International conference „European Policies in Architecture – innovative and holistic approach to the regeneration and sustainable transformation of the built environment and landscape“ – 16.10.2026, Sofia

INTERARCH 2026

The conference will allow us to carry forward the passion of all Architects – building bridges, fostering dialogue, shaping resilient futures and designing a better quality of life for all. The event is being organized by the Union of Architects in Bulgaria in partnership with the state University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy in Sofia and with the support of the Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria as well as many national and international institutions (later to be listed all) to mark two important anniversaries: 

● the 45th anniversary of the first World Triennial of Architecture INTERARCH, initiated by the Union of Architects in Bulgaria in 1981, 

● and the 85th anniversary of the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy in Sofia 

Reflecting the wide diversity of cultures across the EU, some member states have adopted comprehensive European policies in Architecture – some of them have also implemented new approaches to the governance of design. Bulgaria starts regulating these processes, keeping in mind that a high-quality built environment and its neighborhood can play in economic growth, social inclusion, climate resilience and cultural dynamism. Several policy initiatives have been created across Europe with a strong emphasis on a holistic culture-centre approach that highlights the key role of design quality.

European policies aim to promote and implement well-designed living environments and high-quality affordable housing, sustainability and climate change resilience, public spaces, water management, control of carbon emissions and waste, as well as inclusive urban planning. They emphasize a holistic approach, which seeks to achieve a sustainable society, with quality of life and collective well-being for all. 

These policies, aligned with the principles of the New European Bauhaus, should contribute to the cohesion and attractiveness of the local urban landscape and at the same time strengthen the local identity of cities and their neighbourhoods. 

The New European Bauhaus (NEB) is an European policy and funding initiative which promotes solutions that are not only sustainable, but also inclusive and beautiful, while respecting the diversity of places, traditions and cultures in Europe and beyond. 

INTERARCH’ 2026 aims to connect policy with practice and helps shaping the future of the built environment in Europe and Bulgaria as well as the quality-based processes throughout the life-cycle of projects. INTERARCH 2026 is a reminder that architecture, at its best, is a profound act of service to humanity. This comprehensive approach needs to be embraced by politicians and embedded in public policies, funding programmes and relevant laws. 

We believe that INTERARCH 2026 will be useful to professional institutions and architects and will contribute to inspire architects and politicians to implement high-quality architecture principles in public policies.

Organizing Committee (OrgCom):

E-mails:   sab@bularch.org  &  istelianna.atanassova@gmail.com 

• Architect Istelianna Atanasova – UAB – Chair of the OrgCom, member of the UAB Board – Head of International Affairs, member of the Executive Board of ACE, Vice President of the UIA (2021-23)
• Architect  Angel Enkin – UAB – member of the OrgCom, Deputy Chair of the UAB Board
• Architect Maya Buzhashka – UAB – member of the OrgCom, member of the UAB Board, chair of UAB unit
• Architect Ventsislav Kartselin – UAB – member of the OrgCom, chair of the XYZ unit at UAB
• Prof. Architect Orlin Davchev – UACEG – Deputy Chair of the OrgCom, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at UACEG
• Assoc. Prof. Architect Tsvetelina Daskalova- UACEG – member of the OrgCom, Head of International Affairs at UACEG
• Assoc. Prof. Architect Yasen Kyosev- UACEG – member of the OrgCom

Advisory Board (AB):

• Architect Petar Dikov – UAB – Chair of the UAB Governing Council 
• Assoc. Prof. Architect Gichka Kutova-Kamenova Ph.D.  – UACEG –  Rector of the UACEG
• includes also the Organizing Committee