In episode 14* we are joined by Martin Yankov, landscape architect and founder of nonprofit The Collective. After graduating in landscape architecture in London, he returned to Bulgaria in late 2019 to quickly become an authentic figure of good works for his hometown of Sofia, and beyond, consolidating around him a team of like-minded individuals and partners. With tireless enthusiasm, a flair for social responsibility and maintaining a strong and ever-growing network of partnerships, Martin disproves sceptics that the status quo is unshakable.

Through pop-up interventions and events lasting from a single weekend to a whole season, the group of designers, architects, and event managers show that a parking area in Sofia and a formerly industrial riverfront in Ruse can become wonderful places for fun and recreation. The Collective also shows that, with a little creativity and local communities’ support, urban makeovers need not be costly. What is more, they can bring income by attracting tourism. Most importantly for The Collective, though, reclaiming neglected spaces creates opportunities for locals to meet and bond over the shared goal of making their cities better places to live, work, and raise a family.

For its work in urban renewal, The Collective won has won several awards, most recently a 2023 New European Bauhaus prize, Europe’s most prestigious distinction for sustainable urban development.

In the episode, Martin tells us more about his return to Bulgaria while recalling the first edition of the Sofia Rivers Festival. He reveals more about the inspiring projects to improve the urban environment, beautify and cultivate public spaces. How to build a long-term vision and what unites the supporters around the principles of the foundation. We also discuss what's in store for The Collective's summer program, which you can follow here.

* All episodes of "Komplekt on Design" are in Bulgarian.

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Producers and hosts: Adriana Andreeva and Boiana Gyaurova, Komplekt

Audio editing: Launchee Space - studio for audio and video podcasts and hybrid space for events and live streaming in the heart of Sofia.

Music: Kaloyan Dimitrov

Visual design: Poststudio

Supported by: the National Culture Fund under the "Critique" program.

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