Milka Bliznakov facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Milka T. Bliznakov
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| Born | September 20, 1927 Varna, Bulgaria
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| Died | November 4, 2010 (aged 83) |
| Alma mater | State Polytechnic of Sofia Columbia University |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Awards | Parthena Medal (1985) |
Milka Tcherneva Bliznakov (1927–2010) was a talented architect and a historian from Bulgaria. She was known for her deep knowledge of modern art movements like the avant-garde and Russian Constructivism. Milka Bliznakov cared a lot about the important part women play in architecture. She even started a special place called the International Archive of Women in Architecture. She taught architecture at Virginia Tech from 1974 until she retired in 1998.
Early Life and Education
Milka Bliznakov was born on September 20, 1927. Her hometown was Varna, Bulgaria. Her parents were Ivan Dimitrov Tchernev and Dr. Maria Kesarova Khorosova. In 1951, she earned her master's degree in architecture. She studied at the State Polytechnic University of Sofia.
Milka Bliznakov's Career
Milka Bliznakov began her career as an architect in Bulgaria in 1952. Due to political reasons, she moved her work to France in 1959. She then moved to the United States in 1961. During the 1960s, she worked as an architect. She also studied early Soviet architecture.
In 1971, she earned a PhD in architectural history from Columbia University. After that, she taught at the University of Texas. She taught there from 1972 to 1974. While at the University of Texas, she helped create the Institute of Modern Russian Culture in 1972.
In 1974, Milka Bliznakov joined the faculty at Virginia Tech. She taught in their urban design program. She became a leading expert on the avant-garde and Russian Constructivism. In 1985, she created the International Archive of Women in Architecture (IAWA). This was a joint project with Virginia Tech's College of Architecture and University Libraries.
She led the IAWA's Board of Advisors from 1985 to 1993. Milka Bliznakov retired in 1998. That same year, the Milka Bliznakov Prize was created. This award honors research that helps us learn more about women's contributions to architecture and design. Milka Bliznakov passed away at her home in Blacksburg, Virginia, on November 4, 2010.
Awards and Recognition
Milka Bliznakov received the Parthena Medal in 1985. This award from the Bulgarian government recognized her excellence in architecture. She also received two International Research and Exchange grants. She was given two Fulbright Hays Fellowships as well.
In 1988, she was named a Wilson Center of the Smithsonian Institution Scholar. She also received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
See also
In Spanish: Milka Cherneva para niños
