Students in Architecture Awarded for Ideas Transforming Varna

07 July 2025

Photos: Municipality of Varna

Students majoring in Architecture at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” were awarded for their participation in the ‘Opening the City to the Sea’ competition. The event brought together professional design teams, students, and university lecturers in developing conceptual proposals for the transformation of the ‘Talyana’ area in Varna. The initiative was organized by the Union of Architects in Bulgaria – Varna Branch, in partnership with the Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria – Varna Regional Department and Municipality of Varna.

Students from the university who are already gaining professional experience in architectural studios, designing projects with a strong social focus, and actively participating in real competition processes took part in the event. Awards were presented to teams that included Maya Dimitrova, Ralitsa Safeva, Debora Kuyumdzieva, Ruslan Petrov, Trayana Yordanova, Denislav Bonev, Irina Radeva, Martin Kutsarov, Delyana Penkova, and Nikol Petrova. Their contributions were recognized by both the professional jury and the public during the presentation.

One of the awarded teams, which won second place, was led by Chief Assist. Prof. Architect Hristo Topchiev, a lecturer at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar.” The evaluation was done by key figures in the architectural community and representatives of institutions, including the mayor of Varna, Blagomir Kotsev, who personally presented the awards.

The proposed concepts impressed the jury with their comprehensive approach, their ability to address real urban planning needs and their attention to the identity of the area. Highlights of the projects included the accessibility of public spaces, modern architectural solutions, visual identity, integration of new communication links, ideas for revitalizing the station square, and opportunities for creative and cultural activities. The projects demonstrated not only creativity but also the ability to work within an interdisciplinary and urban planning context.

The fact that students from Varna Free University were not only participants but also awarded authors in such a large-scale competition proves the high level of their training and their active presence in real architectural practice. The university will continue to encourage its students’ participation in events of professional importance and tangible urban impact.