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ARCH. ANGEL PETRAKOV WINS INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR “THE ISLAND: A NEW VISION FOR VARNA” PROJECT
23 October 2026
Arch. Angel Petrakov, a graduate of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”, has received one of three equally ranked Honorary Awards in the Diploma Projects Competition at the international architectural forum INTERARCH 2026. His award-winning project, “The Island: A New Vision for Varna”, was developed under the supervision of Corresponding Member of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Arch. Prof. DSc Atanas Kovachev, from the Department of Architecture and Urban Studies.
The forum took place recently in Sofia. More than 60 architecture graduates participated in the diploma project competition and exhibition, presenting their work to an international jury.
Angel Petrakov is among the talented graduates of the Department of Architecture and Urban Studies at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”. His project captured the jury's attention with its original approach to functional planning, spatial organization, architectural expression, and the urban skyline, offering a distinctive vision for the development of one of Varna's landmark areas - the Island.
The urban development concept features multi-storey office buildings and hotels, a multifunctional venue, entertainment attractions, and recreational spaces. In its official report, the jury highlighted the project's compelling urban planning concept, its bold vision for Varna's future, the young architect's creative imagination, and the innovative presentation supported by large-scale visualizations. The award also includes a cash prize of €200.
Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” was also represented in the competition by the diploma projects of four other graduates - architects Dimana Yotovska, Milena Georgieva, Maria Peneva, and Aneta Dimitrova. Their participation provided an opportunity for the young architects to showcase their work and receive recognition within an international professional environment.
INTERARCH continues the tradition of international architectural gatherings that began in Sofia in 1981. The 2026 programme features competitions for practising architects and architecture graduates, as well as a roundtable discussion dedicated to architecture worldwide.
Read what architect Angel Petrakov shared immediately after defending his diploma project: