Visions of Bulgarian urban futures: applying the Literary Method of Urban Design

Abstract

This article explored the application of the Literary Method of Urban Design to three Bulgarian cities—Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, and Ahtopol—by drawing upon local and national literary works to envision these cities future development. Through a three-step process, the method selects novels that reflect each city’s cultural, historical, and environmental identity, extracts thematic elements from the narratives, and projects these themes onto speculative urban futures before displaying the results as lively scenario art. Using Anton Donchev’s Time of Parting for Plovdiv, Emilian Stanev’s The Peach Thief for Veliko Tarnovo, and Zdravka Evtimova’s Vassil for Ahtopol, the article demonstrates how fiction can guide urban planning and futuring. Common themes, such as the integration of nature into urban life and the preservation of cultural heritage, emerge across these three case study Bulgarian cities. However, the unique challenges faced by each city—be they social, environmental, or economic—are also highlighted, perhaps illustrating the method’s flexibility in addressing specific urban issues. The article emphasizes the pedagogical potential of this method for students of design, geography, and literature, offering a multidisciplinary approach that fosters creative thinking and critical engagement with urban challenges. Ultimately, the Literary Method of Urban Design showcases how fiction can inspire innovative, sustainable, and inclusive cityscapes for the future.