See some of the emblematic modernistic buildings in Bulgaria and learn through their own voices more about their creators, their history and architectural characteristics
In memory of our inspirer Vasil Makarinov, creator of foundation Bulgarian Modernist Architecture
Meetings with Modernist Architecture presents some of the emblematic modernistic buildings in Bulgaria. Through their own voices we learn more about their creators, their history and their architectural characteristics.
The fifth film gives us a peek into University Library ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’. The biggest university library in the country is constructed in 1933 by the project ‘Bible’ of the famous architects Ivan Vasilyov and Dimitar Tsolov and with funding from the inheritance of entrepreneurs Evlogi and Hristo Georgievi. The building has an unconventional structure, that resembles Sofia University’s main building. In the prismatic volume are positioned the administrative cabinets and the 6-floor book depository, while the oval volume houses some of the most precious private book collections, donated by their heirs.
The series’ fourth film will lead you deep into the secrets of the Faculty of Biology of Sofia University. The remarkable building with characteristic brick tiling was built in 1928. Its design was made by architects Georgi Ovcharov and Genko Popov, who studied at the prestigious Technical University of Munich. The unique oval-shaped main lecture hall with beautifully ornamented ceiling, the vast bright spaces, the wide staircases and the tall pointed arch window turn this building into an invaluable example of modernist architecture and a true work of art.
The series’ third short film is dedicated to a few remarkable buildings designed by the architect Vassil Vassilev. Born at the dawn of the twentieth century, he received his architectural education in the city of Linz, Austria. In the 1930s he started his private practice in Sofia, rapidly establishing his professional reputation. Combining traditional architectural elements with avant-garde means of expression, the architect sculpted a daring and inimitable style.
The house of Angel Kantardzhiev is one of the precious treasures of Bulgarian modernist architecture. It was designed in 1932 by architects Ivan Vasilyov and Dimitar Tsolov. Its unique curved facade with delicate columns and a flat roof are some of its recognisable modernistic elements. The house endured a lot of vicissitudes through the years, affecting its functionality as well as its appearance. Today it is skilfully restored and is hiding nestled between big buildings in an inner courtyard on 25A Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard, between the Sofia University and Eagles’ Bridge.
The first short film in the series is dedicated to the National Student House on Narodno Sabranie square in Sofia. The project for it was created by architects Stancho Belkovski and Ivan Danchov. It is one of the most prominent examples of modernism in the capital. The idea to build it forms in 1904. The first stone was laid with official celebrations on 30 May 1931 – 27 years after the idea to build it was first conceived! The simple minimalistic facade, the interior columns, the horizontal stripe-like windows and the checkered black and white mosaics are all recognisable modernistic elements, which make it unique for its time. The National Student House is a good example of a building, the form of which perfectly serves its purpose.
