Exploring Socialist Modernism in Bulgaria: A Historical Analysis and Adaptive Reuse of the Bankya Residence as a Case Study of Dissonant Heritage Transformation

This thesis aims to present a developed methodology for analyzing and adapting the socialist-modernist heritage, with case stydy example of dissonant abandoned building "Bankya Residence". This is a long-forgotten architectural masterpiece from Bulgaria's socialist era. The overall study focuses on Bulgaria's contemporary problems regarding architectural heritage, which often becomes the subject of political debates that tear society apart, leading in turn to the destruction of famous cultural sites. The analysis presented strives to be objective and neutrally political. Washing away the "red mark" shows the essence of these buildings and their true architectural values. The aim is to distinguish a unique socialist modernist architecture from the mass residential buildings that Eastern Europe is known for, opening the broad topic of the potential of these unique buildings and their adaptation in modern cities. The thesis is divided into two parts. The first part examines in as much detail as possible the short but very rich architectural history of the socialist period, making a broad cultural and social analysis, thus achieving a well-structured reading of the political context. The second part presents a detailed investigation of the Bankya Residence, providing many exclusive photograpghs of the building's full glory, supported by original archival drawings from 1972. With the help of which the most accurate digital 3D model of this building ever made is realized. In this part of the thesis, the personal experience of visiting this building and the analysis of its current state will be conveyed in the form of professionally taken photographs. At the end of the thesis a detailed architectural plan concerning the future of this building will be presented. The residence was chosen as a case study for this project for many reasons. First of all, the architectural and historical significance it brings with it. Originally conceived and designed as a balneosatorium for the highest communist leaders, it later became the personal residence of the prime leader of the Bulgarian Communist Party, Todor Zhivkov. On the other hand, the architectural design and overall concept for this object is unique for the territory of Bulgaria. The building's strong connection with nature and overall intangible values interacting with the project make it very interesting to work with. And finally, the condition of the building to date, absolutely abandoned and subject to many acts of vandalism, is the motivation that alarms that this future cultural monument needs urgent restoration. The detailed architectural proposal aims to show the two periods of development that would be necessary to restore this architectural monument. Starting with the temporary intervention, proposals are made that aim to integrate the building into modern society so that it is accepted without requiring drastic change. This is a strategy applicable to many similar projects with controversial histories. With the next step, a strategy will be presented for the actual adaptation of the building and a proposal for what new functions it should adopt, taking into account its physical dimensions and historical context. The aim is that one day this Thesis will serve the future team that will be formed for the real restoration of this building.