To find the best architectural solution for the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Center for Contemporary Art, the Municipality of Gabrovo is inviting architects to participate in a two-stage competition for adaptive reuse of a former textile technical school building. The center named after them, in Christo’s hometown, will be a place not only for presenting art but also for creating it — a place where the spirit of Christo and Jeanne-Claude inspires both artists and the wider public. The architecture of this space requires a bold vision, sensitivity and deep understanding.

The building of the former Textile Technical School in Gabrovo is located on the left bank of Yantra River. It was chosen to house the new Center for contemporary art both because of its spacious workshops with high ceilings, which can be transformed into excellent exhibition halls and production spaces, and because of the connection between the main subject of the school — textiles — and the art of Christo and Jeanne-Claude.

To find the best architectural solution for the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Center for Contemporary Art, the Municipality of Gabrovo is inviting architects to participate in a two-stage competition for adaptive reuse of a former textile technical school building.

The first phase is an open, anonymous competition to develop a conceptual design. The top five finalists will each receive a cash prize of EUR 20,000, excluding VAT. The second phase requires design development and will be conducted through a negotiated procedure without prior publication with the five finalists from the preceding phase. The timeframe for developing the designs is two months. The winner will enter into a design contract worth up to EUR 1,000,000, excluding VAT.

Submission Requirements

The architectural design of the building is expected to place its users at the center. The architectural design must:

• Create a welcoming environment for diverse experiences, behaviours, and modes of presence within the building and courtyard, corresponding to the planned activities and programs: permanent and temporary exhibitions, educational programs, artists’ studios, workshops for various materials and media, studios for artist residencies, Institute for Art in Public Space, book library, textile material library, coworking space, restaurant and café, gift shop, and courtyard.
• Embody the spirit of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s art
• Preserve the memory of the school building
• Connect the building functionally and visually to the river and the adjacent public spaces
• Create a smart and green building.