Young Architects from Varna Free University with Projects that Revive the City

10 Април 2025

The graduates from Architecture presented their diploma projects at Varna Free University. Nine graduating students defended their work, all distinguished by professionalism, research depth and social sensitivity.

The presentations of Desislava Georgieva and Ralitsa Chobanova, who worked on the preservation and transformation of buildings of cultural and historical value for Varna, were particularly impressive. Both students were awarded excellent grades by the state examination committee.

Desislava Georgieva presented a project for the restoration and conservation of one of the emblematic, but crumbling buildings in the heart of the city - the house of Ivan Drasov at 51 Preslav Street. The building was designed in 1894, when Drasov was a district governor. Desi proposed a new function for it based on its past - a home for children with special needs. With particular sensitivity to the topic, the graduate drew attention to the prevailing policy of 'cultural silence' and the construction of such homes in the outskirts of cities – far from social and cultural life.

Desislava Georgieva expanded the topic and presented an architectural analysis of Preslav Street. The Varna Street, which was the backbone of the city even during the Ottoman period, is today deprived of its authentic architectural presence. Through a careful urban approach and a clear concept for the 'human face of the city', the project not only restores a building, but also revitalizes an urban space, transforming it into a cultural and social center. Desislava has also made a complete graphic recording of the facades, a detailed study of the urban planning and construction parameters, as well as specific proposals for adaptive architecture compatible with the needs of children. Desislava Georgieva’s project showed the jury how architecture can be both an act of social justice and cultural memory.

Ralitsa Chobanova presented a project for the restoration of the partially destroyed barracks building on 8th Primorski Polk Blvd., where today, in the only preserved part of it, the Vocational High School of Textiles and Fashion Design is housed. Her project 'Forum Resonance - Echoes of the Past, Voices of the Future' proposes the transformation of the barracks complex into a youth cultural center - a space for debates, exhibitions, workshops and education - a place that is missing in Varna. "A forum that is today a dream for young people in Varna, a dream for me too", Ralitsa emotionally said in her presentation.

In her diploma architectural solution, she focuses on restoring the authenticity of the building and creating a multi-layered public space. The planning includes multifunctional halls, exhibition spaces, lecture halls and atriums, designed to allow joint use by young people and social interaction. Ralitsa combines modern functions with the preservation of the authentic façade and original architectural fragments. She works closely with Albena Sveshtarova, Deputy Headteacher of the Vocational School in Textile and Fashion Design, to consider the space for future youth cultural debates, art and culture. Both Desislava and Ralitsa worked under the scientific guidance of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arch. Zhechka Ilieva, who directed their focus on the synthesis between cultural heritage and contemporary social needs. Both graduates carried out a full survey of the buildings, made an in-depth analysis of the environment and proposed a sustainable vision based on context and care for the community. Their projects were also awarded for the beautiful scale models with which they defended their ideas.

Special attention deserves the project of Aneta Dimitrova, under the scientific supervision of Assist. Prof. Dr. Arch. Petar Nikolov, aimed at designing a real investment site – a caramel candy factory near Veliko Tarnovo, designed on behalf of one of the key Bulgarian confectionery companies. The project combines functionality and aesthetics in industrial architecture. Aneta proposed a modern solution in which the functional flows – deliveries, production, packaging, warehousing and logistics – are clearly distinguished, without compromising on safety and efficiency. The strongest element is the real prospect of implementation – part of the project is already considered by the investor as an implementation option. Aneta Dimitrova’s project will be not only an academic success, but also a practical contribution to contemporary industrial architecture in Bulgaria.

The diploma defenses at the Faculty of Architecture proved once again that the young architects from Varna Free University have the ambition and will to create a new architectural and cultural environment - with sensitivity and respect for the past, with functional and socially significant architecture.

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