PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS IN A NATIONAL COMPETITION FOR MASTER’S GRADUATES IN CULTURAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
06 November 2023
Magdalina Vasileva and Plamen Vasilev - master's graduates of Cultural Heritage Preservation at Varna Free University, won First Place and the Audience Award in the 7th national competition for diploma theses in the field of cultural heritage preservation. The competition is organised annually by the Architectural Heritage Society of the Union of Architects in Bulgaria, in partnership with the Bulgarian National Committee of the International Council on Monuments and sites.
During the prestigious competition, which took place in Sofia, Magdalina Vasileva and Plamen Vasilev performed excellently with their in-depth projects and won against representatives from all Bulgarian universities where Architecture is studied. Both are graduates of Varna Free University, where they graduated as architects, and at the end of last year they also defended their master's projects in architectural heritage preservation, under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Arch. Krasimira Vacheva, PhD.
Arch. Magdalina Vasileva: Adaptation of Vasil Boyanov's house, Sliven
Magdalina Vasileva presented an innovative approach to the preservation of cultural heritage with her project for the adaptation of Vasil Boyanov's house in Sliven. The building, built in 1931, is currently used as a community centre. Arch. Vasileva is looking for a better use and revival of the historical site. Her approach includes in-depth historical and archival research and analysis, which impressed the jury. The proposed complementary function (children's study room) is based on preliminary sociological studies and surveys that substantiate the designed intervention.
Arch. Plamen Vasilev: Socialization of the Lesicher pillar, Pavlikeni
Plamen Vasilev presented an ambitious project for the socialization of the Lesicher Pillar near Pavlikeni, an archaeological site with a rich history. His complex approach included research, photography, graphic reconstruction of an ancient temple, the planning of a reception building, presentation of all socialization processes and its integration into the modern environment. The project offers sustainable solutions and tourist routes, combining the interest in history with the needs of the community.
The jury, chaired by Arch. Dafina Barfonchovska - with 40 years of experience in the preservation of architectural heritage, was elated by the presented methodical approach, the graphic culture and the ideas of the graduates. They not only show a deep interest in the preservation processes, but also offer bold, innovative and sustainable solutions in response to the challenges of preserving Bulgaria's cultural heritage. "The presented thesis projects of Magdalina Vasileva and Plamen Vasilev give us confidence and are an example for the future and the preservation of our antiquities", commented the jury.
The awards were presented by the chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Union of Bulgarian Architects Arch. Petar Dikov.
All participants in the competition exhibition received gifts from the Bulgarian National Committee of the International Council on Monuments and sites and the Architectural Heritage Society.
