Between modernity and tradition

Abstract

Bulgarian women were one of the first to pursue higher education of architecture in Europe when it became possible in the beginning of the 20th century, starting with Elena Markova (1894-1970) in Berlin, graduating in 1917. Women architects make a key contribution to Bulgarian modernism during the interwar period, while establishing partnerships not only with other male architects, but also with other women architects, yet their deeds are deeply overlooked. This is the case of Victoria Angelova-Vinarova and Mara Zaharieva, and their impressive Raduntsi Sanatorium, the largest sanatorium built in the Balkans at that time. Victoria Angelova-Vinarova graduated from Dresden. In 1926, at the age of twenty-five, she won a competition for the design of the new building for the Ministry of Public buildings, roads, and public works, marking her breakthrough in the industry. In 1939, together with Mara Zaharieva, they won a competition for the design of the colossal sanatorium in Raduntsi village. This architectural history thesis sheds light on the life and career of Bulgarian women architects in the interwar period, while focusing on the Raduntsi sanatorium case as an extremely singular architectural heritage that has not yet been protected. The aim of the research is to document the significance of women-led projects to break the historical depreciation of women’s work in technology and engineering professions.