ILIAN ILIEV – PLANNING

Known for its innovative designs that blend contemporary aesthetics with functional spaces, the studio has earned recognition for its commitment to creating interesting, dynamic, functional and thoughtful environments.

Could you tell us a little bit about your journey into architecture?

My journey into architecture started from a very young age; I was fascinated by drawing and modeling. They soon became my primary hobby. When I was in seventh grade, I participated in a mathematic competition, and I earned high school tuition without going to the regular exams. From this moment on my interest in STEM begun. 

Architect Ilian Iliev

I became a member of the mathematics team and won a couple of competitions. This is a great foundation for solving multiple complex design problems. I also kept my passion for drawing and modeling and the combination of these two lines of interest, art and mathematics, led me to studying architecture. During my years in the Architectural University, I started teaching and working with one of the renowned architects of the time. Eventually, I felt that I had gathered enough insight and knowledge to establish my own studio. Nowadays, in Planning, we focus on the relationship between form and function, ensuring that the design process is both creative and practical.

Planning has been recognized for its unique approach to design. How would you describe the studio's philosophy or guiding principles when it comes to creating spaces?

At Planning, we believe that every project should respond to its context – whether that's the city, the specific needs of the client, or usually some kind of combination between the two. Our philosophy is centered around the idea that architecture should enhance the quality of life for those who interact with it. We approach each project with a sense of responsibility, blending modernity with tradition, and creating spaces that feel innovative, yet natural and functional. We are always trying to balance creativity with practicality, ensuring that the buildings we design are comfortable to live and work in and sustainable.

With the rapid growth of Sofia and other big cities in Bulgaria, what do you think is the most important aspect to consider when designing urban spaces and buildings in this context?

As the cities grow, one of the most important things we need to consider is the balance between development and preserving the city's character, when it is present. This process brings both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, we need to create modern, functional spaces that accommodate the aforementioned growth. On the other hand, we must protect the city's living organism. Smart urban and building design must prioritize sustainability, public spaces, and integration with nature. Creating spaces where people can connect with each other and with nature is essential for the well-being of residents.

Can you tell us about some of your projects that incorporate these principles and that you are particularly proud of? Why do they stand out to you?

Recently we have been working on high rise buildings. High-rise architecture has become a dynamic solution for modern urban development, particularly in areas dominated by buildings form the socialist era, and neighborhoods quickly built during the years between 2000-2015. Sleek, bold, and sometimes even experimental, their designs can incorporate advanced materials and innovative forms, creating contrast against the mundane surrounding buildings. Moreover, these higher buildings address crucial urban challenges. One of the most notable benefits of high-rise buildings is their ability to reduce the footprint on the ground, allowing for more green spaces and public areas. This, in turn, promotes a healthier, more livable environment, offering residents and visitors places to relax, socialize, and connect with the surroundings.

Advance Business Center is an example of that. The complex consists of two high-rise office buildings. The design aims to create a modern composition that fosters unique interaction between the buildings, fulfilling the urban parameters, while leaving enough space on the ground to facilitate special areas with landscaping, water features, relaxation zones, etc. The buildings' spatial design is bold, while the volumes themselves are with clean lines and minimalist aesthetic. All that is done without compromising the functionality of the internal spaces. The layouts allow for flexibility, ensuring that the floors inside can adapt to the future needs of the tenants.

Another great example is Park Lane Office Center. Going upwards instead of outwards allowed for fulfilling the Investors' requirements: an office building, as large, as bureaucratically possible, with floor areas, as big as regulated, while we managed to leave enough room for the surrounding park areas. Once again, we went with simple aesthetic, clear design language. We focused on getting as much light inside as possible. The vast spaces inside are optimized for flexibility. The building turned out to be so successful, that the Investor managed to close "the biggest office deal" on the market.

Are the same principles applicable to other types of projects?

Definitely! The high-rise principles are not office building limited. The same methodology can be applied to mixed-use and residential developments. M-tower is a great example for that. An 85-meter structure, built on a very small plot, covering a huge blind wall, facing south. The Investor was looking for a large building, which given the location had to be a landmark. The surrounding area is filled with typical 1970s and 1980s panel residential buildings and condominiums, built during the previous construction boom. We went with a bold and unique design. Locating the restaurants, retails, fitness, conference center, offices on the lower floors, and allowing the development of luxurious apartments on the higher levels – the ones above the blind wall. That mixed-use function is combined with dynamic design with soft forms that gently display the M, from M-tower.

Another mixed-use development example is Smart Tower. It follows our motto – go with high buildings on the key points in the city. Once again, we have the hospitality services and the offices on the lower floors. The building has a lobby lounge, a themed restaurant, sports and spa center. A couple of office levels follow and once we go above the neighboring buildings and open to the views to Vitosha mountain to the south we place the apartment floors. We reach the Investors' goal in terms of areas, and we have plenty of space for greenery, kid's playgrounds, outdoor relax zones, etc.

Of course, we can apply the same strategy to purely residential projects. Twin Tower is an active participant in the city landscape along Srebarna Street. The building's structure consists of two symmetrical towers, connected at the top. That gives a certain level of lightness to an otherwise massive structure. That also allows for more residential areas on the most attractive top levels. Due to the vertical expansion of the building, the rich landscape can be developed in the plot, and even in between the two main buildings.

But in your portfolio there are smaller buildings, right? What is your approach with them?

For us there is no difference between big scale projects and single-family homes. Every project we do is an example of our professionalism and architectural approach. However, smaller residential or office buildings blend with the urban surroundings more naturally and are not such a challenge compared to the scale of the high-rise projects. Let's take Oxia as an example. It is an office building, situated in an extremely small plot, near the busiest road in Sofia. We went with a clear and natural design language: a simple grid of straight and firm vertical lines giving the building its height, and gentle horizontals, that bring everything back to scale. The dramatic openings give the volume an eye-catching character – something every building near a city highway needs. Combine that with high floors, rich glazing, and spacious interior, that can accommodate every client that may want an office there. That is how you get the formula for a fine, functional and sustainable project.

We have a similar situation with One Place. The residential buildings are located near one of the busiest crossroads in the city. We had to design exquisite apartments, a façade to remember, and to preserve the old trees that were in the middle of the plot. To the stiff residential structure, we managed to apply somewhat chaotic façade pattern, representing the traffic chaos that is constantly happening nearby. On the one hand the colors, the scale matched the neighboring structures, that we were attached to, making the project blend in. On the other hand, the playfulness of the vertical elements set the project apart. Making space and bringing in the old birch trees that made the project truly unique.

Sustainability is a growing concern in the architecture world. How do you approach sustainability in your projects, and what role do you think architects play in promoting environmentally responsible design?

Sustainability is at the core of what we do. We understand that architecture has a significant impact on the environment, and as architects, we have a responsibility to reduce that impact as much as possible. In our projects, we always prioritize energy efficiency, the use of sustainable materials, and the integration of the latest technologies. For example, we use design strategies, such as optimizing for natural light and ventilation, we use the newest systems for achieving optimal comfort for the residents, workers and visitors, that occupy our buildings. Sustainability isn't just a trend; it's a necessity for the future. Architects have a unique opportunity to shape the built environment in a way that minimizes harm to the environment and improves the quality of life for future generations.

In your opinion, how is architecture evolving in Bulgaria, and what are some of the challenges or opportunities that architects face in the current landscape?

Architecture in the region is evolving rapidly, and I see great potential for innovation. The investments get bigger, the projects get more ambitious, the prices go up, the clients want more for their money. So, we are moving towards more ambitious designs, more sustainable, more in tune with the latest technologies. That goes not only for construction but for the design process as well. In this complicated situation more and more people are involved. We get more consultants, more strategists, more elements that we have to incorporate in our projects. So, it is tough, but that presents the opportunity to create designs that are better, that are bolder, that fulfill each and every requirement without compromise and lead to unique projects, happy investors and in turn – happy clients.

What advice would you give to aspiring architects who are just starting out in the field?

My advice would be to stay passionate and stay curious. Architecture is a lifelong learning process, and you should never stop exploring new ideas, technologies, and approaches. It's important to learn the fundamentals but also to take risks and push the boundaries of what's possible. Build connections with other professionals, collaborate, and always be open to new points of view. The journey will not be easy, but if you remain focused on your vision and continue grinding, the possibilities are endless.

Sofia, South Park, Block 43, entrance G
+359 888 637 961
+359 888 112 380
il_iliev@planng.bg
www.planning.bg