Forum Romanum in Varna

The city is a cultural object. It is a place where social life reflects the values and habits of communities. Every city is characterized by centralities and marginalities, with specific socio-spatial concentrations of maximum significance, while others lack in value. The political landscape of Eastern Europe has dramatically changed over the past few decades. The challenges in the contemporary urban landscape are the result of technocratic approach to the spatial planning system and society during Communism. Its process of urban systematization to create a mask of national homogeneity on a complex ethnic patchwork has affected and changed the cultural landscape. Paradoxically, this policy of assimilation has resulted in the enhancement of ethnic boundaries and led to the contemporary fragmented cities in which increased social injustice is visible. Roma are generally considered 'outsiders' by the ethnic Bulgarians, as there is little shared national culture among the dominant national culture and the specific culture of the Roma minority. This vulnerable position of Roma in the socio- economic hierarchy is reflected in their spatial position in the urban landscape.

Autorentext

Robin de Louw - Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Architecture, MSc Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences, MSc track Landscape Architecture, graduation studio Flowscapes 2014-2015.