Japanese architect presented the philosophy of space at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”
13 may 2026
The Japanese architect Yoshi Yamazaki and the architect Nadia Ivanova delivered a public lecture organized in celebration of the 35th anniversary of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”, the 30th anniversary of the Faculty of Architecture, the 30th anniversary of the “Construction of Buildings and Facilities” programme, and the 25th anniversary of the Architecture programme. The event marked the opening of the “Month of Architecture” and focused on the relationship between architecture, the city, and the landscape in Japanese tradition, as well as on the concepts of uchi and soto, connected to the understanding of interior and exterior space in Japanese culture. Students, lecturers, and alumni of the university attended the lecture.
The architect Nadia Ivanova spoke about the Japanese methodology in architectural design and the way the process of creating architecture is studied in Japan. According to her, the differences between the Japanese and Bulgarian approaches often become evident in her collaborative work with Yoshi Yamazaki.
She explained that in Bulgaria architecture is usually approached through functional planning, materials, and construction, whereas in Japan there is a prior stage focused on understanding the relationship between space, people, and the environment. In her view, this approach lies at the heart of the global recognition of Japanese architecture.
Yoshi Yamazaki shared that he has been living in Bulgaria for nearly 20 years and throughout this time has sought to apply the principles he studied and practiced in Japan. He noted that solutions considered inappropriate in traditional Japanese architecture are often regarded here as good practice. These differences became one of the central themes of the lecture.
According to him, the most essential aspect of architecture is relationships - between interior and exterior space, between people and their environment, and between individuals and the elements of space. Yoshi Yamazaki emphasized that architecture is built through these connections and carries an intangible dimension, much like air itself.
During the meeting, he also shared his impressions of life in Bulgaria. In his words, natural forms of communication and outdoor living - gatherings in courtyards and shared spaces - are still preserved here, whereas they have become less common in Japan. He believes that it is precisely in these relationships between people and nature that the potential for creating meaningful architectural environments can be found.
