Assoc. Prof. Petkova, the Faculty of Architecture at VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" combines specialties related to architecture, civil engineering, design and arts. How did the student candidate campaign go this year? The university had an aggressive Internet presence regarding it. What else?

The Faculty of Architecture at Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar" is the unit that unites and supports socially significant specialties related to creativity, creative thinking, aesthetics and high responsibility. Our faculty has established itself as the only educational center outside the capital city that offers high-quality education in professional area 5.7 Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy in all educational degrees - bachelor, master and doctor.

This year is important for us because it marks 20 years since the start of the specialty Architecture and the specialty Fire Safety and Protection of the Population at Varna Free University. Last year also marked the 25th anniversary of the specialty Construction of Buildings and Facilities. I would like to emphasize that VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" is the only university that has a positive assessment of the procedure for opening the specialty Fire and Emergency Safety from the regulated profession Engineer in investment design for the Fire Safety part. It is also the only specialty of its kind that prepares senior technical personnel with the qualification "fire safety engineer" for the design, implementation and operation of fire alarm and fire extinguishing systems for buildings and facilities. In recent years, one of the relatively new specialties in the faculty - Interior Design - has been established.

Of course, the candidate student campaign conducted by the university uses various elements of integrated marketing communications, covering all information channels. But it's not over yet. We continue to actively work in this direction. There is interest in all bachelor's and master's specialties, and I am convinced that in the new 2022/2023 academic year, many motivated and ambitious young people will join our academic family. The University, and in particular the Faculty of Architecture, will welcome them not only with a prepared teaching staff, but also with a renewed and expanded laboratories.

Given the nature of our educational product and the specific group of users, the best advertisement for us continues to be the successful professional realization of our graduates and the extremely good cooperation with the branch organizations - the Construction Chamber in Bulgaria, the Chamber of Engineers in Investment Design, the Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria and the Union of Architects in Bulgaria. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all of them! I also thank Stroitel newspaper for always being a media partner and professionally covering the initiatives of the Faculty of Architecture at our university.
You are also active in project activities under the national operational programmes and other research and educational programmes of the European Union.

Yes, the Faculty of Architecture recognized the project activity as a very good opportunity for sustainable development, which allows to create new partnerships, implement innovative ideas, attract additional funds for training and research activity. Currently, three very significant projects are being implemented in the faculty:
VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" is a beneficiary of the project ""Innovative Model for Modernization of Higher Education by Creating an Academic Ecosystem" VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" - Technical University - Varna - Plovdiv University "Paisiy Hilendarski"", financed under the operational programme "Science and Education for Smart Growth". According to it, two new master's programmes have been developed together with our partners - TU-Varna and PU "Paisiy Hilendarski". "3D Technologies in Design and Production" is an innovative master's programme fully subordinated to digitization and the use of digital technologies in engineering fields. It advocates the main principles of Industry 4.0 - study and practical application of 3D technologies, visualization of data and processes, virtual reality, etc. Particular emphasis is placed on 3D technologies and 3D printing, where information technologies are combined with production, i.e. we can talk about digital manufacturing, which is likely to be the next industrial revolution. This programme fully fits into the Strategy for Digital Reform of the Bulgarian Building Engineering Sector developed by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works and the Roadmap for the Implementation of the Strategy for Digital Reform of the Bulgarian Construction Sector, and also corresponds to the introduction of the idea of ​​SIM for the entire construction life cycle. A 3D Creativity and Rapid Prototyping Laboratory and a Virtual and Augmented Reality Laboratory, which are equipped with a unique high-end infrastructure, have been created for the purposes of training in this master's programme.

The second joint master's programme is "Eco-technological Systems in Industry", which is an intersectoral programme in the field of circular, green and blue economies. The novelty is that the emphasis will be on technological solutions that will be applied to achieve the main goals in European policies – low carbon footprint, high share of renewable energy, small amounts of generated waste. The participation of experts from the practice and the provision of new and up-to-date theoretical and applied knowledge is guaranteed.

Admission to both master's programmes has already started, and training in them will begin in the new 2022/2023 academic year.

The second project that is being implemented is the "Alliance for the Adaptation of Bulgarian Architects to the German Market for Architectural Services", financed by the "Erasmus+" programme, again with the beneficiary VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" and with partners ST Architekten GmbH, Germany and the Institute for Digital Transformations, Bulgaria. The project made it possible to realize an ambitious idea of ​​presenting specific knowledge and skills on how the profession of the architect is practiced in the countries of the European Union, and in particular in Germany. The trainings on the project pass with extremely high interest, both from practicing architects and from students in Architecture.

The third project is scientific-applied and is implemented with the financial support of the National Innovation Fund - "Development of an Automated System for Complex Control and Assessment of the Resource of Industrial Radiological Systems", where VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" is a partner and the beneficiary is "Multitest" Ltd. The Faculty gets involved with its scientific potential in this project. Yes, the Faculty of Architecture recognized the project activity as a very good opportunity for sustainable development, which allows to create new partnerships, implement innovative ideas, attract additional funds for training and research activity. Currently, three very significant projects are being implemented in the faculty:
VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" is a beneficiary of the project ""Innovative Model for Modernization of Higher Education by Creating an Academic Ecosystem" VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" - Technical University - Varna - Plovdiv University "Paisiy Hilendarski"", financed under the operational programme "Science and Education for Smart Growth". According to it, two new master's programmes have been developed together with our partners - TU-Varna and PU "Paisiy Hilendarski". "3D Technologies in Design and Production" is an innovative master's programme fully subordinated to digitization and the use of digital technologies in engineering fields. It advocates the main principles of Industry 4.0 - study and practical application of 3D technologies, visualization of data and processes, virtual reality, etc. Particular emphasis is placed on 3D technologies and 3D printing, where information technologies are combined with production, i.e. we can talk about digital manufacturing, which is likely to be the next industrial revolution. This programme fully fits into the Strategy for Digital Reform of the Bulgarian Building Engineering Sector developed by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works and the Roadmap for the Implementation of the Strategy for Digital Reform of the Bulgarian Construction Sector, and also corresponds to the introduction of the idea of ​​SIM for the entire construction life cycle. A 3D Creativity and Rapid Prototyping Laboratory and a Virtual and Augmented Reality Laboratory, which are equipped with a unique high-end infrastructure, have been created for the purposes of training in this master's programme.

The second joint master's programme is "Eco-technological Systems in Industry", which is an intersectoral programme in the field of circular, green and blue economies. The novelty is that the emphasis will be on technological solutions that will be applied to achieve the main goals in European policies – low carbon footprint, high share of renewable energy, small amounts of generated waste. The participation of experts from the practice and the provision of new and up-to-date theoretical and applied knowledge is guaranteed.

Admission to both master's programmes has already started, and training in them will begin in the new 2022/2023 academic year.

The second project that is being implemented is the "Alliance for the Adaptation of Bulgarian Architects to the German Market for Architectural Services", financed by the "Erasmus+" programme, again with the beneficiary VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" and with partners ST Architekten GmbH, Germany and the Institute for Digital Transformations, Bulgaria. The project made it possible to realize an ambitious idea of ​​presenting specific knowledge and skills on how the profession of the architect is practiced in the countries of the European Union, and in particular in Germany. The trainings on the project pass with extremely high interest, both from practicing architects and from students in Architecture.

The third project is scientific-applied and is implemented with the financial support of the National Innovation Fund - "Development of an Automated System for Complex Control and Assessment of the Resource of Industrial Radiological Systems", where VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" is a partner and the beneficiary is "Multitest" Ltd. The Faculty gets involved with its scientific potential in this project. Yes, the Faculty of Architecture recognized the project activity as a very good opportunity for sustainable development, which allows to create new partnerships, implement innovative ideas, attract additional funds for training and research activity. Currently, three very significant projects are being implemented in the faculty:
VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" is a beneficiary of the project ""Innovative Model for Modernization of Higher Education by Creating an Academic Ecosystem" VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" - Technical University - Varna - Plovdiv University "Paisiy Hilendarski"", financed under the operational programme "Science and Education for Smart Growth". According to it, two new master's programmes have been developed together with our partners - TU-Varna and PU "Paisiy Hilendarski". "3D Technologies in Design and Production" is an innovative master's programme fully subordinated to digitization and the use of digital technologies in engineering fields. It advocates the main principles of Industry 4.0 - study and practical application of 3D technologies, visualization of data and processes, virtual reality, etc. Particular emphasis is placed on 3D technologies and 3D printing, where information technologies are combined with production, i.e. we can talk about digital manufacturing, which is likely to be the next industrial revolution. This programme fully fits into the Strategy for Digital Reform of the Bulgarian Building Engineering Sector developed by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works and the Roadmap for the Implementation of the Strategy for Digital Reform of the Bulgarian Construction Sector, and also corresponds to the introduction of the idea of ​​SIM for the entire construction life cycle. A 3D Creativity and Rapid Prototyping Laboratory and a Virtual and Augmented Reality Laboratory, which are equipped with a unique high-end infrastructure, have been created for the purposes of training in this master's programme.
The second joint master's programme is "Eco-technological Systems in Industry", which is an intersectoral programme in the field of circular, green and blue economies. The novelty is that the emphasis will be on technological solutions that will be applied to achieve the main goals in European policies – low carbon footprint, high share of renewable energy, small amounts of generated waste. The participation of experts from the practice and the provision of new and up-to-date theoretical and applied knowledge is guaranteed.
Admission to both master's programmes has already started, and training in them will begin in the new 2022/2023 academic year.
The second project that is being implemented is the "Alliance for the Adaptation of Bulgarian Architects to the German Market for Architectural Services", financed by the "Erasmus+" programme, again with the beneficiary VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" and with partners ST Architekten GmbH, Germany and the Institute for Digital Transformations, Bulgaria. The project made it possible to realize an ambitious idea of ​​presenting specific knowledge and skills on how the profession of the architect is practiced in the countries of the European Union, and in particular in Germany. The trainings on the project pass with extremely high interest, both from practicing architects and from students in Architecture.
The third project is scientific-applied and is implemented with the financial support of the National Innovation Fund - "Development of an Automated System for Complex Control and Assessment of the Resource of Industrial Radiological Systems", where VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" is a partner and the beneficiary is "Multitest" Ltd. The Faculty gets involved with its scientific potential in this project.

The international contacts and events of your university are indisputable. You create an academic product that is competitive and internationally convertible.

International cooperation with foreign universities is a priority in the development programme of the Faculty of Architecture. These partnerships allow not only to enable our teachers and students to carry out mobilities under the Erasmus+ programme, but are extremely valuable for the creation of a comparable and convertible international educational product from our side. Cooperation with the University of Žilina, Slovakia, which is also an associate partner in the "Modernization of Higher Education" project, is extremely fruitful. We work intensively with universities from China and Turkey. We traditionally maintain contacts with universities of building engineering and architecture in Italy, Germany, Spain, the Czech Republic, etc. The last two pandemic years have adversely affected the exchange of teachers and students, but I find the increasing interest in incoming and outgoing mobilities in the Faculty of Architecture to be a good sign.
The high accreditation assessment, the recertification according to the international standard ISO 9001:2015, the sign of the European Commission "HR Excellence in Research", are proof that Varna Free University is competitive in the European and global educational space. Many of your graduates are already defending what they learned at VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" in many countries around the world...
Our university is not only the recipient of high assessment and prestigious marks, but every day the academic management and the entire academic staff work to preserve them. During the 30 years of its history, VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" has proven and established itself as an educational institution that provides quality education. The diplomas that our graduates receive are a guarantee of success in the profession. Over the last 20 years, more than 650 architects and nearly 1,500 engineers (civil and fire safety engineers) have graduated from the Faculty of Architecture and 41 have defended the educational and scientific degree "doctor" in the accredited doctoral programmes in the field of architecture and civil engineering. Many chief architects, chief engineers, company managers, experts in state and municipal structures in the country are among our graduates. Our graduates work in foreign design offices and construction companies, proudly representing the "Varna Free University" brand.

Amidst the beautiful nature above the Black Sea, your university was born with the European understanding of a "campus", where students are trained in 60 bachelor's and master's programmes and 25 scientific, accredited specialties that prepare doctoral students.
Varna Free University is proud of its campus, which provides a comfortable environment for both work and study. With its modern and well-maintained material base, library fund, accessibility and beautiful park, the university is a very attractive place. It is a center not only for the educational and creative process, but also for the holding of professional and scientific forums. In the period September 8-10, 2022, our university is hosting the XII International Scientific Conference "Design and Construction of Buildings and Facilities" DCB'2022, which is organized by the Bulgarian National Technical Union of Construction. The conference is in partnership with the Faculty of Architecture, and Stroitel newspaper is the main media partner. We are also preparing for the 11th edition of the international conference on architecture and construction ArCivE in 2023, which is organized by the Faculty of Architecture at VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar".