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Bliznakov, Milka T., 1927-2010

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1927 - 2010

Biographical Note

Milka Bliznakov was born in Varna, Bulgaria in 1927. She attended the State Polytechnic Institute of Sofia and graduated with a master's degree in architecture in 1951. Bliznakov began practicing architecture in Bulgaria in 1952. In 1959, Bliznakov moved her practice to France. Two years later, Bliznakov emigrated to the United States.

During her first years in the United States, Bliznakov worked as an architect and studied Soviet architecture. She earned her Ph.D in architectural history from Columbia University in 1971. She taught at the University of Texas from 1972-1974, where she co-founded the Institute of Modern Russian Culture.

In 1974, Milka Bliznakov became a professor at Virginia Polytechnic Insitute and State University's College of Architecture and Urban Planning, where she taught in the urban design program. Bliznakov became an authority on the Russian avante-garde and constructivism movements. In 1985, Bliznakov worked with the Virginia Tech University Libraries and the College of Architecture and Urban Studies to establish the International Archive of Women in Architecture. She served as the chair of the IAWA Board of Advisors from 1985-1993.

Milka Bliznakov retired in 1998 in conjunction with the establishment of the Milka Bliznakov Prize. The Milka Bliznakov Prize is awarded annually to those whose research furthers the knowledge of women's contributions to architecture and design.

Bliznakov continued to acquire and donate works to the IAWA until her death on November 4, 2010.

Found in 4 Collections and/or Records:

Milka T. Bliznakov Papers and Architectural Drawings

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: Ms-1991-025
Abstract

Milka Bliznakov was a Bulgarian architect, architectural historian, and professor who practiced in Bulgaria, France, and the United States. The collection consists of her publications, research, correspondence, professional documentation of her practice, conference participation materials, teaching materials, and documents related to her involvement as the founder of the International Archive of Women in Architecture.

Dates: 1946 - 2010

Abbye A. Gorin Architectural Collection

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-1997-009
Abstract Abbye A. Gorin is an architectural researcher and writer of Metairie, Louisiana. Her collection contains a six-minute film entitled "The Rivergate, 1968-1995," produced by Barbara Coleman and written by Gorin and Betty Moss. The film was created as a tribute to the building and as a protest to its demolition. Also present are a 42-page "Catalog of Work," various magazines with articles about or written by Gorin, an audiocassette interview with the sculptor Angela Gregory, and a DVD...
Dates: 1940 - 2006; Majority of material found within 1995 - 2006

IAWA: International Archive of Women in Architecture Records,

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-1985-021
Abstract

The records of the International Archive of Women in Architecture (IAWA) consist of files created by IAWA founder Milka Bliznakov, various IAWA officers, and Special Collections archivists. Materials include founding documents, meeting minutes, newsletter information, correspondence with supporters and donors, and internal correspondence.

Dates: 1967 - 2013; Majority of material found within 1985 - 2008

Milka Bliznakov Prize Records

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-2001-045
Abstract The Milka Bliznakov Prize, established in 1998, honors the founder of the International Archive of Women in Architecture. The prize is conferred in recognition of research that advances knowledge of women's contributions to architecture and related design fields, and was created to encourage the use and growth of the International Archive of Women in Architecture (IAWA). The collection consists of announcements about the award, proposal submissions for the prize, and original works of...
Dates: 1999 - 2019