in, write, paste, and mount anything in these fields. This is the work of officials appointed personally by the Mayor of Veliko Tarnovo (see p.87-88 of the competition program).
Brief, page 14 "The public and cultural functions should include spaces for museum exhibitions of military artifacts...etc"
Shall we design and plan them on our program as concept for future planning on our NUC site?
Shall we mention them on the master plan as concept in last presentation?
Yes. In conformity with the competition program these functions should be included in your design solutions – concepts, and it is not mandatory that they should be separated in independent buildings. On the contrary, we expect you to combine them both between themselves and with other functions which will be offered by you. We expect you to offer completely different solutions.
Can we change the designation / function of the existing buildings which are to be preserved?
NO. In conformity with the competition program, these buildings and the properties they were constructed on, ARE NOT subject to a change.
Do the announced date and time limit are for submitting the contest design or its receipt by the contracting authority?
Only projects received by the assignor prior to the officially announced end date and time of the competition or deadline for submitting a project announced in the Tenders Electronic Daily profile will be accepted for jury approval.
Where should I watch when the procedure will be open and when will I be able to get acquainted with the competition materials?
On the competition website, please follow the indicative schedule or the website of Veliko Turnovo Municipality for the date of the public procurement publication.
How can I register for participation?
In the Site documentation section on this website, you can find information after the competition has been announced.
Colombian architect can participate in the contest?
Yes, architects from all countries can participate in the competition. The competition is open to participation from other professionals, provided they have an architect in their team and declare this in the ESPD template, which can be found in the documentation.
Can an architect participate individually or should he make a team?
Yes, an architect can participate by himself/herself. Participating as a team is allowed, but is not mandatory.
Colombian architect can create a consortium with a Spanish civil engineer to participate in the competition?
the activities that will be performed by each consortium member in this competition and in case a contract is awarded for the next phase of the design.
Hi, I am a practicing architect based out of Mumbai, India and hold a degree in bachelor of architects from Sir. J J College of architecture Mumbai University. I have a license to practice from Council Of Architecture India since 2009. Could you please confirm if i am eligible to participate. (CERTIFIED ARCHITECTS AND DESIGN TEAMS, WHICH HAVE AT LEAST ONE CERTIFIED ARCHITECT AS A MEMBER) Please confirm the meaning of member here.
Yes, you can participate in the competition. If the participant is a natural person and is an architect with an acquired diploma he/she can participate in the competition by him/herself without the need of a team. If someone wishes to participate but has no diploma, he/she should state that he/she has an architect with a diploma in his/her team. A member can be any person that is responsible for some of the work of the team, regardless of the legal grounds on which this person participates in the team. For more information about the participation You can read the “2. Conditions for participation” section of the Legal framework in the Brief, that starts on page 76.
Hello, I am interested in this architectural competition and I have a question for submission language. Must it be presented in both Bulgarian and English? Or can it be only in English? Thank you in advance for your answer.
According to the procurement notice, which can be found here: http://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:177328-2018:TEXT:EN:HTML&tabId=0, languages in which projects or requests to participate may be drawn up are Bulgarian and English. In the brief is stated that the official language of the competition is Bulgarian and the project proposals can be submitted in Bulgarian and English. This means that the proposals can be in one of the two languages. Is the choice of the participant in which language to present his/hers proposal.
Hello, when questions arise regarding the brief of the competition, is it possible to ask questions via e-mail and to whom they should be directed?
Questions can be asked in written form via e-mail, on paper or via fax. The e-mail addresses to which the questions could be sent are: info@velikotarnovocentre.com и mop_vt@abv.bg. The questions should be directed towards the Contracting authority – Daniel Panov – Mayor of Veliko Tarnovo.
Dear Organizers, I would like to ask you the following questions: I am an Italian architect, registered in the Official Register of Architects, Planners, Landscape Architects and Conservation Architects held by this Order, and therefore possesses the requisites indicated in the European Union Directive 2005/36/CE.
- DO THESE REQUISITES COMPLY TO THE ONES OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE BULGARIAN LAW TO PARTICIPATE TO THIS COMPETITION AND NEGOTIATE THE CONTRACT IN CASE OF WIN?
Yes, your requisites are enough for you to take part in the competition. The only condition for participating is that the participant or a person from the team is an architect.
- ARE THEY VALID FOR THE ISSUES DEFINED IN THE TENDER: THE INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS SHOULD HAVE QUALIFICATION RECOGNIZED ACCORDING TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATUTE OF THE CHAMBER OF ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS IN INVESTMENT DESIGN - THE PARTICIPANT SHOULD HAVE THE RESOURCES FOR DESIGN ACCORDING TO THE CULTURAL HERITAGE ACT?
These requirements are listed in this procedure but are not applicable to it. They are listed for information only. Winner of the competition must prove compliance with these requirements but this will happen in a following procedure. This could happen in several ways that will be presented to the winner of the competition when he/she is invited to take part in the new procedure.
- OR DO WE NEED TO HAVE A BULGARIAN ARCHITECT IN THE DESIGN TEAM TO BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE TO THE COMPETITION AND NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT IN CASE OF WIN?
No, it is not necessary to have a Bulgarian architect in order to participate in the competition. The winner of the competition provided he/she is a foreign person may need to have a Bulgarian architect in the team when is invited to participate in the next procedure. It should be noted that this is only one of several possibilities to meet the requirements of Bulgarian law. This and other ways to meet the requirements will be presented to the winner in the invite to participate in the next procedure.
- IN CASE MY REQUISITES DON’T COMPLY WITH THE COMPETITION REQUISITES, IS IT POSSIBLE TO ADD, AFTER A POSITIVE RESULT OF THE COMPETITION, A LOCAL ARCHITECT THAT HAS THESE REQUISITES FOR RECEIVE THE AWARDS AND/OR SIGN THE CONTRACT?
In case Your requisites don’t comply You will be removed from the competition. Being an architect You comply with the requisites and can participate.
The only condition for participating in the competition is that the participant or a member of their team must be an architect. There are no other criteria for participating.
If You meant that you do not comply with the requisites needed in the following procedure (for drawing the technical investment design) than yes, in case of winning the competition adding a local architect to Your team is one of the ways to sign a contract for designing the building.
For receiving the award there is no need to take additional actions besides participating. The winner of the competition will receive the award after signing the contract for transferring the copyrights, a draft of which is in the documentation. Receiving of the award is not in any way connected to the requirements for the next procedure.
- IS IT POSSIBLE TO SEND THE COMPETITION DOCUMENTS AND BOARDS ONLY DIGITALLY?
No, under Bulgarian law the only way to receive procurement documents digitally is through a specialized electronic platform. Unfortunately such platform is not yet available to the Contracting authority. The applicants must submit their project proposals in the way inscribed in the Brief (p.86).
- WHICH IS THE MAIL ADDRESS WHERE WE CAN SEND THEM?
There is no such address.
- DOES THE LIMIT OF 10MB APPLY FOR EACH DOCUMENT AND BOARD OR IS THE MAXIMUM FOR THE ENTIRE ATTACHMENT?
The limit applies for each document individually.
- HOW IS THE PROCEDURE TO SEND TWO DIGITAL ATTACHMENTS (DOCUMENTS AND BOARDS) MAINTAINING THE ANONYMITY?
There is no way to send proposals via e-mail.
Can the given distances from the land plot borders till the built-up area for the expo centre be changed? Mainly the question would refer to the 25m and 17m towards the Alexandar Stamboliyski Str.?
The construction lines, marked in dotted lines, are restrictive lines. The future build-up should be within the range of the boundary line. In accordance with the foregoing, the distances can be changed by increasing, but cannot be reduced. The minimal distances to Alexander Stamboliyski Street are indicated in order to preserve an air and visual corridor to two of the most popular and visited landmarks on the territory of Veliko Tarnovo - the Stambolov Bridge and the Asenevtsi Monument, the pedestrian access to which takes place along Alexander Stamboliyski Street.
2018 © Veliko Tarnovo: international architectural contest. All rights reserved.

References: Art. 128
 Art. 228
 Art. 245
 art.39
 art.39
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