The Faculty of Architecture at Varna Free University Chernorizets Hrabar Receives the Collective Varna Award
21 may 2026
The Faculty of Architecture at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” received the collective Varna Award in the field of Social Sciences for its overall contribution and significant achievements in educational, research, and project activities. The distinction was also awarded on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Faculty of Architecture.
The award was presented to a research team consisting of:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Rositsa Petkova-Slipec,
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arch. Plamen Petrov,
Prof. Dr. Arch. D. Sc. Atanas Kovachev,
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Daria Mihaleva.
The distinction comes in a year marked by several significant anniversaries - 35 years since the establishment of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”, 30 years of the Faculty of Architecture and the “Construction of Buildings and Facilities” programme, as well as 25 years of the Architecture programme.
The Faculty of Architecture has made a significant contribution to the development of Varna as an educational, professional, and scientific center. For 30 years, the faculty has provided nationally accredited and internationally recognized higher education in the fields of architecture and construction. The educational programmes are implemented in partnership with the Industry Advisory Board for Architecture and Construction, which unites professional organizations from Varna and the region.
Through their research activities, the faculty’s lecturers and researchers promote Bulgarian science and strengthen Varna’s position as a scientific center. Students and faculty members participate in numerous projects related to urban development and city planning. Graduates of the Faculty of Architecture successfully build careers in Varna and the Varna region, while the faculty actively supports secondary education in architecture and construction through teacher training, extracurricular activities, and student competitions.
The Faculty of Architecture also attracts funding to the region through participation in national and international projects and continues to foster an active connection between academic education, professional practice, and the public life of Varna.
The award was presented during an official ceremony held at the “Filial” Hall of the Stoyan Bachvarov Drama Theatre, organized on the eve of May 24th - the Day of St.St. Cyril and Methodius, the Bulgarian alphabet, education and culture, and Slavic literature.
Special guests at the event included the president of Varna Free University, Krasimir Nedyalkov, the Vice President Yani Yanev, the Rector Prof. Dr. Petar Hristov, the Vice Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eleonora Tankova, as well as university lecturers and staff members.
By decision of the Varna Municipal Council on April 30th, 2026, a total of 25 Varna Awards were granted this year to distinguished individuals and creative teams for contributions in the fields of education, science, and culture. The distinctions - honorary badges with ribbons, plaques, and certificates were presented by the Mayor of Varna, Blagomir Kotsev, and the Chairperson of the Municipal Council, Hristo Dimitrov.
Alongside the recognition, graduating students of the faculty opened the exhibition “Vision for Varna - The City I Want to Live In,” located near the entrance to the Sea Garden. The exhibition will remain open until June 4th, 2026, and presents ideas for a more modern, sustainable, and inspiring urban environment.
In an interview for Radio Varna, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences corresponding member and head of the Department of Architecture and Urban Studies, Prof. Arch. Atanas Kovachev, emphasized that the exhibition brings together projects entirely connected to Varna and the future development of the city.
“Young authors are presenting architectural projects that give new life to buildings iconic to Varna. Visitors will also see public building concepts that demonstrate the creativity and vision of young people for tomorrow - a new stadium, new public spaces, and new buildings. All of the projects are connected to Varna and reflect the perspective of young people on the city’s future,” said Prof. Kovachev.
