The Municipality of Elin Pelin has announced an international architectural competition aimed at transforming the city center of this rapidly developing Bulgarian town. The competition seeks to create an accessible, safe, and functional urban environment that promotes active lifestyles, social interaction, and economic growth while expressing the town's unique identity.
The comprehensive project is structured into two distinct phases. Zone 1 focuses on the conceptual design of the city center itself, while Zone 2 addresses the development of surrounding areas, including the schematic design of urban elements and furniture. This dual approach ensures both the core revitalization and the integration of peripheral spaces into a cohesive urban vision.
Significant financial incentives await winning participants, with a total prize pool of €22,000. The first-place winner will receive €10,000, followed by €7,000 for second place and €3,000 for third place. Additionally, two honorable mentions will each be awarded €1,000, recognizing outstanding contributions to the design solutions.
The competition timeline spans several months, beginning with the official launch on November 7, 2025. Participants have until January 30, 2026, to submit questions, with registration closing on February 4, 2026. Final submissions must be completed by February 9, 2026, followed by a preparation period for jury review from February 10-13, 2026. The comprehensive judging process will take place from February 16 to March 16, 2026.
The competition welcomes a diverse range of professionals from around the world. Architects, urbanists, landscape architects, and multidisciplinary teams are all encouraged to participate. Notably, both registration and participation are completely free, removing financial barriers that might prevent innovative designers from contributing their vision for Elin Pelin's future.
Elin Pelin represents a unique opportunity for urban renewal in Bulgaria. As a young but rapidly expanding municipality, the town seeks a modern, sustainable, and attractive urban environment that will serve as a model for similar developments. The winning design will need to balance functionality with aesthetic appeal while considering the specific cultural and geographical context of the region.
The competition results will be announced no later than March 24, 2026, marking the conclusion of this significant urban planning initiative. The selected design will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Elin Pelin's city center, potentially influencing urban development patterns throughout Bulgaria and serving as an example of thoughtful, community-focused design in rapidly growing municipalities.
