The longtime CNN anchor Ralitsa Vassileva, distinguished experts, and the “Varna Award” are among the highlights of the Month of the Faculty of Architecture at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”
14 may 2026
Longtime CNN International anchor Ralitsa Vassileva, lecturers from the University of Georgia in the United States, architects from Japan and Georgia, as well as representatives of the Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria and its Chairperson, the architect Borislav Vladimirov, will take part in the “Month of the Faculty of Architecture” at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”.
The series of international lectures, exhibitions, and professional meetings will take place throughout May and is dedicated to several important anniversaries: 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 Faculty of Architecture will also receive the prestigious “Varna Award” in the category of Social Sciences. The distinction will be presented to the research team led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Rositsa Petkova-Slipets in recognition of achievements in teaching and research.
On May 27th at 10:00 a.m., Ralitsa Vassileva—longtime CNN International anchor and lecturer at the University of Georgia - will deliver a lecture for students titled “Design and Communicate: Skills for Persuasive Presentation of Architectural Projects.” The session will focus on public presentation, communication, and the visual storytelling of architectural ideas - skills that are becoming increasingly important in contemporary architectural practice.
One of the key international highlights of the “Month of the Faculty of Architecture” is the successful partnership between Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” and the University of Georgia. As part of the programme, lecturers from the American university will visit Varna. On May 28th at 10:00 a.m., Assoc. Prof. Dr. Scott Nesbit will present a lecture on “The History of Urban Development in the United States,” while Assist. Prof. Dr. Katie Marages will speak on “The History of Public Buildings in the United States.”
Among the most significant professional events is the meeting between students and the Chairperson of the Managing Board of the Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria, architect Borislav Vladimirov. Scheduled for May 28th at 1:00 p.m., the discussion will address current topics related to professional development, architectural practice, and the future of the architectural profession in Bulgaria.
Later that same day, at 3:00 p.m. at the Educational and Sports Complex, a professional discussion titled “Architectural Education – Good Practices and New Trends” will take place with the participation of architect Borislav Vladimirov and architect Marin Velchev, Chairperson of the Varna Regional Board of the Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria.
The “Month of the Faculty of Architecture” will officially open on May 12th at 10:00 a.m. with a lecture by architect Yoshi Yamazaki from the architectural studio Yamazaki+Ivanova architects, an architect and lecturer from Tokyo. The lecture, titled “Uchi and Soto – On the Boundaries Between Architecture, the City and Landscape in Japanese Tradition,” will present the Japanese perspective on space and the relationship between architecture and environment.
On May 12th at 6:00 p.m., the Art Salon of Radio Varna will host the opening of an exhibition featuring projects by students from the Graphic Design programme. The exhibition will remain on display until May 25th.
On May 21st at 2:00 p.m., near the Sundial in the Sea Garden of Varna, the exhibition “Vision for Varna – The City I Want to Live In” will open, showcasing graduation projects by Architecture students. The exhibition will remain open until June 5th.
On May 26th at 2:00 p.m., lecturers from the International Black Sea University in Tbilisi will present a lecture and discussion on “Architectural Heritage in Tbilisi.”
The initiative will conclude on May 29th at 10:00 a.m. with the session “The Living Project: AI Video as a Bridge Between Idea and Reality,” featuring Stefan Grigorov and Tihomir Banov from Epoha Online. The discussion will focus on new technologies and the possibilities of artificial intelligence in creating visual content.
All events within the “Month of the Faculty of Architecture” are open to students, lecturers, architects, school pupils, and everyone interested in architecture, urban environments, design, art, and contemporary technologies.