Multifunctional complex hotel and congress center "Vida"

Vidin, a city with rich history, has well-developed basic public functions but lacks modern facilities like sports halls, concert/conference venues, and business centers. Despite having solid educational, healthcare, and residential infrastructure, there is a noticeable shortage of spaces for recreation, culture, and contemporary business. Particularly in the northeastern part of the city, the absence of hotels and leisure areas highlights the need for development that meets the modern needs of its residents and visitors.

The urban development concept envisions expanding the Danube City Garden, creating a vibrant park environment that includes a thematic bazaar, a market, a summer cinema/theater, and a sports hall with public sports grounds. The multifunctional complex, however, is strategically separated from the main pedestrian pathways. This complex is a dynamic volumetric composition, comprising two main blocks linked by a heated corridor: Block A and Block B. The central axis of the design is a major east-west automobile and pedestrian route, providing seamless access to all functions. Functionally, Block A focuses on supporting hotel activities. It houses a spa across two floors, a main restaurant on the first floor, a complementary dining area on the second floor, and various hotel amenities. Block B is dedicated to the congress functions, featuring presentation rooms on the first floor and smaller meeting spaces on the second level, along with a spacious congress hall with a balcony. A second restaurant connects the two blocks via the warm corridor. Above Block A, a vertically stepped structure accommodates hotel rooms, totaling 139 in all. The building's design is inspired by the image of intertwined sailboats, with decorative grids on both volumes evoking the waves of the Danube that surround the boats. The materials used draw on the architectural heritage of Vidin, with natural stone referencing the construction of the Baba Vida fortress, creating an earthy, grounded feel. The vertical columns recall the strong vertical forms of 70s architecture, while the decorative grilles lend a modern touch to the building's overall aesthetic. The elevation is designed to create intimate spaces that foster a connection with the surrounding environment, balancing tradition with innovation.