Analysis
Based on the outcome of the survey of the patterns and the applied practices in the
architectural and interior design in Bulgaria and Greece, and proposal of models for
international transfer and good practices between the two countries
In connection with completion of Agreement BG051PO001-7.0.07-0027-C001 under Unique Vision
Without Borders Project under Human Resources Development Operative Programme
Bulgaria and Greece are two of the most ancient countries in Europe, and with their
presence on the map of the continent, have contributed a great deal to the general
development of the societies we are decedents of nowadays. Despite their proximity and the
history over the centuries, the two countries have walked different paths with different rises
and falls, great moments and embarrassing episodes. However the common part is the
contribution of both countries to the cultural, social and historical shape of the Balkan
Peninsular and Europe as a whole. Almost every science and art has sprung and undergone
their great bloom in those two countries, and the design and architecture are two of the
most prominent features of the cultural and historical core of every city, of every country.
They are the bridge across time and remain the truest portrait of eras in which they were
created.
Bulgaria was established as a sovereign country in 681 AD, however within its boundaries
settlements dating back to 8000 BC can be found, and those left a serious cultural layer
throughout the territory of the country. The Thracians and other smaller tribes that occupied
the lands of the contemporary country were no less inventive and skilful builders than the
ancient Egyptians for example. The proofs of that are many, but the most well-preserved are
the shrines, tombs and rock complexes, of which, at this present time, more than 1000 have
been studied – the most well-known are Perpericon, the Tatul Village Shrine, the Kazanlak
Tomb, Goliamata Kosmatka, the Sveshtari Village Tomb and many others. The main reason
for their preservation till our times is that almost all of them are found buried under
covering mounds. The frescoes found in them, as well as the architecture of the structures
and tombs itself have had a strong influence on the art in the country. Until this very present
day that can be seen in elements, forms and patterns in the Bulgarian fines arts, design and
architecture.
The Thracians also occupied parts of Greece today, namely Western Thrace (or Belomorska
Thrace), and left their trace there too. The true rise of the Greek culture and nation is mainly
in the period of Ancient Greece – an era of thriving arts, science, culture and beauty. At that
time whole conceptual streams in philosophy, fine arts, architecture and applied crafts
appeared.
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The orders with their characteristics were created, cities were built by imposed urban
structure; every creation, edifice, even the way of thinking was changed and explained by
the great Greek philosophers; the buildings suggest a well-developed design and
construction technique, and their shape was ruled by the new concept of life – bright, fresh,
and freed. Man was the central stage in the entire life philosophy and was the measure of
proportion, of volume, of scale.
The later historical development after the decline of Ancient Greece led to the rise of the
Roman Empire, which adopted much of the Greek achievements, enriched it in style and
while conquering a major part of Europe, left traces both in Greece today and the Bulgarian
lands. The Roman builders remain in history with many inventions, improvements of the
construction methods, introduction of new materials (e.g. concrete) and set art standards
that are still in force nowadays. The Romans gave us the first arch structures, the first vault,
the first multi-storeyed building. The knowledge of pigments and colouring was enriches,
Roman legions brought fabrics materials not known until then and they became the textiles
for clothes for prominent court persons and interior materials for drapes, upholstery,
bedcovers, etc. Later, the division of the empire into Western and Eastern (Byzantium)
preordained the fate of the Greek lands for centuries afterwards, and the newly created First
Bulgarian Kingdom united the tribes in the territory of Bulgaria today and initiated the
existence of a strong state to the north of Byzantium. This closeness shaped the history of
the two countries up to the end of the 18th century and influenced the culture, life, art and
architecture not only in Bulgaria and Greece but also on the entire Balkan Peninsula.
Byzantium, as a successor of the culture of both Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire,
continued the development of science and arts, added and enriched the construction and
decoration knowledge and quickly became a model for a strong empire that brought along
entire Europe with its development. Initially Bulgaria did not adopt the styles that were
coming from the south, but after the conversion to Christianity it initiated construction of
churches, basilicas and cathedrals following the Greek model – with the Greek cross layout,
with many vaults, arches, wide domes, counterforces, spaciousness and light. At the same
time the Gothics and cathedrals ruling in Western Europe and occupying the central plazas
of the majority of European cities are considerably bigger than the human scale, and that
dominated and overwhelmed. The Orthodox cultural buildings were on the other end of the
scale – moderate in size with lots of interior spaces and air, plenty of light (including stained
glass) and rich murals. Here we can point out the contribution of the Bulgarian painters to
the art history throughout the entire Orthodox world – the Bulgarian painters quickly
became famous for their skilful brush and unique icons and patterns that adorned the walls,
vaults and domes of Bulgarian churches .
The Ottoman Turks who conquered the remains of Byzantium and the Second Bulgarian
Kingdom by the end of the 14th century forced a five-century long embargo on the
development of culture, architecture and arts in both countries, and at the same time
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introducing mosques, konaks, minarets and sarais, whose elements would remain forever as
a part of the architecture and the historical base of arts, especially in Bulgaria. Probably due
to its more southern location and the influence of free Europe through sea trade and it’s
more unburdened spirit, Greece managed to shake off the Ottoman architectural impact and
in contemporary times only a small part of the Greek design could be determined as
influenced by the Turks. Moreover some researchers speak of a reactive movement of the
Greek artists who deliberately reject anything Turkish in their creations, possibly due to the
ongoing conflict between the two countries. On the other hand, in Bulgaria, despite the long
and hard occupation, some of the elements have not only remained but also a part of them
were modified and are considered classic in contemporary times – the yoke pattern, the
floral motifs in decoration and wood carvings. And the baklava. The Bulgarian artists did not
halt their development during the occupation, on the contrary – deprived of the influence of
foreign architecture and fine arts, they created their unique artwork that is valued
throughout the world nowadays (frescos, murals, carvings, stone works, houses, icons).
Following the liberation from Turkish occupation Bulgaria embarked on a steep rise in its
cultural development – many Bulgarians studied in Europe and brought back to the country
knowledge, skills – from Romanticism and Gothic through the thriving of the Renaissance,
Baroque and Rococo to Neoclassicism and Neobaroque – everywhere in the big liberated
Bulgarian cities beautiful European style buildings started appearing that were not lesser
than their models in the West. Sofia began inviting famous Austrian architects who created
some signature building in the Bulgarian capital – the National Theatre, the Central Baths
and etc. A Czech created the urban plan of Stara Zagora based on the Greek and Roman
cities – emphasized the straight streets and created one of the most beautiful contemporary
Bulgarian cities. The crafts, fine arts, poetry and science were developing. This bloom
continued till the end of the Second World War when a totalitarian dictatorship was
established under the shadow of the USSR and the Bulgarian intellectuals were rounded up
and killed in mass without a trial. The development of Bulgaria was pulled back 50 years
back.
Greece had the fortune to fall into the Western sphere of influence and continued its slow
but uninterrupted course toward modernisation, renovation and development. Although
slowed down by several decades by the military junta that ruled the country up to the
middle of the 20th century, the Greek cultural progress has not stalled since the liberation
from the Ottomans. This is the grounds for the acceptance of Greece in the EU earlier than
Bulgaria. In the 20th century Greece was building moderately with vision and established
lasting concepts in the architecture and design that nowadays are characteristic for the
country – seaside holiday houses and villas, the Santorini white complexes, the wide urban
boulevards in Thessaloniki and Athens, etc.
Bulgaria underwent a sharp turn in the cultural development which was ruled predominantly
by praising the glory of the Party, the workers and the people. The Stalinist architecture, the
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literalism of the fine arts and the removal of details in the decorations created the basis for a
great part of the differences in the concepts of the contemporary Bulgarian and Greek artists
in terms of aesthetics, composition, proportion and scale.
Nowadays the design and architecture quality in the two countries is close to the European
average which is due to many factors – the membership of both countries in the European
Union, financial flows stimulating the growth and construction, the open access to old
Europe and its cultural monuments, internet access providing information and know-how
from all over the world. In terms of style the architecture and design in the two countries are
strongly influenced by the world’s best examples and trends in the world practices. The
diversity of style, straightening of form, freedom of expression, modern vision and strife for
stability, usage of new and more ecological materials, glass, light and colour stand out in
Bulgaria. The Greek architecture keeps close to the traditional scale and design but many
new materials, elements and concepts are appearing as of late – visible stone, wood, heat
insulation and technologies, glass; at the same time a great deal of attention is paid to the
primordial Greek details in ornaments and decoration, the textures and colours which,
mostly due to the climatic and anthropogenic factors, give the characteristic shape of the
modern Greek art and architecture.
A concise comparison of the characteristic elements, building and urban methods and
decoration ideas will give an idea with what the companies in the two countries can be
useful with and what they can learn from each other. For example, in the Bulgarian cities the
excessive concentration and uncontrolled construction led to jamming of entire suburbs and
as a reaction to that the “closed quarter” phenomenon was born – an ensemble of
residential and public buildings built by general design, with unified urban placement
designed and built to exist together. With general landscaping, access, security and
maintenance these complexes gave many people the opportunity to find a settled, clean,
safe and nice environment for life, work and recreation. These innovations in the Bulgarian
urban planning have the potential to be very useful for the developing Greek cities due to
the many positive sides of that type of construction. Characteristic for Bulgaria are the pastel
colour combination, active usage of bricks, ceramics and polymer materials for the facades
and interior. More and more the designs include elements of different styles but combined
in interesting compositions enriches with plenty of light (due to the development of LED
technologies), glass and metal. On the other hand Greece can show moderation of volume
and height despite the invertors’ appetites, balance of buildings’ and complexes’ size and of
colour and material combinations for facades, interior and spaces. An exceptionally positive
feel is created by the white colour combined with a bright colour accent (blue, green, yellow,
orange, purple), the light canvases of pergolas instead of massive penthouses, clean
architecture standing completely and in harmony with the surroundings and its other
elements. Both countries have extensive experience in conservation, restoration and
exponation activities for their cultural and historical heritage; however in different aspects –
in Greece that is buildings, town squares, statures and stone ensembles; Bulgaria has
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excellent specialist in preservation of facades, frescos, murals, engineering structures, etc.
The cooperation between the two countries would provide them with experience, skills,
knowledge and the character of each other.
As shown in surveys the educational level in both countries varies from very low educated
general workers to highly qualified managerial personnel who have studied in different
countries around the world and consecutively apply different approaches to and new
techniques in the projects managed by them. The bigger part of the people employed in the
sector possess the necessary qualification to perform with quality and in compliance with
the legislation of the respective country. The new for both countries is the inflowing
obligatory requirements of the European directives on construction systems and their
stability, materials, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, tenders for public
assignments and last but not least, the design and completion quality control, as well as
guarantees for the completed works. A very important aspect is the unification of
educational criteria for architects, spatial designers, art specialists and interior designers –
every specialist in any country must have a diploma compliant with the introduced
requirements so it can be acknowledged in the territory of the entire EU. This imposes
changes in the legislation and branch organisation norms of the member states for the
purpose of aligning the national requirements for the respective profession with those of EU.
In terms of remuneration in the sector, it is obvious that in Greece, which joined EU earlier
and has adopted the Euro as national currency, the construction sector has a much larger
contribution to the GDP and the remuneration for those occupied in it is close to the average
in Europe. In Bulgaria, which is still the poorest country in the entire EU, both these figures
are rather low, and while the contribution to GDP is proportionally the same with the one of
Greece, it is significantly lower nominally. The same is valid for the remuneration – the
specialists in Bulgaria, despite that their qualification and skills are very close to the average
levels in Europe, are paid rather lower salaries, which for certain subsectors are shockingly
low. Despite that, progress can be seen. As it was mentioned earlier, the sector is closely
dependant on the general state of the economy of the respective country, i.e. the smooth
economic growth after the world crisis also leads to gradual increase of remuneration.
What can be done to stimulate the sector? The measures defined on the basis of surveys can
be divided in several main categories:
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Financial;
Improvement of qualification;
Non-financial (legislation, adoption of best practices, etc.);
International cooperation.
The first category covers all financial opportunities offered by EU and the world market –
subsidies, financial aid, loans, operative programmes facilities, governmental cooperation
and lobbying for contacts with foreign clients, etc. EU has clearly set up mechanisms for
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absorption of resources in different economic sectors, and each country makes the
necessary effort to attract to its businesses maximum volume of the general European
budget. The equal rules for all states in the Union create an opportunity for different types
of organisations, including international, to participate in projects and to receive subsidies
for their work.
The activities for improvement of qualification consist of different educational programmes
for exchange of students and work force within the Union and that creates enormous
opportunities for exchange of people, culture, information, knowledge and know-how.
Programmes such as Erasmus, Leonardo da Vinci and others are bearing their fruit in
different parts of Europe and the knowledge level has significantly improved. Another
important aspect of the improvement of qualification is the mentioned directives unifying
the obligatory frames in different parts of the branch in all member states. These directives
oblige the universities and branch organisations, as well as the countries themselves, to
educate their specialists so they can be more competitive in the new environment. EU
provides financial and non-financial aid in this aspect.
The improved opportunities to travel and cross-border contacts allow people to visit
different parts of Europe for the purpose of education and work, to absorb knowledge, to
seek new aspects for work, to study practices, systems, innovations and know-how from the
more developed countries for the purpose of applying those in their respective country. This
migration enables a quick growth, improvement of projects and hence improvement of life
environment and general improvement of quality of life in both countries. In this line of
thought, a purposeful policy for cross-border cooperation of companies in Greece and
Bulgaria, as direct neighbours, tremendously increases the effectiveness of such a process
due to the low logistic cost, common past and the traditionally good connections between
the two countries.
The ongoing project between NEO VISION Ltd. and Dimitris Kamilalis is an example of such a
best practice – a company specializing in spatial and interior design exchanges experience
with a famous Greek architect, while both parties actively seek the opinion, knowledge and
experience of their partner. The outcome of that project will give a positive answer to the
question whether that type of development, recommended by EC, works and bears fruit.
The actual actions and activities undertaken under the project and as an addition to its
requirements are:
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Preparation of detailed portfolios of the two companies which are to be shared
between the parties for the purpose of getting to know the work, specifics and
qualities of the other party;
Preparation of detailed surveys on design, interior and architecture in the two
countries based on historical prerequisites and development over the centuries;
Drawing of an analysis from the surveys for the purpose of identification of the
main strong points, innovations and best practices;
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Designing a plan for systematic and stable training of target groups and all
stakeholders;
Organising joint training, seminars, lectures and visits in both countries for the
purpose of detailed learning of separate positions, training and further
development of the practices and the analyses on their outcomes.
As an addition to these main activities the following can be recommended:
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Joint training tasks that are developed parallel by both parties; after their
completion an analysis of the two solutions of one and the same task is to be
carried out;
Signing of a generic agreement for cooperation and joint applications for public
assignments in any of the two countries or abroad; this agreement can be
extended to cover joint work on a task of one of the partners for the purpose of
improvement of the quality of the product;
Exchange of office personnel between the companies for a period set forth in the
agreement, for the purpose of training, experience and improvement of
qualification.
The actual innovations, work methods and best practices of the two companies will be
specified at those mentioned above meetings, training courses and seminars, as a part of the
process of cross-border cooperation.
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