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The new life of the "Rankov" cinema-theater in Varna through the eyes of a graduate in Architecture
03 Април 2026
Graduating students from the Architecture program at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” defended their diploma projects, demonstrating a high level of professional training, conceptual thinking, and sensitivity to the contemporary urban environment. The defenses were held before a state examination committee chaired by Corresponding Member Prof. Arch. Atanas Kovachev, in the presence of the Chairperson of the regional branch of the Union of Architects Arch. Marin Velchev and the Chairperson of the regional branch of the Chamber of Architects - and Arch. Nikolay Rachinski, as well as business representatives and guests.
Among the outstanding projects was the diploma thesis of Doroteya Dimitrova, focused on the revitalization of the Rankov Cinema-Theatre in Varna. The project was developed within the field of “Architectural Heritage Conservation,” under the management of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arch. Zhechka Ilieva, and proposed transforming the building into a contemporary cultural center with multifunctional use, combining spaces for events, performing arts and education.
The building, located at 4 Shipka Street, was established in 1911 at the initiative of Kosta Rankov—a public figure and mayor of Varna—with the idea of providing the city with a specialized space for film screenings. Initially functioning as the “Lada” Theatre, it later established itself as a cinema-theatre of significant cultural importance to the city.
Today, the building is highly fragmented in terms of function and accommodates various activities - commercial spaces, dance halls, educational areas, and service rooms - leading to the loss of its original unity and cultural identity. In her project, Doroteya Dimitrova proposed overcoming this dissonance by unifying the functions into a single cultural center, with clearly structured spaces, a multifunctional hall with a chamber stage, areas for the arts and improved accessibility.
In her work, the graduate conducted an in-depth analysis of the architectural condition, structural characteristics and urban context, identifying key issues related to functional distribution, accessibility and the condition of the façade. The proposed solution includes restoring the architectural appearance and creating a sustainable concept for the building’s contemporary use.
The high quality of the diploma projects confirms the well-established training of architecture students at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” and their ability to create projects with real social value and professional depth. This diploma defense session stood out as one of the strongest for the programme, with each project impressing through its concept, development and professional execution.
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