The Disappearing Traditional Building Professions and Techniques in Bulgaria

THE DISAPPEARING TRADITIONAL BUILDING

PROFESSIONS AND TECHNIQUES

IN BULGARIA

preserving the knowledge of the past

Elena Stefanova

March 2020

A dissertation submitted for the degree of BSc Hons Architectural Studies with International Study at the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, University of Strathclyde

Dissertation Supervisor: Branka Dimitrijevic Student Reg No. 201542452

Declaration AB 420 Dissertation 2019/20 BSc Honours Architectural Studies BSc Honours Architectural Studies with International Study MArch/Pg Dip Advanced Architectural Design MArch Architectural Design International

Declaration “I hereby declare that this dissertation submission is my own work and has been composed by myself. It contains no unacknowledged text and has not been submitted in any previous context. All quotations have been distinguished by quotation marks and all sources of information, text, illustration, tables, images etc. have been specifically acknowledged.

I accept that if having signed this Declaration my work should be found at Examination to show evidence of academic dishonesty the work will fail and I will be liable to face the University Senate Discipline Committee.�

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Department of Architecture Level 3, James Weir Building 75 Montrose Street Glasgow G1 1XJ

t:+ 44 (0) 141 548 3023/3097/4219

Head of Department: Professor Ashraf Salama

e: architecture@strath.ac.uk

The place of useful learning The University of Strathclyde is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, number SC015263

ABSTRACT This dissertation investigates the reasons for the decline in popularity of traditional building professions and the use of traditional materials and techniques in communities across Bulgaria, as well as the possible measures that would help preserve and revive these elements of cultural heritage.

The aims of this investigation are to explore the variety of traditional building techniques and professions, to identify the reasons for the threat of their extinction, to argue about the importance of preservation and continuation of practical knowledge, to review existing mechanisms and to suggest additional measure for protection of this knowledge at local and national level.

Ethnographic studies will be consulted to build a profile for the range of traditional materials and techniques in vernacular architecture, as well as to better understand the essence and appeal of traditional building professions. The reasons for their decline will be explored in economic, social, historic, and global context. The benefits of preserving traditional building knowledge will be examined in case studies of built heritage preservation projects and sustainable new architecture projects. The place of this knowledge in building regional identity will be explored based on theoretically focused papers and books. Strategies, policies and reports will be reviewed to examine existing mechanisms for the preservation of traditional knowledge.

The study hopes to find viable strategies for the continuation of building traditions by placing them in a modern context.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract

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1. Introduction

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List of Figures

1.1. Background, Context and Motivation

1.3. Research Questions, Objectives and Aim

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1.2. Problem Definition 1.4. Methodology

2. Literature Review

2.1. Historic Traditions in the Construction of Vernacular Architecture in Bulgaria

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2.2. The Decline in Popularity of Traditional Materials, Techniques and Professions 2.3. Vernacular Architecture's Role in Identity and Sustainability

2.4. Intangible Cultural Heritage's Role in Identity

2.5. Strategies, Policies, Reports on Preservation of Traditional Building Knowledge 3. Traditions in the Construction of Vernacular Architecture in Bulgaria - Historic Overview

3.1. Traditional Materials and Techniques

3.2. Traditional Building Professions and Vocational Training

4. Reasons for the Decline in Popularity of Traditional Materials, Techniques and Professions

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4.1. Historic Development 4.2. Modern Context

5. The Importance of the Preservation of Knowledge

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5.1. Regional Identity

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5.2. Built Heritage Preservation

5.3. Integration in New Construction with Emphasis on Sustainability

6. Existing Mechanisms for Preservation of Traditional Building Professions and Techniques in Bulgaria Overview and Recommendations

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Bibliography

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7. Discussion and Conclusions

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LIST OF FIGURES Title Page: Adobe bricks drying in the sun

Source: Meshtra (2019) The Architecture of Stara Planina Gallery 2019. Available at: http://staraplanina. meshtrango.com/2019-2/ (Accessed: 12 January 2020).

Chapter 1 Title Page: Map of Bulgaria

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Figure 1.1: Based on the specifics of folklore and traditions, Bulgaria is divided into six ethnographic regions, each with its own identity

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Source: Author’s image

Source: Author’s image Figure 1.2: One of many examples of buildings made with traditional materials which have fallen in disrepair Source: Meshtra (2018) The Architecture of Stara Planina – First Field Study. Available at: https://www. facebook.com/pg/meshtra/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1732180520233852 (Accessed: 12 January 2020).

Chapter 2 Title Page: Old newspaper Source: Author’s image.

Figure 2.1: Tomlinson’s illustrations of trades provide detailed information about the tools of different craftsmen

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Source: Tomlinson, C. (1867) Illustration of Trades. London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.

Chapter 3 Title Page: Working with stone

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Figure 3.1: Masonry house in Gorno Lukovo, Ivaylovgrad area

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Figure 3.2: The mountain regions in Bulgaria offer different building materials than the plains. There, timber is preferred to earth

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Source: Meshtra (2019) The Architecture of Stara Planina – Workshop. Available at: https://www. facebook.com/etar.gabrovo/photos/pcb.331982374412383/2871040836268910/?type=3&theater (Accessed: 12 January 2020).

Source: Georgiev, G. (2015) Natural Materials Construction: Traditional Practices and Modern Application (translated). Available at: https://drive.google.com/file/ d/0B3IST3O9gLaYSExyZnQxZkUzOTQ/view?pli=1 (Accessed: 1 October 2019).

Source: Author’s image Figure 3.3: Light clay infill. House in Karapoltsi

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Figure 3.4: Timber shingles on a house built before 1913, village of Nova Mahala

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Figure 3.5: Making of adobe bricks using a hand press in the village of Slatina, Lovech, 1953

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Figure 3.6: Tools used in masonry work

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Source: Georgiev, G. (2015) Natural Materials Construction: Traditional Practices and Modern Application (translated). Available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3IST3O9gLaYSExyZnQxZ kUzOTQ/view?pli=1 (Accessed: 1 October 2019).

Source: Georgiev, G. (2015) Natural Materials Construction: Traditional Practices and Modern Application (translated). Available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3IST3O9gLaYSExyZnQxZ kUzOTQ/view?pli=1 (Accessed: 1 October 2019).

Source: Georgiev, G. (2015) Natural Materials Construction: Traditional Practices and Modern Application (translated). Available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3IST3O9gLaYSExyZnQxZ kUzOTQ/view?pli=1 (Accessed: 1 October 2019).

Source: Tsurov, T. (2017) The secret language of the dyulgeri (translated), Култура ON AIR, 27 October.

Available at: https://www.kulturabg.com/аудио/новини/тайният-език-на-майсторите-дюлгери.html (Accessed: 12 January 2020).

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Figure 3.7: Tools used for exterior finishes

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Figure 3.8: Charter of the builders esnaf in Plovdiv

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Figure 3.9: Seal of the dyulgeri esnaf of Bratsigovo

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Figure 3.10: The builders from the village of Kovatchevitsa popularized their style of work in the area

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Figure 3.11: The old town in Plovdiv holds excellent examples of the craftsmanship of the local masterbuilders

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Source: Dimitrova, D. (2019) Available at: http://www.otdihbg.com/selo-kovachevitsa-myasto-kdetovremeto-e-spryalo/ (Accessed: 10 January 2020).

Source: Raychevski, S. (2014) The Construction Genius of Bulgarians Over the Centuries (translated).

Zaharyi Stoyanov.

Source: Berbenliev, P. and Partachev, V. (2015) The Bratsigovo Master Builders (translated). Zenitsa NDA. Source: Wikimedia Commons - Kovachevitsa. Available at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ Category:Kovachevitsa (Accessed: 2 February 2020).

Source: Old Plovdiv - Thracian Inn Residence. Available at: http://3dparty.eu/en/най-известнитесгради-в-старинния-гра/old-2176641_1920/ (Accessed: 2 February 2020).

Chapter 4 Title Page: Traditional houses

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Figure 4.1: Kolyu Ficheto has become an important historical figure, representing the period of Bulgarian Revival and its architecture

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Source: Stoimenov, B. (2015) Meshtra, 16 July. Available at: https://www.facebook.com/meshtra/ photos/a.796600663791847/796601197125127/?type=3&theater (Accessed: 2 February 2020).

Source: Goeva, E. (1978) Kolyu Ficheto Stamp. Available at: https://colnect.com/en/stamps/ stamp/419735-Elza_Goeva_Kolju_Ficeto-Bulgarian_history_Paintings-Bulgaria (Accessed: 2 February 2020).

Figure 4.2: With the arrival of European architectural influences, the urban fabric of many Bulgarian settlements quickly became a mixture of traditional and new architecture

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Source: Retro photography from Bulgaria (2018) Available at: http://plovdiv-fotohronika.blogspot. com/2018/08/blog-post_50.html (Accessed: 2 February 2020).

Figure 4.3: Traditional houses would often look out of place in between new architecture due to the use of different materials and the tectonics that came with them

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Source: Regional Historical Museum – Gabrovo (2017) Available at: https://www.kulturabg.com/ новини/любопитно/50-години-след-априлското-въстание-улица-в-центъра-на-габрово-всеоще-носи-името-на-фазлъ-паша.html (Accessed: 2 February 2020).

Chapter 5 Title Page: Timber joint restoration

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Figure 5.1: Volunteers and professionals working on restoring the clay plaster of a traditional house in the Lozen village in 2018

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Source: Palotas, G. (ed.) (2016) ‘Revival of Disappearing Architectural Professions: Study about the future and continuation of traditional building traditions & craftsmanship’. Available at: http://rediapro. com/study/ (Accessed: 5 October 2019).

Source: Meshtra (2018) "Traditional knowledge and crafts - a value rediscovered in modern times" (translated). Available at: https://stroiinfo.com/традиционните-знания-и-занаяти-ценн/ (Accessed: 1 November 2019).

Figure 5.2: Setting of sediment mixtures

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Figure 5.3: Sampling clay mixtures

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Source: Meshtra (2018) Clay Plaster Restoration Workshop - Lozen, 2018, 23 July. Available at: https:// www.facebook.com/pg/meshtra/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1730296770422227&__tn__=-UK-R (Accessed: 13 January 2020).

Source: Meshtra (2018) Clay Plaster Restoration Workshop - Lozen, 2018, 23 July. Available at: https:// www.facebook.com/pg/meshtra/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1730296770422227&__tn__=-UK-R (Accessed: 13 January 2020).

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Figure 5.4: Restoration of clay plaster and window frames in the Runya village, 2018

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Figure 5.5: Original facade and renovated facade with new windows

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Figure 5.6: Plan of Children’s Eco-centre ‘Belite Brezi’

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Figure 5.7: Masonry is used for the main body of the building

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Figure 5.8: Post-and-beam construction is filled in with different patterns of bricks

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Figure 5.9: Untreated timber logs on stone socle make up the side wing of the building

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Figure 5.10: The timber stairs use the traditional wattle technique of weaving thin branches between vertical stakes

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Source: Runya House of Laughter (2018) Runya House of Laughter - Posts, 24 September. Available at: https://www.facebook.com/runya.house/posts/2165651646981892 (Accessed: 13 January 2020).

Source: Rhodope houses (no date) Restoration of a house in the village of Orehovo. Available at: http://mountainhousebg.com/Orehovo2.html (Accessed: 13 January 2020).

Source: Georgiev, G. and Ignatieva, I. (2010) Revival of traditional building techniques in Bulgaria.

Available at: https://www.ka6tata.com/възраждане-на-традиционни-строителни-техники-вбългария-news1556.html (Accessed: 17 November 2019).

Source: Georgiev, G. and Ignatieva, I. (2010) Revival of traditional building techniques in Bulgaria.

Available at: https://www.ka6tata.com/възраждане-на-традиционни-строителни-техники-вбългария-news1556.html (Accessed: 17 November 2019).

Source Georgiev, G. and Ignatieva, I. (2010) Revival of traditional building techniqu:es in Bulgaria.

Available at: https://www.ka6tata.com/възраждане-на-традиционни-строителни-техники-вбългария-news1556.html (Accessed: 17 November 2019).

Source: Georgiev, G. and Ignatieva, I. (2010) Revival of traditional building techniques in Bulgaria.

Available at: https://www.ka6tata.com/възраждане-на-традиционни-строителни-техники-вбългария-news1556.html (Accessed: 17 November 2019).

Source: Georgiev, G. and Ignatieva, I. (2010) Revival of traditional building techniques in Bulgaria.

Available at: https://www.ka6tata.com/възраждане-на-традиционни-строителни-техники-вбългария-news1556.html (Accessed: 17 November 2019).

Figure 5.11: Timber shingles are being applied together with modern insulation materials

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Figure 5.12 : Clay plaster is applied as a finishing layer externally or internally

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Chapter 6 Title Page: Restoration workshop

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Source: Georgiev, G. and Ignatieva, I. (2010) Revival of traditional building techniques in Bulgaria.

Available at: https://www.ka6tata.com/възраждане-на-традиционни-строителни-техники-вбългария-news1556.html (Accessed: 17 November 2019).

Source: Georgiev, G. and Ignatieva, I. (2010) Revival of traditional building techniques in Bulgaria.

Available at: https://www.ka6tata.com/възраждане-на-традиционни-строителни-техники-вбългария-news1556.html (Accessed: 17 November 2019).

Source: Meshtra (2016) Workshop in the village of Dolen, 13 July. Available at: https://www.facebook. com/meshtra/photos/a.1000034436781801/1001312313320680/?type=3&theater (Accessed: 2 February 2020).

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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1. Background, Context and Motivation 1.2. Problem Definition

1.3. Research Questions, Objectives and Aim 1.4. Methodology

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1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. Background, Context and Motivation Traditional building professions and techniques have long served as a strong expression of regional identity and have been a point of pride for communities across Bulgaria. The cumulative shared knowledge of craftsmen and builders of the past was a mark of people’s ability to slowly evolve their skills by passing down a trade or craft from generation to generation.

knowledge of traditional building practices and their skilled application are greatly needed, in order to restore these buildings in a historically accurate and long-lasting way. As interest or ability to pursue traditional building knowledge declines, it is proving difficult to find professionals with relevant training to complete the preservation and conservation tasks.

These centuries-old building techniques fall under the term “Intangible Cultural Heritage”, which is defined as “the practices . . ., knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments . . . associated therewith – that communities and groups . . . recognize as part of their cultural heritage.” (UNESCO, 2003). This shows that the intangible cultural heritage is intertwined with the sense of self and place of people and is important in building a sustainable community.

The country has begun taking small steps towards protecting its cultural heritage, but the development of these efforts, particularly in the area of building construction and traditional crafts, is still greatly unnoticeable. There appears to be a lack of cohesive understanding of the reasons for this problem, which in turn leads to lack of in-depth sources of research, programmes and policies on the preservation of traditional building professions and techniques in Bulgaria. If the gap of research continues to exist, it would further contribute to this decline, which is the motivation for carrying out this study.

Additionally, on a more practical side, more and more historic and vernacular buildings in Bulgaria need care and attention in the form of preservation and conservation efforts. This is another area where

Figure 1.1: Based on the specifics of folklore and traditions, Bulgaria is divided into six ethnographic regions, each with its own identity

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1.2. Problem Definition The use of traditional building techniques and materials has been on the decline since the Liberation of Bulgaria in 1878. The knowledge related to creating vernacular architecture faces extinction, which would be a loss of cultural heritage and practical knowledge gathered throughout generations as a mark of regional identity. This would also negatively influence the country’s ability to accurately restore and preserve its historic and vernacular architecture.

Figure 1.2: One of many examples of buildings made with traditional materials which have fallen in disrepair

1.3. Research Questions, Objectives and Aim: Based on the problem definition, this investigation will try to answer the following questions:

By raising these questions, the following research objectives have been set:

a. What traditional building techniques, materials and professions are there in Bulgarian vernacular architecture?

a. Identify the historic background and traditions in building techniques and material uses in Bulgaria, as well as the professions associated with them and the specific vocational training.

b. What are the reasons for the decline in use of traditional building techniques and materials and the decline in pursuing vocational training in related professions?

b. Find the historic, social, cultural and other reasons for the decline in popularity of traditional building techniques and professions.

c. Why is it important to preserve the knowledge of traditional building techniques and materials?

c. Prove the importance of preserving the knowledge of traditional building techniques and the appropriate areas where it can be applied.

d. What structures exist currently to support the preservation of traditional building techniques?

d. Analyse the existing structures at different levels which currently support the preservation of traditional building techniques, both internationally and in the context of Bulgaria.

e. What else can be done to support the preservation of traditional building techniques?

e. Propose additional measures to support the preservation of traditional building techniques in Bulgaria. *** By fulfilling the research objectives, this study aims to contribute to the understanding of traditional building materials and techniques in Bulgaria and open the path of their preservation, continuation and integration into the current construction industry.

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1.4. Methodology Ethnographic studies, literature, videos will be consulted to build a profile for the range of traditional materials and techniques in vernacular architecture.

Traditional vocational training and the places of tradesmen and craftsmen in society will be explored through historic and ethnographic documents.

The reasons for the decline of traditional building knowledge will be examined in economic, social, historic, and global context. The current state of traditional building professions and trades will be explored by looking at statements from actively practicing professionals.

The benefits of preserving traditional building knowledge will be argued through examination of case studies of built heritage preservation projects

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and a sustainable new architecture project. The place of this knowledge in strengthening regional identity will be explored through theoretically focused literature.

Strategies, policies, programme reports and non-profit organization initiatives will be reviewed to examine existing strategies for the preservation of traditional knowledge and those will be used to identify possible gaps and introduce new suggestions. International examples for policies, strategies, projects and overall best practices will serve as the base of further recommendations.

CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1. Historic Traditions in the Construction of Vernacular Architecture in Bulgaria

2.2. The Decline in Popularity of Traditional Materials, Techniques and Professions 2.3. Vernacular Architecture’s Role in Identity and Sustainability 2.4. Intangible Cultural Heritage’s Role in Identity

2.5. Strategies, Policies, Reports on Preservation of Traditional Building Knowledge

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2. LITERATURE REVIEW This chapter will review literature which gives a historic summary of construction traditions in vernacular architecture in Bulgaria to determine whether it gives an exhaustive analysis. This will be compared to international literature on the same subject. Additionally, sources will be reviewed which look at different reasons for the decline in popularity of traditional building knowledge, aiming to determine whether these sources get to the heart of the problem or additional research is needed. Papers, policies and projects will be reviewed to explore the existing ideas on tangible and intangible cultural heritage’s role in building local identity. Strategies, policies and reports on safeguarding traditional knowledge will be reviewed in terms of scope and approach to gauge the level of involvement of different bodies in the process.

2.1. Historic Traditions in the Construction of Vernacular Architecture in Bulgaria The book “Building with Natural Materials: Traditional Practices and Contemporary Application” (Georgiev, 2015) (translated) represents the most detailed and all-encompassing research currently available in Bulgaria on traditional and modern use of natural materials locally and internationally. The author compiles his research gathered throughout his time as an architect into a book that is one of a kind in the context of Bulgaria in its practical approach towards discussing the use and application of natural materials in construction and can be used as an introductory reference for practical courses teaching the subject. Even though the author points out that there isn’t enough research and documentation of old techniques and professions in Bulgaria, the book doesn’t attempt to focus on them or the skills a new professional would need to acquire in order to apply the described methods nowadays.

The information collated in the book resembles the approach used in “Traditional Building Materials” (Slocombe, 2012) in terms of depth of research into the traditional use of building materials and their impact on the formation of regional architecture. Such literature creates the basis from which an informed approach to revival of traditional building crafts can begin.

A more detailed look into the use of earth as a building material on the territory of Bulgaria is given in “Earth construction: Materials, techniques and building maintenance” (Valchanova, 2013). The author gives a practical description of different construction techniques used in restoration and new-build projects.

A document like this is useful for the continuation of traditional construction knowledge and can be expanded into a series to cover other building materials in depth.

An example of a book which provides detailed accounts of building professions of the past is “Illustration of Trades” (Tomlinson, 1867:2) (Figure 2.1). The author states that the distinction between a manufacture and a trade is “that the one performs its work by means of self-acting machines, the other by means of tools in the hands of a skilled workman”.

A whole section of the book is dedicated to trades which supply shelter. It gives thorough descriptions and illustrations of the tools, techniques and processes relating to the work of a bricklayer, a mason, a carpenter, a slater, etc. It is an invaluable guide into the practices of construction professionals from the London area during the middle of the 19th century. In comparison, perhaps due to the political environment of that time, such documentation was never done in Bulgaria, and the gap hasn’t been filled to this day.

2.2. The Decline in Popularity of Traditional Materials, Techniques and Professions When examining the importance of building craftsmen historically and contrasting it to their place in the construction industry today, the following position emerges: the decline of the craftsman’s profession begins with the separation of the roles of architect and builder around the emergence of industrialisation (Jacobus, 2009, pp.159-160). This is a reasonable position, which can be supported by examining the state of building crafts in multiple countries and cultures. Jacobus also argues that contemporary training of architects is a prerequisite

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for this separation, by way of failing to foster a relationship between the designers and the construction process and materiality. This position is generalised, but evidence supports it in the context of Bulgaria.

Some of that evidence is found in “Bulgarian Architecture Through the Centuries” (Boyadzhiev et al., 1982) where the history and development of Bulgarian architecture is discussed. There, it is suggested that a major shift in practices occurred

Figure 2.1: Tomlinson’s illustrations of trades provide detailed information about the tools of different craftsmen

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around the time of the Liberation of Bulgaria that had a considerable impact on the popularity of traditional architecture and the fate of building crafts and master-builders. This is further supported by Raychevski (2014) and Antonov (2019) in exploring the impact of this historic event on Bulgarian society, trades and crafts.

Currently, there seems to be no cohesive literature which directly examines and addresses the reasons for the decline in popularity of traditional building materials, techniques and professions in Bulgaria.

The available information is briefly mentioned across sources whose main focus is in adjacent subjects.

2.3. Vernacular Architecture’s Role in Identity and Sustainability A relationship between sustainable vernacular architecture, and the identity of a place can be found in regions like the Arab World (Salman, 2018) and Indonesia (Hidayatun, Prijotomo and Rachmawati, 2015). Salman (2018:4) writes that “vernacular architecture is a sign of identity (...), (it) reflects place, time, and culture”. She marks “the collapse of cultural frontiers in the twentieth century” as the point after which the identity-defining qualities of local architecture begin to disappear. The author also

makes a connection between sustainability and the efforts towards defining a local identity in a global context by stating that “sustainability and preservation of cultural identity are complementary” (p.1). This underlines the interconnection between vernacular architecture, identity and sustainability, which can be applied in the context of Bulgaria’s search for architectural identity after transitioning from a socialist to a capitalist state in 1989.

2.4. Intangible Cultural Heritage’s Role in Identity Traditional building knowledge, as the intangible counterpart to vernacular architecture, plays a big part in defining identity. Traditional building knowledge is part of the intangible cultural heritage, as defined by UNESCO (2018:5), which is a “vehicles of identity and social cohesion”. It can also be used in supporting sustainable development not only in environmental, but in social and economic sense.

Under the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (UNESCO, 2018), Bulgaria hosts the Regional Centre for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in South-Eastern Europe, where countries can apply to have cultural practices inscribed on the Convention’s Lists (UNESCO, 2017). So far Bulgaria has inscribed seven practices of its own, but none of them relate to skills, techniques or professions in the built environment.

Traditional building knowledge as heritage and its identity-defining characteristics can be explored on a country-by-country scale in the project “Revival of Disappearing Architectural Professions: Study about the future and continuation of traditional building traditions & craftsmanship” (REDIAPRO) (Palotas, 2016) where different countries’ intangible heritage in the built environment is examined through the stories of master craftsmen and their experience in keeping their trade alive. The project aims to establish a support and collaboration network between traditional building craftsmen from Europe. Similarities in the masters’ trades are brought out at the same time as the unique local differences of their practices.

2.5. Strategies, Policies, Reports on Preservation of Traditional Building Knowledge Existing projects of international collaborations with the participation of Bulgaria show that there is interest in the subject. These projects show an effort to strengthen cultural bonds and exchange experience of preservation and revival of traditional building crafts (Palotas, 2016; Takova et al., 2010). They also build the foundations of international support networks and knowledge exchange platforms. It is noticeable that activities of such scale are usually carried out by independent organisations, often funded by European Union programmes and grants; they are not commissioned by the Bulgarian government. This

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shows an individual approach of certain interested groups, rather than a holistic approach implemented through national policies.

The government sponsored public body Historic Environment Scotland has created a dedicated building conservation centre in Stirling, which encourages “understanding of traditional building materials and skills among the public and professionals” (The Engine Shed, Historic Environment Scotland, 2019). By keeping a database of traditional materials, the organisation provides quick and easy

access to information on history, characteristics, maintenance, etc. for different materials, which can be easily found on their website by the public. The centre also focuses on traditional building skills by providing practical learning opportunities in the form of a summer school, a Master Builders programme, workshops and CPD events. The Engine Shed is a good example of an governmental initiative that popularizes and fosters a better understanding of tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

A document which proposes strategies of preservation and integration in modern life of intangible cultural heritage is “Harnessing the Cultural Potential of Traditional Arts and Crafts� (Kabakov, 2016). Although the object of this research is the applied arts and crafts in Bulgaria, strong parallels can be drawn with the building crafts and similar conclusive suggestions can be applied to that area. This document is a good starting point towards a tailored strategy for revival of traditional building crafts. ***

It can be concluded that by better understanding and collecting information for the practical use of materials and techniques, they have a better chance of being integrated in modern practices. However, it is evident that there is much room for growth in practical efforts towards reviving and preserving traditional building knowledge in the context of Bulgaria, but there are international examples which could help guide and inform this growth.

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CHAPTER 3. TRADITIONS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE IN BULGARIA – HISTORIC OVERVIEW 3.1. Traditional Materials and Techniques

3.2. Traditional Building Professions and Vocational Training

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Figure 3.1: Masonry house in Gorno Lukovo, Ivaylovgrad area

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3. TRADITIONS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE IN BULGARIA – HISTORIC OVERVIEW This chapter aims to create an overview of the range, type and historic application of building materials and their related tools and techniques used in vernacular architecture on the territory of Bulgaria. The chapter also looks into traditional professions and vocational training related to building construction and how they have developed throughout time.

3.1. Traditional Materials and Techniques On the territory of Bulgaria, a variety of materials are associated with traditional building construction. They vary slightly depending on the geographic location or the typology of the building.

Masonry is used in foundations or for the whole building construction (Figure 3.1). It can be dry or bound with mortar. Masonry is used in some mountain regions as infill for timber frame due to the lack of other suitable materials. Different types of stone and processing of the material can be found depending on the region and time period.

Timber is abundant and widely used in the mountain regions (Figure 3.2). It can be used in log or plank construction for solid walls, or as timber frame.

Spaced out planks can be used as infill method for a timber frame, or as cladding in some mountain or sea regions.

Earth is a widespread choice of material but is less popular in the mountain regions. It is used as unfired adobe bricks or compressed earth blocks in loadbearing walls. Adobe bricks can also serve as infill in timber frame; the wattle-and-daub technique can be applied too. Another infill technique is the “light clay” method where the earth is mixed with straw, forming a lighter material (Figure 3.3). The less popular cob and rammed earth contribute to the rich set of techniques used across the territory, but few examples exist.

Figure 3.2: The mountain regions in Bulgaria offer different building materials than the plains.

There, timber is preferred to earth

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Roofing materials in traditional construction before the introduction of the popular clay tiles were various.

Stone tiles were sometimes used, but straw roofs found the widest application. Cane was also used along the Danube river. Plank roofs and timber shingles are already extinct as a technique but were used in the mountain regions (Figure 3.4) (Georgiev, 2015).

it were called “kirechchii” (from Turkish, “kireç” - lime) and had their lime pits on the southern slopes of the Rhodopean mountains (Palotas, 2016:88).

Decorative elements in buildings’ exterior and interior often used materials like timber, masonry and earth. These applications cross over into the field of traditional arts and crafts.

Lime is another material with wide application on Bulgarian territory. The craftsmen who worked with

Figure 3.3: Light clay infill. House in Karapoltsi

Figure 3.4: Timber shingles on a house built before 1913, village of Nova Mahala *** The existing research into the application of natural materials in traditional building construction has been brought to a basic level over the years, mainly through exploring the remaining example of vernacular architecture in the country. More in-depth resources on the application of specific materials could be compiled to supplement vocational training courses that would revive their use today.

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Figure 3.5: Making of adobe bricks using a hand press in the village of Slatina, Lovech, 1953

3.2. Traditional Building Professions and Vocational Training Vocational training in the traditional building crafts has a long history on the territory of Bulgaria. Skills and knowledge were passed down generations orally using the hierarchy of master, journeyman and apprentice. A master-builder could work on the construction of the whole building or specialize in a particular area. Thus, trades were differentiated: masonry, carpentry, clay work, lime work, construction of doors and windows, roof tiling; later with the introduction of fired bricks appeared “tuhlarstvo” (from Turkish, “tuğla” – brick). Each trade had its set of tools, like the hammers of the masons (Figure 3.6) or the tools used for exterior finishes (Figure 3.7).

During the period of Bulgarian National Revival (1762-1878) several localized informal architecture and construction “schools” appeared, which were famous for a specific style of work (Georgiev, 2015:9). Young apprentices would study the local style and methods and carry on the traditions of the “school”.

Even earlier than this – possibly during the time of the Byzantine Empire, appeared the “esnafs” (from Turkish, “guild” or “corporation”). These were guilds for all people practising the same craft in a village or town – they included masters, journeymen and apprentices. The role of the esnaf was to provide vocational qualifications and to regulate the practice of the craft in the area (Vasileva, 2019). Each esnaf

published a charter detailing the main activities its members would be involved in, as well as rules regulating its functions (Figure 3.8). The builders esnaf in an area was responsible for the upkeep of the local public buildings and roads and was generally heavily involved in public life, serving as school, court, charity, and bank for all its members (Raychevski, 2014).

The esnafs and the local architecture schools were structures, which we have lost today, that served the purpose of organizing the vocational training and preserving traditions and knowledge during a time when formal education wasn’t introduced. Through them, the building professionals received much broader knowledge than their modern counterparts do today. Their skills were developed in multiple disciplines simultaneously, which put the mark of their time on the final products and added distinguishing geographic characteristics. By looking at some of their buildings today we are informed about the society, practices and knowledge of their creators.

A specific type of building professionals emerged in the Balkans during the 19th century - the travelling builders, called “dyulgeri” (from Turkish, “dülger” builder, carpenter). The dyulgeri groups had some distinctive characteristics from the esnaf members - it was typical for them to pass on the trade within the family, their professional inter-relations were

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Figure 3.6: Tools used in masonry work

Figure 3.7: Tools used for exterior finishes

not regulated in any official way, and many of them were famous for being able to carry out all task on a building project from start to finish. These craftsmen groups stayed closed to outsiders and formed a unique subculture. They travelled to different cities within the Ottoman Empire in search of seasonal work and with their seasonal migrations, they spread around the traditional Balkan house typology (Markov and Hristov, 2019:1-2).

At a time where exchange of ideas and knowledge happened mainly at a scale of close proximity, these

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craftsmen performed a historically important role of exchange of customs and traditions, which further boosted the skills of the local Bulgarian builders. Today we have communication technology which allows us to spread knowledge faster and more efficiently, but the construction industry seems to be aiming towards a broader globalised style and often neglects local traditional knowledge, which was the key to a sturdy, socially and environmentally sustainable architecture in the past.

*** Giving an overview of traditional building materials and related professions helps to identify the areas of intangible cultural heritage that require protection. By highlighting some specifics of how traditional building trades in Bulgaria operated, it can be concluded that the rich local history has the potential to inform some of the modern approaches to preserving and implementing the construction knowledge of the past.

Figure 3.8: Charter of the builders esnaf in Plovdiv

Figure 3.9: Seal of the dyulgeri esnaf of Bratsigovo

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Figure 3.10: The builders from the village of Kovatchevitsa popularized their style of work in the area

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Figure 3.11: The old town in Plovdiv holds excellent examples of the craftsmanship of the local master-builders

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CHAPTER 4. REASONS FOR THE DECLINE IN POPULARITY OF TRADITIONAL MATERIALS, TECHNIQUES AND PROFESSIONS 4.1. Historic Development 4.2. Modern Context

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4. REASONS FOR THE DECLINE IN POPULARITY OF TRADITIONAL MATERIALS, TECHNIQUES AND PROFESSIONS This chapter explores some of the reasons for the decline in popularity of traditional building materials and techniques, as well as the historic changes to building professions and vocational training in Bulgaria and sets those changes in an international context.

4.1. Historic Development Nowadays, there is a major shift in the responsibilities of an architect in building construction. Once this was a person who was equal parts master-craftsman and master-builder. As Jacobus argues (2009:159): In the past, architects have been much more intimately involved in the process of construction than architects are today. In fact, our training as contemporary architects is geared less toward construction, in the form of materials and methods inquiries...

adversary of vernacular architecture and a contributor to the decline in use of natural materials and techniques worldwide.

During the Bulgarian National Revival advancements in traditional building construction peaked, using local materials and local labour. Many master-builders from that time have remained as prominent historic figures to this day, like Nikola Fichev - “Kolyu Ficheto” (Mihailova, 2012).

He contributes this shift to the event of industrialization and, after that, to the rise of computer aided design. Along that he traces the architects’ “infatuation” with industrial production in building construction, which nowadays has become the norm.

At the same time, commenting on the merit of today’s most revered buildings Thurley (2017) poses that “when you look back through history, right up until the Second World War, most buildings were more or less an equal partnership between patron, craftsman and (…) designer and the influences that went into it were very balanced.”

It can be argued on this basis that part of the reason for the decline in popularity of traditional materials and techniques in construction can be contributed to the separation of the roles of architect and builder in modern days. The designers lose touch with the practical side of the construction, sitting away in an office, designing on a computer. They specify materials from an industrial catalogue while slowly disconnecting from the profession of the building craftsman. The use of mass-produced industrial materials is also connected to the rise in popularity of the International Style in architecture. The popularity of this style from the 20s all the way to today is an

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Figure 4.1: Kolyu Ficheto has become an important historical figure, representing the period of Bulgarian Revival and its architecture

The Liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule in 1878 saw the decline of some of the esnaf guilds which had been responsible for the organization and training in the building trades (Raychevski, 2014).

After that the building craftsmen found themselves inadequately prepared for the new age. They didn’t have the skills to work with the new materials that

were gaining popularity, like reinforced concrete, and the architectural tectonics that came with it. This new development in a way rendered them obsolete together with the whole aesthetic of the Bulgarian Revival Architecture. The former master builders became mere contractors, and many of them had to restructure their trade in order to survive (Boyadzhiev

Figure 4.2: With the arrival of European architectural influences, the urban fabric of many Bulgarian settlements quickly became a mixture of traditional and new architecture

Figure 4.3: Traditional houses would often look out of place in between new architecture due to the use of different materials and the tectonics that came with them

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and aesthetics. It wasn’t until the 1890s that some Bulgarian architects, who had just graduate in western Europe, returned to the country, but they only reinforced the strive for an architecture which followed the popular European styles of the time. This was all at the expense of preserving the characteristics of vernacular architecture. After the First World War, reinforced concrete became widely popular in the country and after the Second World War, industrialisation of the construction process began (Mihailova, 2012).

et al., 1982:191). With the re-establishment of the Bulgarian state, new production and trade networks appear which were focused around industrial fabrication. This was a period when craft guilds began to break apart (Antonov, 2019) which is another reason for the decline of traditional building crafts.

The people who until then had been most likely to undergo vocational training under a master craftsman, were from this point on starting to migrate to larger urban settlements in search of work in the new textile and tobacco factories (Antonov, 2019). This shift in the workforce and the migrations accompanying industrialisation contributed to the decline in pursuit of traditional building professions.

This period was important for the formation of Bulgaria as worthy member of contemporary Europe through the quick implementation of innovations in its architecture. But this also put a great divide between traditional and modern architecture, when reconciliation between the two was greatly overlooked in strive for internationalisation. No opportunity was left for exchange of ideas and practices, wherein the two styles could feed into and help evolve each other.

In the period following the Liberation, the first practicing graduate architects in the country were, in fact, foreigners (Austro-Hungarian, German, Italian, French and Russian) (Boyadzhiev et al., 1982:191). They brought their individual, national, and European architectural perceptions to the newly liberated country in terms of materiality, tectonics,

4.2. Modern Context One reason for the decline in use and general popularity of traditional materials and techniques in new construction is the fact that with contemporary construction standards the legalization of these materials is difficult. There aren’t enough products currently certified at the same level as concrete and bricks, for example, in terms of fire rating, structural integrity etc. To combat this problem some organizations championing natural and traditional materials try to certify them and make them a viable option for legal construction.

for the application of straw bale in construction by The Association for Building with Natural Materials (ASEM). A lot of further efforts must be made to overcome this hurdle and popularize and legalize the use of natural materials in construction.

Another reason for the loss of traditional building knowledge is the fleeting nature of oral tradition (Georgiev, 2015:1). Even before the digital era, societies have tried to collect and archive information about the cultural marks that distinguish them in the world, and oral tradition has a central part in that undertaking. Traditional building knowledge in Bulgaria is at the brink of extinction because it largely exists in the realm of oral tradition. This will remain so until effort is put into documenting and organizing it while the last information resources are still available.

There are some existing projects which focus on documenting oral tradition from remaining masterbuilders, such as “Greetings, Master! How did you build it?” (Meshtra, 2016), discussed in Chapter 6.

Interest in building with natural materials, specifically earth, was revived around 30 years ago with the rising popularity of the principles of sustainability, but there is still a global deficit of regulating standards (Georgiev, 2015:20). Germany is at the forefront of creating standards for earth construction, with the “first technical building regulations for building with clay and earth in the European Union” (Dachverband Lehm e. V., 1999). The lack of standardisation in the application of earth as a building material is a barrier for its application in Bulgaria. Currently, the only legal way to employ earth construction is if it has no loadbearing functions, for example when used as filling in timber frame constructions (Georgiev, 2015:20).

The state of the traditional building professions is further exacerbated by the lack of appropriate vocational training structures or exposure to vocational training opportunities (Argirova and Vladimirova, 2018). The few existing mechanisms and educational structures providing professional development in that area are discussed in Chapter 6.

However, it is possible for manufacturers to order laboratory testing and technical specification for specific products. Another example of efforts to achieve legal recognition of natural materials is the development of a technical specifications document ***

The reasons for the decline in popularity of traditional materials, techniques and professions are varied and, in some cases, deeply rooted in history. As they range from social, to historic, legislative, ideological and political, a careful consideration must be made for the best approaches of implementing them back into modern life.

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CHAPTER 5. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PRESERVATION OF KNOWLEDGE 5.1. Regional Identity

5.2. Built Heritage Preservation

5.3. Integration in New Construction with Emphasis on Sustainability

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5. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PRESERVATION OF KNOWLEDGE This chapter looks at different areas where traditional construction knowledge plays a central role in order to argue about the importance of preservation and continuation of that knowledge. One abstract area of application is in defining regional identity, while the tangible applications are expressed through case studies of building projects in heritage preservation and new construction.

5.1. Regional Identity Fostering a distinct identity of a place is always based on forming a strong and clear connection to its past.

Taking care of preserving the traditional building knowledge helps in that direction in two main ways.

Firstly, by preserving the knowledge, we allow conservation and restoration professionals access to authentic techniques of work on built heritage sites, as well as an understanding of how traditional materials decay over time. When there is lack of such preparation, we see examples of people applying modern materials and techniques on traditional buildings, which can lead to damages. An example of that is substituting traditional breathable and flexible materials like lime-based products with cement, which traps moisture into the timber, stone, or earth structure underneath (Dukes, n. d.). To preserve the authentic look of the built environment of a places, restoration professionals need access to the most detailed knowledge of techniques used on heritage buildings in order to adopt the closest to the original methods, pick the right source materials or

artificially achieve the closest chemical composition of materials when the original sources are no longer available. When a region’s built heritage is preserved authentically, it gives off its distinguishing character through the typical building typologies, like churches, houses, schools, and others.

The other way to enhance regional identity through preservation of traditional building knowledge is by creating a unique profile of a place through its traditional professions, customs, and society characteristics. As mentioned in Chapter 3.2, the master-builders and the esnafs played a central role in a village’s life. That was not only by shaping the built environment, but also by making a place known for the talents of specific master-builders or the unique crafts of the area, thus promoting it to the outside world.

In modern context, this advantage of the preservation of traditional knowledge can be applied when developing local economies and cultural tourism

Figure 5.1: Volunteers and professionals working on restoring the clay plaster of a traditional house in the Lozen village in 2018

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(Ministry of Culture Bulgaria, 2019:89), where the unique traditional building skills and professions create a point of interest, especially useful for rural areas. Terziyska (2013) points out that “people are increasingly interested in the spirit of a destination, in the lifestyle of local population, in their specific culture, manifested through traditions, customs, music

and dance, narratives, crafts and everyday life�. By taking advantage of the demand for authenticity, traditional building skills can boost the development specifically of Bulgaria’s rural areas, where traditional knowledge is expressed the strongest, but which are suffering from low incomes, depopulation and lack of infrastructure.

Figure 5.2: Setting of sediment mixtures

Figure 5.3: Sampling clay mixtures

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5.2. Built Heritage Preservation Traditional building knowledge can have a wide application in built heritage preservation projects. The reality in Bulgaria is that often contractors lack the knowledge of the techniques used to create some of the authentic elements in traditional buildings, making the restoration expensive or impossible.

Special attention must be paid to types of joints, choice of natural materials and their processing and technological sequence. Contractors turn to applying modern techniques and materials which can have an adverse effect on the finished project. Sometimes due to their inability and incompetency to restore a traditional building, the decision is taken to demolish it. The reason for this inability is the insufficient specialized education and training facilities in the field of building restoration, according to Marinov (2017).

Both inaccurate restoration and demolition can be avoided with the provision of appropriate training for building professionals.

The non-profit organization Meshtra has taken upon itself to organize workshops as a type of informal training in traditional building techniques for restoration and theory of adaptation. One workshop engages volunteers and professionals in restoration of clay plaster and lime finish on a traditional house in the Lozen village in Strandzha (Figure 5.1), combining

the educational aspect with practical results. The practical activities are based on the curriculum of a postgraduate training course for the University for architecture, civil engineering and geodesy in Sofia, Bulgaria (UACEG, 2016). An important step of working with clay is testing different sediment mixtures and sampling them on a wall to choose the best one (Figure 5.2 and 5.3). Another workshop aims to restore in stages different parts of a house in the Runya village in the Balkan Mountains, starting with the clay plaster, timber windows and door frames (Figure 5.4).

In contrast, a number of private contractors licensed to carry out conservation and renovation works in Bulgaria try to combine cost-effective and time-saving techniques in their projects, often at the expense of the quality and authenticity of the building. A popular oversight is the muntins of the replacement windows which are important for transferring the visual impact of the original facades after restoration but are often omitted to reduce costs (Figure 5.5).

Although private contractors engage with more buildings than public organizations, their activities are not open to the public and can’t play an impactful role in popularizing and continuing traditional

Figure 5.4: Restoration of clay plaster and window frames in the Runya village

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building knowledge. For people who don’t have access to professional restoration courses or feel excluded from the conversation on preservation of cultural heritage, volunteering in public workshops is a comprehensible way to participate and learn about

the building trades of the past, which could spark their interest to pursue careers in the field. The wider the audience this knowledge reaches, the better its chances of perseverance are.

Figure 5.5: Original facade and renovated facade with new windows

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5.3. Integration in New Construction with Emphasis on Sustainability Traditional building materials and techniques can be applied to new construction projects. In combination with modern knowledge of sustainability principles and new architectural aesthetics, this can produce interesting results. An example of this is the Children Eco-centre “Belite Brezi” in the Vitosha Nature Park built in 2013 (Figure 5.6), showing that public buildings can benefit from these principles as well. The construction of this educational and exhibition centre is part of a programme aiming to revive and preserve traditional building techniques in Bulgaria (Revival and preservation of traditional building techniques and skills used in Bulgaria, 2009). This programme uses the construction process of the building as a practice ground and a tool for documenting the combined application of traditional and modern sustainable building techniques. It also involves collaboration with the NGO Norwegian Crafts Development to encourage exchange of good practices. The final product is a place for learning through precedents and a precedent within itself.

Figure 5.6: Plan of Children’s Eco-centre ‘Belite Brezi’

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Multiple traditional building techniques were applied in the construction of the building, like masonry (Figure 5.7), post-and-beam construction with adobe brick infill (Figure 5.8), untreated timber log construction (Figure 5.9), wattle-and-daub technique (Figure 5.10), timber roof shingles (Figure 5.11) and clay plaster (Figure 5.12).

An area where this project could have done better is the procurement method. The construction was carried out by a major contractor, when the opportunity could have been taken to involve local skilled and semi-skilled labour and provide them with training for traditional building techniques, contributing to economic sustainability of the area later on.

Figure 5.7: Masonry is used for the main body of the building

Figure 5.8: Post-and-beam construction is filled in with different patterns of bricks

Figure 5.9: Untreated timber logs on stone socle make up the side wing of the building

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Figure 5.10: The timber stairs use the traditional wattle technique of weaving thin branches between vertical stakes

Figure 5.11: Timber shingles are being applied together with modern insulation materials

Figure 5.12: Clay plaster is applied as a finishing layer externally or internally

A comparison can be drawn between “Belite Brezi” and the Engine Shed in Stirling, Scotland. Both buildings have been set up to provide a centralized educational and exhibition venue in the field of traditional materials and building techniques, while using some of those techniques in their own construction. The difference can be found in the post-construction use. The Engine Shed has been heavily used ever since its opening in 2018, acting as a dedicated building conservation centre with

several Historic Environment Scotland teams being based there, as well as a team which organizes a rich events calendar for the general public or building professionals. The eco-centre “Belite Brezi”, on the other hand, is run by the Vitosha Nature Park management and is occasionally used as an event and exhibition venue by external organizations, which provides far less opportunities for engagement with the building.

*** Based on the variety of areas where traditional building knowledge is implemented, it can be concluded that efforts to preserve it are, in fact, efforts towards building a holistically sustainable society. This knowledge plays an important role in forging strong ties to history, traditions and a strong national identity; it provides possibilities for economic growth through the construction and tourism industries, and is integral to innovating in the sustainable construction sector.

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CHAPTER 6. EXISTING MECHANISMS FOR PRESERVATION OF TRADITIONAL BUILDING PROFESSIONS AND TECHNIQUES IN BULGARIA Overview and Recommendations

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6. EXISTING MECHANISMS FOR PRESERVATION OF TRADITIONAL BUILDING PROFESSIONS AND TECHNIQUES IN BULGARIA Overview and Recommendations This chapter looks at some of the existing structures that support the preservation and popularization of traditional building professions and techniques in Bulgaria, such as: initiatives, projects, organizations, policies. They are compared to successful international practices to conclude with recommendations of what can be improved.

The key to preserving traditional building professions and techniques is in integrating them into modern life in places where they would contribute to strengthening new practices and where contemporary knowledge and technology can promote them in return. Intangible cultural heritage is extremely susceptible to fading into obscurity beyond a point of possible revival. Therefore, the measures taken to preserve and promote it should be as urgent as possible.

To encourage the practice of traditional trades, the role of young people as the recipients of knowledge is essential in establishing an environment for transfer of knowledge and connections between masters and apprentices. The basis for such environment can be founded by projects seeking out the last master-builders of different trades in rural regions and involving them in educational and archival programmes.

Preserving Oral Tradition

One example which aims to combat the loss of traditional building knowledge by collecting and organizing information from oral tradition is “Greetings, Master! How did you build it?” (Meshtra, 2016). Taking place in Strandzha National Park, its objective was to “establish contact with local craftsmen practicing old building crafts and document their work”. The product is a project website, lecture courses, a workshop and a public exhibition of the findings. In the long term “local residents will have the gathered and documented knowledge and will be able to apply it to the proper maintenance of their properties”. On national level, “the project aims to lay the foundations of a large archive preserving traditional knowledge and techniques in the form of photo, audio and video materials”. As the first of its kind, the project sets a good example for intentions and methodology that could be applied in other regions. Involvement of younger people in the

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project can be achieved on the level of field work, organization of compiled data, and popularization of results.

Transferring knowledge to young people

Another project, which applies a social sustainability agenda to the idea of continuation of traditional trades, is “Craft Training as a Second Chance - Chance it!” (Cherno i Byalo, 2016). It aims to establish a framework for master-craftsmen to connect to young vulnerable people who have prematurely dropped out of the education system, and who would benefit from learning a trade and having a vocation to take them out of the margins of society. This project highlights another important role that traditional building crafts can play in society – a vehicle for social change and impact on personal level.

To ensure the transfer of knowledge between generations, the programme “Living Human Treasures” was set up (UNESCO, 1993:8). It was active until the establishment of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (UNESCO, 2018) and it focused particularly on recognizing individuals as “talented tradition bearers and practitioners” who can contribute to the “transmission of their knowledge and skills to the younger generations”. An important aspect this programme outlined was the “recognition and rewards for appointees”, according to which technical and financial assistance should be given to those individuals. Some suggestions included financial rewards “in order to encourage the Living Human Treasures to assume their responsibilities of transmission, documentation and promotion”.

Financial rewards could be expressed as annual or monthly stipends or tax exemptions. Although this aspect was omitted from the text of the 2003 Convention, in the context of Bulgaria, which has the lowest incomes in the EU (Eurostat, 2018), setting up such compensatory mechanisms could greatly

relieve financial burdens on the bearers of traditional knowledge and thus ensure a better chance of its preservation. This mechanism could be implemented in conjunction with the abovementioned programme “Chance it!” in a way that both sides of the educational process would benefit.

Governmental Involvement

On governmental level, the only document on the subject of preservation and continuation of traditional building skills and professions is the Strategy for the Development of Bulgarian Culture 2019-2029 (Ministry of Culture Bulgaria, 2019:58) which briefly mentions traditional building skills in connection to the preservation of built heritage. The document lists general objectives, like supporting training in traditional skills and long-term engagement of professionals with those skills in conservation and restoration projects. In order to further develop this document, inspiration can be taken from “Traditional Building Skills: A strategy for sustaining and developing traditional building skills in Scotland” (Historic Scotland, 2011:7), which presents a detailed strategy of investment and support with steps for implementation.

CPD - Continuing Professional Development

Continuing Professional Development events and courses play an important role in implementing traditional building knowledge in the modern construction industry. At present, CPD courses in traditional carpentry techniques are provided by the private organization Craftsmen of the Mountain, who also founded the Bulgarian Carpentry Festival in 2017, dedicated to showcasing traditional carpentry tools and skills (Craftsmen of the Mountain, 2017).

Another opportunity is the postgraduate training course in natural building materials and construction technologies (UACEG, 2016), mentioned in Chapter 5.2. An informal and non-professional course in earth building is provided by the Slow Tech Campus, which is an architectural summer camp in the village of Rahovitza, whose aim is “to inform people about earth building and to teach them how to use natural materials for building” (Palotas, 2016:62). Additionally, there as several schools in Bulgaria that refer to traditional skills in their training, but those teach mainly applied arts like woodcarving and pottery, as opposed to traditional building techniques. Presently, the existing CPD opportunities in that area in Bulgaria are sporadic and this can be contributed to the lack of dialogue between the Bulgarian Construction Chamber, the Chamber of Architects, the National Institute for Cultural Heritage and other interested bodies.

Creating and implementing such a detailed strategy would require the establishment of a dedicated body, similar to the government sponsored public body Historic Environment Scotland. This could serve as a centralized provider of training and employment in the sector, especially useful for freelance professionals. It would also greatly contribute to the dialogue between institutions by providing a setting for collaboration in the field of traditional building knowledge.

*** All of this gives a clear proof that the opportunities for non-professionals to receive training and for professionals to develop their skills in traditional building techniques are currently more than limited on a national scale. The existing occasional opportunities are on local level and are provided by various sources, lacking a unifying structure and a network for their popularization. The majority of practical efforts towards safeguarding traditional building knowledge are made by private and non-profit organizations. There is an array of international examples of best practices, including government-led involvement, which could serve as a blueprint for future efforts towards preservation of traditional building knowledge in Bulgaria.

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CHAPTER 7. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The decline in popularity of traditional building techniques and professions leads to the loss of traditional knowledge and skills, which could adversely impact the future development of a society, both in the built environment and on the level of national identity. This investigation explored the current state of traditional building knowledge in Bulgaria by looking at its range, historic implications, evolving and declining place in society, and the role it could play in future development on national and regional level. The findings suggest that there is a wide variety of traditional building techniques and professions, which held an important role in regional identity in the past. Their declining popularity over the turbulent 18th and 19th century in the country was a result of a complex combination of factors. The investigation showed that there are already perceivable consequences following the neglect traditional building knowledge has experienced, like a muddled regional identity and careless built heritage management, but efforts on local level have kept traditional knowledge from extinction and there is still a chance for it to be saved through implementation of strategies which integrate it into modern life.

Limitations

Interpretation

The results suggest that there is more literature on the subject in the context of Bulgaria than the state of cultural heritage suggests. The problems arise in the practical implementations of theory discussed in this literature. Considerable setbacks to the preservation of traditional knowledge have historically occurred with major political changes in the country, which have impacted the priorities of Bulgarian governments and society. Based on the evidence of efforts discussed in Chapter 5, it is visible that the time has come for the country to focus on higher ideals like the preservation of traditional knowledge and take advantage of the existing examples of other nations who have had more time to test different practices.

Due to the scope of this study, the overview of traditions does not get into specifics of each ethnographic region, which would have provided a more nuanced understandings of their range and differences, while the historic background provided is painted with broad strokes to convey a general understanding of a rather complex geopolitical and social climate. The research does not get into details or analysis of the advantages and shortcomings of specific strategies and approaches of preserving traditional knowledge, as it tries to limit itself to establishing a general understanding of the problem for a wider audience.

Implications

To further contribute to the subject, future studies can focus individually on the six ethnographic regions in the country and discuss strategies based on the specific regional traditions, while tailoring them to the different modern conditions and problems of each region. Another approach to research which would benefit the subject would be analysing and comparing in depth specific strategies which have been implemented in other countries and could be applied in Bulgaria.

Recommendations

This research contributes to a broader understanding of the place of traditional building knowledge and practices in Bulgarian society, aiming to enhance existing research and practical experiments into preservation of this knowledge. The study fits into the discussion of preservation of different forms of cultural heritage and contributes to a small, but growing body of works focusing specifically on built heritage and its related intangible traditions in the context of Bulgaria. ***

This investigation provided a look at some of the disappearing traditional building professions and techniques in Bulgaria in order to show a side of cultural heritage that is threatened by being lost not only to its country of origin, but to the world. Although it might seem like a problem specific to its location, it can be considered as a result of a worldwide trend of globalisation that people can face anywhere. Therefore, the development of the topic of cultural heritage should be of concern to anyone who finds importance in the preservation of history and tradition in a global context.

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