Zen Rooftop Garden
The Zen garden is a symbol of harmony and balance, a gentle reminder of the fleeting nature of life, and an inspiration for reflection and self-awareness.
A place for meditation and relaxation
Inspired by the Zen way of life and developed on just 60 m² atop a building in the heart of Sofia, the Zen Roof Garden offers a tranquil space filled with meaning and intention — a place that evokes serenity and respect for nature. The design follows the philosophy of the five natural elements — fire, earth, metal, water, and wood — and their relationship with the cardinal directions. Each element, as well as every plant, has its own purpose and precise placement, encouraging meditation and spiritual connection. The Zen garden stands as a symbol of deep reverence for nature, reflecting the delicate interconnections within it .
Symbolic representation of nature elements
The contrast in texture, shape and color of the elements is a basic design technique. The effect of mystery and surprise is sought creating landscapes that can’t be observed all at once – a hill inviting you to peek what’s behind, walkway leading to a hidden retreat corner. Islands are the accents of the garden, creating illusion of diverse landscapes. Everything found in nature – mountains, trees, rocks, etc. is symbolically represented in the garden. The plant species are chosen for their symbolism. Each plant has its own meaning and purpose in the garden. Vegetation screens provide privacy and give opportunity to contemplate nature, undisturbed. The jagged leaves of Japanese maple reflect in the small water basin creating a sense of infinity, while the sound of flowing water promotes the soothing nature of the Zen Garden.
The Feng Shui messages through plants and water
The garden is a mirror of life — a reflection of its essence. Deciduous trees as Acer palmatum, Olive europeae are pruned in typical shapes, resembling century-old trees. The conifers Pinus sylvestris and Pinus mugo symbolize longevity and stability, providing the calming effect of green throughout the year. The Bamboo’s an important structural element creating intimacy while providing background for views in the garden. Its nearness to the water creates authenticity of the space. As Zen garden, the colors here are evanescent, gently reminding of the short nature of life and inspiring thoughts and self-assessment.
A Green Oasis Above the City
The natural surroundings and the view toward Vitosha mountain are skillfully woven in as a “borrowed landscape,” adding depth and charm to the overall atmosphere. The greenery evokes a sense of calm and renewal — a place where time slows down, and the city feels just within reach, yet far from its noise. Every detail follows the idea of harmony between people and nature. The once standard grey rooftop has been transformed into a true green oasis — a place of pleasure for its residents that also welcomes wildlife, providing food and shelter for insects and birds.
The project is an example of harmony between architecture and nature – small in scale but profound in meaning, it proves that even in the heart of the city, there can exist a space for silence and inner balance.
