Why would this building be abandoned when at one point it was such a significant symbol for the country? Buildings such as this that have been left to stand alone are calling out for architects to intervene and come up with well thought out solutions while being sensitive to its historical significance. At one time, the Buzludzha Monument, designed by Gueorguy Stoilov, was the most celebrated monument dedicated to the sociopolitical movement of communism. Now, in the mountains of Buzludzha National Park in Central Stara Planina, Bulgaria, stands an abandoned communist concrete structure right in the middle of the country taking on a “flying saucer” in appearance. What should be done with buildings that have been abandoned all over the globe? Now is the time to think critically and discover the possibilities. More images and after the break.
So what is the story of this construction exactly? In 1891 the socialists, led by Dimitar Blagoev, assembled secretly in the area to form an organized socialist movement. In honor of this act, architect Gueorguy Stoilov designed the Buzludzha Monument to be built as one of the symbols of the socialism taking shape in Bulgaria in the most beautiful landscape.
Unlike most post-Communist regimes in Eastern Europe, Bulgaria found the transition to capitalism more painful than expected as the backward state of the country’s industry and infrastructure were revealed. In a time when its citizens were dissatisfied with the system of democracy, these negative reactions could have played a huge role as to why such a significant monument such as Buzludzha was abandoned toward the end of the 20th century.
Instead of leaving it in its abandoned state, architects have the opportunity to use the history of Bulgaria and its current cultural conditions to enhance its quality and to preserve this historical symbol of the country for a variety of functions that would be inclusive of its citizens. A cultural community center particularly comes to mind that could involve educational aspects as well. In these modern times, the possibilities are endless and with such rich cultural significance this monument once had, the best way to approach a building like this would be to revitalize the surrounding area and to make it a rich center as it once was.
