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Urban Planning, Theory and History of Architecture, Archtectural faculty , Higher School of Civil Engineerng and architecture (VSU) "Lyuben Karavelov" , Sofia , Bulgaria
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Informatics Visual Arts and Communications, Architectural Faculty , Higher School of Civil Engineerng and Architecture (VSU) "Lyuben Karavelov" , Sofia , Bulgaria
Architectural faculty , Higher School of Civil Enfineerng and Architecture (VSU) "Lyuben Karavelov" , Sofia , Bulgaria
One of the architectural jewels of the 20th century in Bulgaria - the Mineral Bath in Bankya - is located in the immediate vicinity of Sofia. It was designed by the Bavarian architect Carl Hocheder and opened for visitors in 1911. The architect's overall intention to merge the function of a spa, equipped with the most modern technical facilities of its time, and to achieve a unique aesthetic consonance of artistic and architectural ingredients, ranked the building among the first of its type in terms of beauty and facilities in Europe.
The study examines in parallel the historical background to the origin and functioning of the Mineral Bath in Bankya, the synthesis of artistic and architectural elements with the functional qualities and the social significance of the building. The focus of the study is on the ceramic wall coverings, in which hand-painted tiles are applied, the floor coverings with decorative ornaments and the sculptural layouts that give the building its unique character. Comparative art analysis is used to clarify the reception of the European influences.
The subject matter is particularly relevant given the restoration of the building in the period 2018-2022. The project won the Grand Prize in the Bulgarian Architecture Awards competition and is a current example of a comprehensive restoration of an important site for the preservation of Bulgaria's architectural heritage. For this part, the methods of conservation research, adaptation and transformation of the spaces were used in order to preserve its functions and to bring it into line with contemporary trends for "Sanus Per Aquam" and Wellness.
The topic is linked to the revival of many valuable buildings of similar purpose which are about to regain their splendour through the implementation of urgent and vital restoration works.
preservation of the architectural heretige, sinthesis between architecture and the arts, spa and wellness
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The study was carried out with own resources
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