Drama Theatre “Nikola Vaptsarov” – Blagoevgrad signed a contract with “AROGANT ARCHITECTS” Ltd. for the preparation of investment designs and the exercise of designer’s supervision over the building of Drama Theatre “Nikola Vaptsarov” – Blagoevgrad under the project “Modernisation of Drama Theatre ‘Nikola Vaptsarov’ for the Sustainable and Integrated Development of Culture, Cultural Tourism and Creative Industries in Blagoevgrad”, under Procedure BG16FFPR003-1.001 “Support for Integrated Urban Development in the 10 Urban Municipalities – Main Growth Centres” of the Regional Development Programme 2021–2027.
“AROGANT ARCHITECTS” Ltd. has specific and proven experience in carrying out similar activities and provides design consulting services aimed at integrating the latest trends in sustainable construction and energy efficiency, including the modernisation/construction of buildings with complex functional
purpose.
The signing of the contract is one of the main and key moments in the process of comprehensive renovation and modernisation of the largest cultural institution outside the capital in Southwestern Bulgaria — Drama Theatre “Nikola Vaptsarov” – Blagoevgrad — providing a fundamental solution for the functional and spatial composition of the building, as well as
the architectural and artistic character of the building within its surroundings and interior.
The theatre will become a contemporary cultural hub where different generations and professionals will work, learn and create. The project aims to make the theatre more visible, accessible and attractive to young people by creating an innovative and inclusive creative environment. Modern working conditions will be established within the theatre, responding to the needs and expectations of new generations, society, and professionals working in the fields of culture and the cultural and creative industries (CCI).
The large-scale project envisages the modernisation of the theatre building and the complete interior design of the ground-floor foyer — the “Digital Foyer” — including 3D mapping, screens and projections, as well as the design of the foyers on the second and third levels of the Main Hall and the Chamber Hall. The project also includes the renovation of the Main Hall, Hall 2 and the Chamber Hall, repairs to the adjacent areas surrounding the building, an intelligent energy management system, and the provision of an accessible architectural environment to the performance halls and administrative area as part of the measures to ensure equal access to culture and art. It further aims to achieve a higher energy class for the building, implement green urban infrastructure measures, create a green roof — a garden and shared rooftop space with open access and an external lift — and introduce digital façade solutions, including screens integrated into the design.
The installation of a photovoltaic system for the production of electricity for the theatre’s own needs is planned, together with batteries for electricity storage. Of particular importance for the theatre’s cultural activities is the replacement of the stage lighting with new-generation energy-efficient lighting. Given the specific nature of this type of equipment, the development of a separate project section titled “Stage Lighting” is envisaged. The new equipment will add significant value to the cultural products, considering the importance of lighting for contemporary trends in the performing
arts, thereby contributing to the expansion of the cultural institution’s audience.
The theatre will transform its appearance, improving its interaction with audiences and the quality of its cultural product. The project will ensure sustainability, inclusion, aesthetics and a high-quality experience within the cultural institution.
The commissioning of the investment design and designer’s supervision marks the beginning of one of the most significant transformations in the history of Drama Theatre “Nikola Vaptsarov” – Blagoevgrad. The implementation of the project will create modern, accessible, energy-efficient and technologically equipped cultural infrastructure that meets the contemporary requirements of the performing arts and public expectations. By combining innovative architectural solutions, sustainable environmental practices and new opportunities for creative development, the theatre will strengthen its role as a leading cultural centre in Southwestern Bulgaria and become an attractive space for audiences, artists and future generations.
