34th European Architecture Students Assembly

2014

Veliko Tarnovo Bulgaria

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34th European Architecture Students Assembly

2014 Veliko Tarnovo Bulgaria

European Architecture Students AssemblyBulgaria

2013

organizersDobrin PetkovDimitar RahovNikolay MitovElena RahovaEmilian DimovVeniyana Lemonidi

designMoirewww.moire.info

Veliko Tarnovo – Candidate for EuropeanCapital of Culture 2019

Veliko Tarnovo Municipality

Baumit

Makita

Bushmills

Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria

Union of Architects in Bulgaria

University of Architecture Civil Engineering and Geodesy

Sofia Architecture Week

České centrum

In cooperation with

support

partners

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EssenceHistoryThe assemblyThe question

The conceptArchitecture/natureHistorical layersCultural symбиозаArts symбиозаSocial symбиозаEASA means symбиоза

Brief overviewHistoryGeographical characteristicsCultural heritageLocal traditions, arts and craftsOther events in the cityVeliko Tarnovo – candidate for European Capital of Culture 2019Fun facts

Introduction

What is EASA

EASA 2014

Symбиоза

Veliko Tarnovo

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contents

Assembly venues

Workshops

How to apply for a tutor

Materials & tools

Tutor life

Fees &accommodation

Event program

Bulgaria – tips and tricks

Credits

BibliographyContacts

NearbyCity problems and problematic spots The river YantraThe stair-caseRecommended spots

“Cyril and Methodius, Saints” High SchoolOld post officeLecturesLounge and exhibitions

Workshops at EASASymбиоза workshopsParticipants

The platformDeadlinesWhat to submitWho can apply

ThanksAs a conclusion

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introduction

Welcome to the world of EASA. This booklet will get you through the history and essence of the European Architecture Students Assembly. In summer 2014 EASA will be held in Ve-liko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, with the theme Symбиоза. In the pages ahead we will try to familiarize you in detail with the upcoming assembly and motivate you to apply for a workshop tutor. So make yourself comfortable, here we go.

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what is easa

EASA (European Architecture Students Assembly) is a plat-form for cultural and education exchange, connecting Architec-ture students and professionals from all European countries, and in recent years from all over the world. EASA does not exist as an international legitimate body, and has no chairman or any type of directors, but instead is build up of equal representatives spread throughout the whole continent. The assembly is organ-ized by students for students and so provides a unique platform for education where the cultural experience is life changing. EASA gives a chance to experience architecture in a way that universities are unable to provide – it brings students to a cer-tain context, defined by the location and theme of the assem-bly, where they have to raise architectural questions themselves and investigate them through the eyes of all European cultures simultaneously. Being their own educators, students then elabo-rate the answers and bring them to reality.

Essence

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asa

EASA was given birth in 1981 in Liverpool, England, when ur-ban planning and social issues in the area provoked a group of students to search for the solutions in alternative ways. As a re-sult more than 200 students gathered for one week, so starting up the EASA experience. Since then the assembly has been tak-ing place every summer in different countries and in 2014 will be held in Bulgaria for the first time. Here you can see EASA throughout the years:

England, Liverpool – Starting up the EASA ExperienceNetherlands, Delft – Architecture of an Uncertain FuturePortugal, Lisboa – Social SpacesDenmark, Aarhus – Turning point in ArchitectureGreece, Athens – Interpretation and Action in the CityItaly, Torino – Architecturi LatentiFinland, Helsinki – Architecture and NatureGermany, Berlin – The Dimension BetweenFrance, Marseille – Heritage et CreativéSweden, Karlskron – ExplorationUSSR, Kolomna – RegenerationTurkey, Ürgup – Vision 2000 EnvironmentScotland, Sandwick – The IsleBelgium, Liege – Consommer l’InconsumablePoland, Zamosc – Beyond the BordersFrance, ClermontL’Herault – Dream Builders!Scandinavia, The Train – Advancing ArchitectureMalta, Valetta – Living on the EdgeGreece, Kavala – OsmosisBelgium/Netherlands, Antwerp/Rotterdam – Dis-SimilaritiesTurkey, Gokceada – SustainabilityCroatia, Vis – SensesDenmark, Friland – Sustainable LivingFrance, Roubaix – Metropolitain – MicropolitainSwitzerland, Bergun – Tran, Trans, TransitHungary, Budapest – Common PlaceGreece, Elefsina – City IndexIreland, Letterfrack – AdaptationItaly, Darfo – Superm[ARCH]etUK, Manchester – IDSpain, Cadiz – deCOASTructionFinland, Helsinki – WastelandsSlovenia, Zuzemberk – ReactionBulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo – SymбиозаMalta, Valletta – Links

History

1981 —1982 —1983 —1984 —1985 —1986 —1987 —1988 —1989 —1990 —1991 —1992 —1993 —1994 —1995 —1996 —1997 —1998 —1999 —2000 —2001 —2002 —2003 —2004 —2005 —2006 —2007 —2008 —2009 —2010 —2011 —2012 —2013 —2014 —2015 —

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what is easa

The assembly

The question

EASAspreads in two weeks in summer, often considered by attendees as the most intensive two weeks experienced by far. During these 14 days the multitude of participants forms a uto-pian community which maintains itself – nearly 500 students and professionals work, study, rest, cook, eat, clean and live to-gether. The event focuses mostly on the workshops – taking up the majority of time,up to 30 workshops are implemented each year, all engaged with the concrete theme of the assembly. The event program is essentially packed with lectures, conducted by professionals from divergent spheres of activity, also strongly related to the theme. Exhibitions, open discussions, intuitive one-day workshops and spontaneous performances further in-vestigate the questions arising during the two weeks.

“What is EASA” is certainly a tough question. It is a family in a way, with ever renewing members. The “EASA spirit” is overwhelming – from the first day of attendance you become an easian. A community based on the power of equality – be it organizers, participants, tutors, helpers … we’re all responsible for the wellbeing of the family and the fruitful development of the assembly.

The Architecture Woodstock, in a way …

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easa 2014

For the first time EASA will be held in Bulgaria. From July 19th to the 3rd of August 2014 VelikoTarnovo will host the assembly in its rich and complex historical and cultural background. The theme of EASA 2014 is Symбиоза and if the reader is still with us we’ll examine it in detail in the forthcoming chapter.

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symбиоза

No thing is whole unto itself, for it is merely a part of a larger whole. Everything in this universe is connected. Every action is the result of a prior one, and is in itself the reason for all subse-quent actions. A spider web, where every vibration causes the whole structure to swing, in harmony, forever.

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Symбиоза seeks to advocate among students of architecture the feeling of oneness of all natural and social phenomena and the non-superiority of THE architect in building the world of to-morrow.

The theme aims to investigate architecture as part of a com-plex network, where every element is substantially affected by the behavior of all others. A butterfly flutters in Veliko Tarnovo, a storm hits Hawaii (providing good surf conditions, not a dis-aster).

Our purpose is to involve non-architects in EASA 2014 – be it as tutors, participants or lecturers – to share their views, and to rethink architecture in symбиоза with professionals from diver-gent spheres of activity – sculptors, painters, musicians, actors, psychologists, historians, philosophers, politicians, sociologists, anthropologists, writers, marketing managers, public relations, hairdressers, cooks, dancers, you.

Aim

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Let’s now articulate a few main symбиоза relations that EASA 2014 will focus on:

It is always a pleasure for the eye to see an architectural pro-ject that harmoniously fits its natural surroundings: a morpholo-gy that communicates with the relief and the use of intrinsicma-terials that correlate to the textures of the place. In other words – architecture and nature that are “bodily” connected.

Veliko Tarnovo is a wonderful expression of this symбиоза. Le Corbusier, on his visit to Veliko Tarnovo in 1901 praised the city for its organic relation to the natural relief.

Architecture/nature

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symбиоза

Historical layers EASA 2014 will focus on the symбиза between buildings and monuments from different historical periods – how they can co-exist, respect and complement one another.Veliko Tarnovo is the perfect playground for that investigation. The city shelters architecture from all the periods since 12th cen-tury BC to the present days. What is most peculiar is that all these layers exist simultaneously – they spread horizontally, cre-ating a unique time-line of visible historical layers.

For both local people and tourists, the city has gained a pre-served-type image which the municipality is eager to break. This gives us a massive potential to experiment with the architectural heritage and the most contemporary tendencies in architecture. With the maximum of respect, that is.

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Cultural symбиоза

Arts symбиоза

Social symбиоза

A vast number of different cultures inhabit our planet – from the Eskimos on the North Pole, through the many European, Eastern, African, South American and many other cultures. They have all developed strong identities, religions and traditions in the course of history, according to the climate, geological char-acteristics, ancestors and other factors at their homeland. To-day, in the globalizing world with mass-communications and fast transportation methods available, these cultures interweave more and more, often causing cultural clashes. On the one hand, it is normal to perceive “invaders” as a threat to your identity and hearth. Many cultures have tried to completely overwhelm others, exploiting them for selfish benefits. On the other hand, we find out that both sides can benefit from one another, even by adopting a simple hand-work tool.

EASA 2014 aims to investigate the means of cultural Sym-биоза: how different cultures can coexist, interweave and enrich one another, but at the same time each one preserving its strong identity.

Different arts have always influenced one another. It is a known saying that architecture is frozen music. This Symбиоза will try to investigate how architecture can communicate with different arts and crafts – painting, sculpture, music, theatre, etc.

This aspect of the theme will focus on the symбиоза between different social groups:а) How can people from different ethnic backgrounds live in harmony and freely express their cultural customs and religious views? The predominant national minorities in Bulgaria are gyp-sies and Turkish people. A serious case in the last months has

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EASA means symбиоза

been the penetration of Syrian refugees – a problem that has been monstrously manipulated by politicians.b) How can architecture help people from different generations come together and feel connected? Elder people face fundamen-tal difficulties in actively participating in society and the activi-ties of the city. Young people too often discriminate or just for-get about older people’s needs, causing a double-sided problem – the isolation of the elder, and the lack of social experience for the young.c) How can architecture concern the needs of homeless peo-ple and people with disabilities? How can we help the homeless children from the region feel equivalent in the city scene and actively participate in social life? How do we design public city spaces in a way that people with physical or mental difficulties can enjoy them just as the rest of the citizens?

EASA is in its nature a symbiotic structure like the forest – an ever renewing network of participants with mutually beneficial relationships. Our team wants to enforce this process by pro-viding the most suitable environment for coexistence, collec-tive thinking and collaboration. That’s what EASA is all about – bringing different individuals together to live in harmony, think as one and collaborate. We also want the symбиоза to go on the level of EASA and the city – the participants and the local com-munity to coexist and complement. The location offers great po-tential to achieve this mutual benefit.

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Veliko Tarnovo

As I watch this incredible town I can’t stop thinking it must be a dream, an apparition, and an optical illusion. – Ivan Vazov, writer

Here comes the history lesson …There is historical data for Veliko Tarnovo’s existence from

6000 BC. During the bronze era the territory was inhabited by the Thracians. At that time it was established as a centre of great value. It has kept its significance ever since. During Roman times military fortifications were built to guard the road from the Dan-ube to Constantinople. In the end of the 5th century a Byzantine fortress was formed on the remains of the Thracian village. It was demolished with the invasion of Bulgars and Slavs. The lat-ter settled here two centuries later. Shortly after the Bulgarian country was established, in 681 AD, Tarnovo became a strategic military centre. Because of its key location, built on three hills, it quickly developed its specific structure and appearance. After four hundred years under Byzantine rule, the rebellion of the brothers Asen and Peter in 1185 opened a new chapter of Bulgar-ian history.

After the glorious victory, Veliko Tarnovo became the new capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. This period of time is now referred to as the Golden Ages. The town of Tarnovo flour-ished as an administrative, military, religious, economic and cul-tural centre. Dozens of churches and a couple of monasteries, along with other public buildings enriched the life in the city. The Tsarevets fortress was transformed into the king’s castle. The other two hills in Tarnovo – Trapezitsa and Devingrad, were also fortified. “Third Rome, Second Constantinople”, Europeans called it.

Brief enough overview

History

Holy Forty Martyrs

Church

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The end of the 13th century was marked by a critical phase for the Bulgarian kingdom. Tarnovo remained capital of its region until treachery led to its fall in 1393. The Ottomans pil-laged and ravaged across the country. The people lived in fear and misery for hundreds of years before they finally stood up for their rights. After a few unsuccessful waves of rebellion, the people’s thirst for freedom escalated to the bloody massacre in April, 1876. The horrors of the April rebellion reached the ears of Europe and a year later the Russian Empire declared war to the Ottomans. On the 17th of June, 1877, Tarnovo reclaimed its freedom.

In the period between the Liberation and the wars from 1912 to 1918, Tarnovo was an important centre once again. In 1879, the first state law – The Veliko Tarnovo Constitution – was writ-ten here. The First Bulgarian Great National Assembly also took place in the old capital. In 1908 prince Ferdinand announced the Independence of the Bulgarian Kingdom on the Tzarevetz hill. Although Sofia was declared to be the new capital, Tarnovo un-derwent a construction boom which included new administra-tive, cultural, educational, commercial and industrial buildings. Under the influence of Western European countries the pluming, sewer systems, road surfaces and street lighting were significant-ly improved. Alongside the modern buildings, more ambitious projects were taken on. Such were the iron bridge of Stambolov – the first iron bridge constructed on the Balkans (1892), the rail-way station with its adjacent bridges and tunnels (1900), the modern theatre (1901), the Court of Auditors (1910), the stone bridge in Asenova Mahala (1933) and many banks, hotels and in-dustrial facilities. WWII put an end to the construction boom.

Saint Dimitar church

3000 BC – 1200 AD

1393 – 1878

1800 – 1887

1878 – 1944

1944 – 1981

1981 – 2012

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During the communist rule, Veliko Tarnovo became a district town and a developed industrial center. In the 60’s, because of the urbanization period, there was a great demand for resi-dential buildings. Some monolithic constructions were built, as well as apartment houses and panel blocks in the new neighbor-hoods. Schools, markets, villas and parks improved the lifestyle of the locals. New factories, grouped in modern industrial zones became the main source of income. The production was diverse and of great quality: fabrics, clothes, pastries and others.

After the fall of the regimen, commercial establishments and the infrastructure were partially neglected. In 1997 Veliko Tar-novo won the award for sustainable development for countries from East and Central Europe. The town continues to grow with time, while proudly preserving its glory of an old capital.Now you know more about Tarnovo’s history than most locals!

The First National Assembly

Tarnovo Constitution

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Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Turnovo Municipality is located in the central part of north Bulgaria and is the biggest one in its region. The town it-self is in the middle of the country lands and is on fairly equal distances from the biggest Bulgarian cities. Only 7 km away lies the town of Gorna Orqhovitza with the biggest railway station in Bulgaria, as well as an airport. But we challenge you to try and come by plane.

The region is filled with caves, waterfalls and other stunning attractions. The landscape of Veliko Tarnovo varies from plains and hills to mountains suitable for rock-climbing. The average altitude is 208 meters. The three main hills are called Tzarevetz, Trapezica and Devingrad. The river running through the veins of the city structure – Yantra – is the biggest one in the region. Due to the richness of the soil up north, the land is used to cul-tivate wheat, corn and vegetables. Tarnovo has a moderate con-tinental climate that causes a cold winter (absolute minimum -28.1°C) and a hot summer (absolute maximum 41.1°C). So take your bathing suits, it’s gonna be hot!

Geographical characteristics

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Due to its many historical layers, Tarnovo has a rich and di-verse cultural heritage. You can learn all about it by visiting one of the many museums dedicated to archeology, the revival period, modern history and even something as specific as wax figures. In terms of religion, there is a bounty of monasteries, churches, mosques and temples of ancient times. The earliest cultural traces date from 6000 BC – prehistoric houses, pot-tery, jewellery and even toys. Medieval times have also left their mark – the Tzarevetz hill has become a symbol of the town with its impressive archeological remains, although the majority of what’s today is a reconstruction.

Cultural heritage

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The town has preserved many of its traditions and crafts, which can be studied best in the “Samovodska charshia” – an old commercial street in the centre of the old town. It used to be a big trading center for craftsmen from all over the country. Now you can get a glimpse of the old fashioned ways of pottery, ico-nography, vine-growing, wood-carving, shoe-making, forging, weaving, coppersmith, goldsmith, silversmith and so on, and so on. Some of the crafts don’t even have a proper translation in English. Silkworm breeding and furriery were also once local trades. In Asenova Mahala you can still find traces of the techni-cal process of silkworm breeding in some of the old houses that were used for it. Nowadays Veliko Turnovo is a desirable place for artists and craftsmen who set a creative atmosphere along the streets of the town.

Local traditions, arts and crafts

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One of the emblematic events for the town is the Light and Sound Festival that is organized after sundown on special occa-sions and on request. The town is also open to 3D mapping and other light installations of massive scale. There are annual musi-cal festivals on both national and international level. Folklore and pop music, church choirs, brass bands and operas gather visitors from all over the world. The everyday nightlife includes small clubs, bars and cafes, each with its own unique atmos-phere. During the day you can enjoy rock-climbing, paraglid-ing and other extreme experiences organized by the local clubs. The town hosts many graffiti and street art festivals, alternative theater performances and exhibitions.

Other events in the city

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Veliko Tarnovo – Candidate

for European Capital of

Culture 2019

In 2019, a Bulgarian and an Italian city will be the Europe-an Capitals of Culture. Veliko Tarnovo is a proud competitent, along with Plovdiv, Sofia and Varna after successfully passing the first selection round.

The slogan of Tarnovo’s campaign – “Creating Happiness” – is an expression of the municipalities’ belief that creating, shar-ing and co-experiencing culture, science and arts can help reduce stress and increase positive emotions, that way improving the life of citizens. The concept of the event calendar from now till 2019 preferably targets people aged 12–18. In six years, they will be the ones engaged with the responsibility to undertake impor-tant decisions for the development of the city and the region.

EASA 2014 is a leading event in the cultural program of Veliko Tarnovo as a candidate for European Capital of Culture. Never-theless, EASA is completely independent and un-obliged with any concrete expectations and in terms of organization.

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In a 50 km. radius you can find over 25 protected natural terri-tories that include century old forests, karst springs, waterfalls, fossils and caves. There are over 87 caves in the region, most of which are yet to be researched. Some of them are ‘The Monas-tery holes’ near ‘the Preobrajenski Monastery’ and cave ‘Musin-ska’, which guards a Roman treasure. There are over 15 monaster-ies in a 25 km radius – a real national treasure.

However, the place of greatest historical value is the roman city built by Emperor Trajan in 101–106 AD, in honor of his victo-ry over the ‘Dacians’. That is why the town was named Nikopolis ad Istrum, or ‘The City of Victory’.

You can enjoy a hot bath in the mineral springs of the village Voneshta Voda, or a trip to the ethnical museum in Zlataritza. The region organizes many festivals and thematic gatherings, most famous of which are the national folklore festivals ‘Rojen’ and ‘Rahovche’ – for children.

Nearby

Nikopolis ad Istrum

Kilifarevo Monastery

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Fun facts The population of Veliko Tarnovo is approximately 75 000 people (150 EASAs).

There are two universities in the city, providing education for more than 20 000 students (40 EASAs).

There are two breweries in Tarnovo, producing enough beer for an event of the EASA caliber.

Veliko Tarnovo is the only city with two capital letters – V and T, and only one main street.

We have a celebrity in our midst – Veliko Tarnovo is an offi-cial member of the League of Historical Cities. Yes, there is such.

Veliko Turnovo holds the record for mass bungee jumping – from the Stambolov Bridge – with over 600 jumps (1.2 EASAs) from 1 rope in 24 hours.

Women of Veliko Tarnovo are said to be the ones with the most beautiful legs in the country (special thanks to the stair-case chapter). Maybe that’s why Tarnovo is one of four Bulgar-ian towns with a positive natural growth.

Bachkovo Monastery

Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, Arbanasi Saint George church, Arbanasi

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City problems and problematic spots

The river Yantra

The stair-case

Just like every other city, Veliko Turnovo has its larger and smaller scale problems. The need for restoration of historical buildings, reconstruction of roads and functional reorientation of run-down factories are to mention a few. Traffic is also an is-sue, as the city has no car-free zones. The result is constant noise pollution, an excessive parking space demand and no ‘pedestri-an only’ main street, except for the ‘Samovodska Charshia’. The accessibility for people with disabilities is also a topic, as the street slopes offer them a great challenge.

A bigger-scale issue is the contextual division between the old and new parts of the city. Cultural happenings are concen-trated solely in the historical neighborhoods, because of their richness. As a result the locals living in the newer parts don’t get as involved in the events.

Many public spaces like parks, schoolyards and stairs are beg-ging for an intervention. And there is always the matter of play-grounds, as well as urban furniture every here and there.

The negligence of the river – one of the greatest advantag-es of Tarnovo’s landscape, is killing us – many things could be done there right away.

Veliko Tarnovo is one of the 27 lucky settlements that enjoy the stunning panorama of the Yantra River. The waterflow be-gins its journey from the Central Balkan regions, then curves its way north through the Dobrudzha valley, to finally interweave with the Danube’s stream and reach the water of the Black Sea. In the region of Tarnovo the river forms picturesque meanders which live in symбиоза with the urban structure. Unfortunately, the riverside is neglected and fairly used, the water’s cleanliness fluctuates, and the riverbank is slippery.

The riverside is awaiting your workshop!

The steep slopes of Tarnovo’s hills led to a terraced solution for its urban structure. And then came the staircase – in differ-ent shapes and sizes; made out of stone, wood and iron; old and new; it overcomes the striking altitude between the levels of the town. Its main purpose is to be used as a pedestrian shortcut, making people quicker (and fitter) step by step. However, other applications are also possible. A new attractive use of the steps is UP to you. So when you arrive in Tarnovo after the exhilarat-ing trip, take a walk and calm DOWN …

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problematic spots

“Varosha” – Old City

Old city partslope terrain predominating in staired streets

New central city area concen-trated with administrative buildings

“Marno Pole” Park

Ex-military school zone – future secondary city center

Green areas

Old Turkish city center

“Asenova Mahala” – residential area by the river

“Trapezitza” Castle

“Tzarevec” Castle

University zone

Turkish downtown

“Yantra” River

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o There are a few terraces in between buildings along the main street that open a magnificent panorama view to the city. These spots definitely want your hands in action.

There are a few specific spots along the riverside, which flourished with bikini years ago, but now are lonesome and need your good ideas to bring them back to life.

Just above our accommodation – the school – there is a lovely hidden small green space. Still there is a café-type pavilion and memories of benches. Pimp that space?

A keystone on the map of Veliko Tarnovo is the Tsar Asen II Square, which was recently renovated. Well, they obvi-ously forgot about some urban furniture and just paved it. And there is a ramp?

There is a charming street running through the fortress hill with ruins of medieval houses. Take a great consid-eration of the historical context when elaborating your proposal.

Another great alley with picturesque panoramas that is used for cultural events, though some fresh interven-tions will give further charm to the park.

Do have this one in mind.

There are a couple of small squares around the Varosha District, with a great Bulgarian Revival spirit.

For the ones that love the kids – there are various kinder playgrounds that need something to cheer up the young-sters.

There is the house of a friend, who provides it as a work-shop playground.

Terraces along the main street

The forgotten beaches

The green cache

The Tsar Asen II Square

The street on the hill Tsarevets

The alley in the Gallery park

Yet another terrace

Small squares in Varosha District

Kinder playgrounds

The private house

The summer theatre

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assembly venues

The venues of EASA 2014 are spread throughout the city tis-sue. That way the participants will merge with the environment and feel the spirit of Veliko Tarnovo. The distance between the furthest of the locations is not more than 20 minutes walk, and most of them are situated in the old town.

All participants, tutors, organizers and helpers will be ac-commodated in “Cyril and Methodius, Saints” High School. The building is about 100 years old and is protected as cultural herit-age. The school provides a huge two-level yard with marvelous panorama vistas. It is situated just by the castle and right next to Tsar Asen Square. Sleeping – in the classrooms, on the floor.

The Municipality gives us freedom and trust to intervene in the public spaces. A workshop can be realized at any spot, cho-sen by the tutor or the participants.

Accommodation

“Cyril and Methodius,

Saints” High School

Workshops

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Some of the workshops and exhibitions will be held in the old post office. The building is situated on the main street in the old town. It has been abandoned for decades, thoughin recent years many art festivals and exhibitions have been taking place there. The building provides numerous spaces with potential for inter-ventions. Workshops can also be held in the yard of the school.

The old post office

The Old Post office

interior

The Old Post office

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Lectures

Lounge and exhibitions

The lectures will be held in various locations – the atrium of the National Library for the sunny days, the university hall and many others.

There will be even more spaces provided for EASA, spread throughout the city for exhibitions and lounge areas.

The Library

The University

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venues map

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workshops

Tutors are given complete freedom in their interpretation of the theme. Thus the workshops at EASA vary in essence and scale in amazing ways. Nevertheless, we can point out a few ba-sic types of workshops than have been taking place in the last 34 years:A. Constructive / theoretical / compoundB. Permanent / temporaryC. Predesigned / designed on field D. Traditional EASA workshops

Workshops at EASA

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Constructive / theoretical / compound

Architects are about building. EASA gives students a rare op-portunity to put their hands on the tools and bring architecture to reality. Constructive workshops, of course, differ in scale sig-nificantly – from building a permanent pavilion for expositional and cultural use to re-functioning a certain space by just placing a minor intervention – every EASA so far can be proud with big pavilion-type constructions being built during the two weeks, as well as many smaller structures – benches, bridges, boats, piers, interactive installations etc. Constructive workshops also vary in the materials implied – you can build with timber, metal, plas-tic, glass, empty plastic bottles, stone, waste – it’s all up to you, the tutor.

Before building architects (hopefully) go through massive re-search and theoretical studies addressing a certain problem or need. It is that part of architecture that theoretical workshops at EASA take upon. After conducting extensive research on place the outcome of such workshops is usually a book, an exhibition, a live lecture or a series of presentations, or even something else? It’s up to you what will be theoretically examined – it may be a local or global social issue, a historical or political study, a metaphysical examination, a musical experience etc. The means of documentation and representation of the study are also up to you.

A.

Constructive workshops

Theoretical workshops

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Bringing the best of both worlds (theory and construction), compound workshops go through a stage of research on place, usually taking up the first week of the assembly, and as a result produce physical expressions of the theoretical conclusions.

The subdivisions given here are, of course, tentative and should not be taken as decisive in your brainstorming – no workshop is ever solely constructive nor theoretical. Neverthe-less a basic differentiation is obviously present.

Permanent / temporary workshops(A differentiation mostly applicable to constructive workshops)

While composing your workshop proposal it is essential to have this feature in mind – is it built to last, or is it there for just a period of time?

A permanent workshop should have a function that is appro-priate for its long-life charisma. It will be there for years –be sure it is going to be still attractive and functional in the distant fu-ture. Furthermore, a structure built to last requires durable ma-

Compound workshops

Permanent workshops

B.

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terials and a vandal-resistant design. Also bear in mind that all four seasons are strongly present in Bulgaria – burning summer heat; rainy, windy autumns; snowy, freezing winters … make it tough.

Many permanent workshops require measurements, foun-dations or other preparations, which need to be done prior to the beginning of the assembly. This ensures that the rest of the work will be completed on time. Therefore, tutors applying for a constructive workshop requiring preliminary work need to be present at the worksite prior enough to have things prepared by the first day of EASA. In other words – an early-bird arrival might be needed.

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Being designed to stay for a certain period of time, tempo-rary workshops come out to be much easier to achieve in two weeks and in the context of EASA spirit. One of the few require-ments is that they don’t leave a serious trace on the spot after being removed.

Predesigned / designed on field

In this chapter we are about to examine a crucial character-istic of EASA workshops. Concerning all types – constructive, theoretical, compound, temporary, permanent, whatever – it is a fundamental feature whether:– the workshop has been predesigned in detail– a design concept has been presented and then further devel-oped and brought to reality during the assembly– the whole design is elaborated on place, based on a certain theoretical background

C.

Temporary workshops

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workshops

Predesigned workshops

Designed on field

EASA scandalizes 14 days. And there’s a lot happening dur-ing that time – new people, new places, interesting lectures, ex-hausting parties. Although workshops do consume the most of time, it’s impossible for you, the tutor, and your participants to spend the whole two weeks solely working on the project. You will find a lot about how participants are chosen for the work-shops and other crucial information in the chapters yet to come. But here we have to mention a few basic things.

Usually, those are the big-scale constructive workshops. As these consume a lot of pure, filthy handwork, EASA has gained the experience that it is more than preferable to have the design of the workshop in advance – probably in detail, or just leav-ing minor constructive questions to be solved on ground. This ensures that you will have enough time to get your participants to understand the design and construction methods, spread the work among them and then start building. And of course –have the job done by the end of the assembly.

further developing a conceptual designParticipants in your workshop are a huge potential. It is very

EASA-spirited to start a workshop with a conceptual design and develop it further with the ideas and multicultural approach of your participants. And then build it.

design from alpha to omegaA workshop can also start as a purely theoretical intention.

Then you meet your participants, feel their vibes, start brain-storming, develop a design together and finally build it – also a very EASA-spirited approach.

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Traditional EASA workshops

There are a few workshops that have proven their genius EASA-spirit throughout the years and deservedly take place every assembly since they were born.

As an assembly of highest rank, EASA has its own newspaper. Although Umbrella is the international name, it changes every year adopting the local word for newspaper. It is issued every one or two days and covers all the events going on during the as-sembly, all the rumors, all the workshops, all the parties.

A workshop dedicated to filming the event and streaming epi-sodes every few days. Mass media – we all know the potential.

D.

Umbrella (EASA newspaper)

EASA TV

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workshops

EASA FM

EASA Kitchen

A radio station will be streaming live in the city during the two weeks. Everyone is invited to play some music, make a live musical performance, share ideas, give a speech etc.

This workshop is a charming way to share your country’s tra-ditional food or your favourite dish with everyone.

As you are applying for a tutor you have a great idea about a workshop and you need a bunch of lovely people to work it out together. This chapter is to them - your participants.

First important thing in your workshop presentation is the number of people you need for the job. Basically there is no limi-tation in that, but a rough number between 1 and 25 could be imagined. Having too many participants may cause difficulties

Workshop participants

How many

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in spreading the work among them in rational ways. This brings about the hanging-around-doing-nothing people. Not having enough laborers is even worse. A well-coordinated and fruitfully working team is the key to success.

You never know, until they join.All the selected workshops will be gathered in one booklet /the participantpack/ and so presented to future participants. Hence, they will be already familiar with the essence of the workshops by the first day of EASA. Also, in the beginning of the assembly-all the tutors make presentations of their workshops, followed by formal and informal discussions. Then attendees choose which workshop to join.

It is very important to make your participants feel engaged and involved in the working process. Sometimes people have different opinions – someone may have a different idea about the workshop. It is in the process of working together that bril-liant ideas rise about. Don’t hesitate to let the design or concept change – even a predesigned workshop can twist significantly in the course of work. On the other hand many workshops are designed from alpha to omega on the spot – it’s the participants that play the major role for that.

As a tutor, you carry demanding responsibilities towards your participants, their well-being and motivation and the suc-cessful implementation of your workshop.

Once you get to know each other and form a lovely team, it is important to keep a circumstantial and tolerant communication – a crucial factor for a rewarding experience. Make sure that eve-rybody in your workshop knows the “what, where and how”. Ex-change your phone numbers, make regular meetings, and drink beer. Usually tutors pin-post important information regarding the workshop at the infopoints of the assembly. That way all the participants can see the news when passing by.

Keep your participants healthy and fresh-minded in the pro-cess of work. Many workshops require comprehensive and sub-stantial instructions before starting. For example – someone may have never used an electric drill or screwdriver, and they probably won’t share this with you. It is your duty and respon-sibility to familiarize all the participants with the tools and con-struction methods you will be dealing with. Thus the work ahead will be much easier, beneficial and safe.

Safety

Communication

Engagement

Who’s joining you

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This is no ordinary workshop contest. As EASA 2014 will be dominated by the symбиоза concept, the workshop proposals will also have to be elaborated and submitted in the symбиоза spirit. What does it all mean?

A unique web-platform has been developed, where every tu-tor will have to post his first impression and basic concept for a workshop. The platform will be constantly updated showing all the proposals submitted by the moment. The main goal of the platform is having everybody able to brainstorm, comment and propose changes, mutations and symbiosis on the workshop concepts that only the collective mind can think of.There are different possibilities that can emerge from the plat-form:– Symбиоза between workshops may lead to merging:“Workshop A” and “Workshop B” are so complementary and in love that they merge into “Workshop C”.– A symbiotic product workshops:Maybe two workshops can maintain their identity but produce something together using totally different approaches to the subject. Or using different medias finally producing things (ob-jects, impressions, experiences, provocative ideas) relating to each other in the mind of the public. There is no limitation in the number of members in a symбиоза relationship – many ideas can merge in one workshop, and many single workshops can be interconnected in a chain-type relation. We stress out that it is not obligatory to form a rela-tionship between workshops as this is just only one of the levels on which it can happen. Feel free to find your symбиоза on the level the macro and the micro, in your own mind or the wide world, in other fields like arts, politics or science, look in other cultures, in history, in ideas or your imagination …

Symбиоза workshops

The platform

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We expect your workshop concept uploaded on: www.symbioza.bg (see section Take Part)

The workshop contest for EASA 2014 is organized with TWO deadlines, as follows:

January 30th By that day you will have to submit your basic idea/concept for the workshop.

February 28th After you have submitted you workshop, it is time to research all the other proposals and start living the symбиоза experience. So by the second deadline you will have to submit the elaborat-ed workshop.

Within the first deadline we want your basic concept de-scribed in a short expose and an optional poster and/or a vid-eo. Make sure your text is not too long, not too short and clear. The poster is up to you, and the video is optional. During the first deadline you proposal doesn’t have to be elaborated in de-tail – more like a basic concept that can be easily linked into symбиоза relations.

In the second deadline, your workshop will have to be sub-mitted with detailed information about the concept, as well as a prolific specification of materials/resources needed.

There is absolutely no restriction regarding who can apply for a tutor. Everyone is invited.

Deadlines

Deadline 1

Deadline 2

What to submit

Who can apply?

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materials &

tools

Veliko Tarnovo and the region provide some construction materials. So we can basically ensure the disposal of these com-mons:PlywoodFiber board – e.g. MDF / OSB / Hard BoardTimber – Varying in lengths and dimensionsDowel – Varying in lengths and dimensionsSheet MetalMetal Lengths – Varying in lengths and dimensionsMetal AnglesGlass / Plastic SheetingString / Rope / Metal Rope / WireBricks / Construction Blocks / Paving TilesCement / SandInsulation Board / Roll MechanicalFixings – e.g. Screws / Nails / Nuts & Bolts / RivetsChemical Fixings – e.g. Glues / MasticsPaint / Spray Paint / Paint Brushes / Paint RollersFabric – Varying in types and colorsElectrics – e.g. Lights / Cable / SwitchesStationary – Pens / Pencils / Paint / Ink / Glue / Sticky TapePaper / Card / Mount BoardClay / PlasterCraft Knives / Scissors / Rulers / Erasers / Staple Guns & Staples

Specific materials not included here may also be possible, not to mention if you find it from a sponsor.

A rich supplement of power tools has been provided for EASA 2014 by Makita as well as the common EASA toolbox.Makita

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Being a tutor at EASA is great. Therefore it is carries great re-sponsibilities. Having your workshop well scheduled and disci-plined, warmly concerning your participants and taking the best out of it have already been mentioned. Anyway, here are a few details you should know:

Every two days during the assembly a tutor meeting is held. It reunites for some 30 minutes all the tutors and the organizers to share arising problems, ideas and all types of information.

It is your responsibility as a tutor to take care of all the tools

that you and your participants are using. That includes electric power tools provided by sponsors, as well as all the stationary and other equipment provided by the organizers. All these will be stored in the “Tool box”. You take what you need from there, use it, and then return it after the working day (or night).

Make a great footage of the work and fun that you are hav-ing during EASA. You will need this material for making your workshop final presentation at the end of the assembly, as well as your participants’ CVs. Our organizing team will also demand some documentation of the workshops in order to issue a mag-nificent final report and make various post-EASA 2014 exhibi-tions.

Brand your workshop. Give it a specific charm – some sort of visual id – and give out branded material to your participants. Matches, pencils, condoms, even a printed booklet is quite a deal. Then you are a Tutor God. Your participants will be even further motivated and proud with their workshop.

Tutor meetings

Tool box / materials

Documentation

A small hint

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fees & accom

odation

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The fee for tutors will be a certain percentage of the full fee (the one for participants). We’ll have it fixed by early spring. The fee is divided in three groups, according to the financial cir-cumstances in different countries:

300 euro — Austria, Belgium, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, International, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malta, The Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland, Wales

240 euro — Cyprus, Ireland, Italy, Russia (Moscow), Spain

180 euro — Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia

120 euro — Bulgaria, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Turkey

60 euro — Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine

We strongly encourage tutors to find a sponsor for their workshop. If you provide material/financial support you will, on the one hand, have us believing that you really will make a great workshop and, on the other, your fee will be seriously, if not completely reduced.

Your fee covers accommodation, food (breakfast, lunch and dinner from July 18th to August 3rd) and all the basic, sanitary and substantial stuff to have the campus running.

Group one

Group two

Group three

Group four

Group five

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18Friday

tutor arrival

J U LY

29Tuesday

workshop day

19Saturday

participants arrival

workshop presentations

20Sunday

walking tour

workshop fair

21Monday

workshop day

22Tuesday

workshop day

26Saturday

excursion day

27Sunday

workshop day

28Monday

workshop day

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event program

A U G U S T30Wednesday

workshop day

31Thursday

workshop day

01Friday

final presentations

02Saturday

exhibiton day

23Wednesday

workshop day

03Sunday

end of easa 014

24Thursday

workshop day

25Friday

workshop day

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Bulg

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Bulgaria is a country in Eastern Europe, a member of the Un-ion. The currency used is the Bulgarian Lev – BGN, and one Euro equals two Leva. Paying in euro is not possible, though wide-spread currencies can be easily exchanged. Anyway, we advise you to bring your goods in euro. Getting to Veliko Tarnovo from the major airports will cost you no more than 20 euro.

eng I want to symбиоза with you.bg Хайде да правим симбиоза. [Hayde da pravim symbioza]

eng Dude, pass me that trowel, please.bg Дай таз маламашка бре, момко! [Day taz malamashka breh, momko!]

eng Two cold beers, please.bg Шефе, метни две студени бири. [Shefe, metni dve studeni biri]

eng Tonight we are going to mess around.bg Тая вечер викам да изпердашиме кочината. [Taya vecher vikam da izperdashime kotchinata]

Make sure you listen to the proper pronunciation in Google Translate.

Basic phrases

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Bulgaria – tips and tricks

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cred

its

In November 2012, at the international meeting of EASA co-ordinators /INCM/ held in Vienna, two teams bid to host the assembly of 2014: Portugal and Bulgaria. Both teams made splen-did presentations of their concepts, followed by two days of in-tense discussions. After extensive debates about the two pro-posals, the national coordinators reached consensus – EASA2014 is going to Bulgaria.

We here express our boundless appreciation of the Portu-guese presentation and their lovely team, who were beyond in-spirational. We also want to praise the Austrian team, who not only made a brilliant organization of the meeting, but shared their best of warmth and hospitality, providing a life-changing, unforgettable event. Thank you!

We would like to thank the Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo, which is supporting us devotedly and is looking forward to wel-come you. We are grateful for the priceless support from the Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria, The Union of Architects in Bulgaria, and the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy. Special thanks to Sofia Architecture Week, who not only included EASA in their events, but shared their best of experience with us, to DUPINI Art Group, “TAM” Gallery, ‘Taralej’ Gallery, ‘Projektirane’ Studio and ‘Transformatori’ As-sociation.

We are much obliged to our official sponsors – Makita, Bau-mit and Bushmills, who keep this event going and spirited.

A massive shout out goes to all the people of EASA – all eas-ians, which are lovely and keep us vigorously inspired in organ-izing EASA 2014. Much love to the Wastelands (EASA 2012 – Hel-sinki, Finland) team – their workshop guide played a major role in filling the content of this here booklet, as well as the teams of Slovenia and Spain, who we constantly keep buzzing with ques-tions. And thank you Sasha!

Thanks to all the medias in Bulgaria and abroad that give our efforts a strong voice.

It would be fare to mention a few spots that provide great ambience for working or resting after harsh EASA work – Bash bar, Dada bar, bar Four Rooms, Melon bar, Ritschs’ restaurant and others.

Huge thanks to our families and friends for the understand-ing, warm support and belief.

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Thanks

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credits

Dimitar Rahov, Emilian Dimov, Elena Rahova, Veniyana Lemonidi, Dobrin Petkov, Nikolay Mitov, Tsveta Georgieva, Jivka Georgieva, Ahmad Madhoun, Lubomira Momcheva, Pavel Penev, Georgi Nenkoff, Maria Petkova, Elvira Tomalevska, Rosina Shatarova, Ivan Konstantinov, Alexandra Kononchenko, Ilia Gruev, Gavrail Gavrilov …

Thank you for being with us and going through all the chapters carefully. Feel free to contact us about any questions that you have. We are more than passionate about receiving your work-shop proposals.

As a conclusion

Team

A few works that have inspired us to organize EASA 2014:

Beyond Culture, Edward T. HallSad tropics, Claude Levi-StraussThe philosophy of symbiosis, Kisho KurokawaAesthetics of Modern Art, Dimitar Avramov

www.symbioza.bg easa.bulgaria@gmail.comwww.facebook.com/easa.bulgaria

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Bibliography

Contacts

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