Velina Mirincheva

Research

Primary and secondary supervisors

• Dr Kayvan Karimi
• Dr Sophia Psarra

Sponsor 

EPSRC Studentship 

Abstract

One of the offsprings of global economic competitiveness, decentralization of spatial activities and increased mobility is urban polycentricity.

The 21st-century urban landscape is increasingly being shaped in clusters of socio-economic and cultural activities, business hubs and politico-economic command centres, linked by highly efficient transit networks. Yet, the concept of polycentricity remains somewhat elusive due its complex polyvalence.

This research has the following aims: 1) to arrive at a definition of urban polycentricity based on studied examples of world cities and their polycentric development;  2) to investigate whether polycentricity is also a spatial concept and how can a conceptual tool be formulated for the analysis of the emerging urban landscape of Doha; 3) assess the recently formulated spatial development frameworks for Doha in terms of the proposed hierarchy of centres and their spatial affordances, deficiencies, and potentials; 4) to address some of the foreseeable challenges by providing strategic planning solutions based on the conclusions of this study.

Biography

Velina completed an MSc with Distinction in Advanced Architectural Studies from The Bartlett in 2012. Currently, she is conducting a doctoral study on the emerging polycentric development in Doha and its spatial affordance, deficiencies and potentials.

Velina completed her BArch (with High Honours) from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago and holds also a dual Master in Management of Complex Architectural Projects (Cum Laude) from the University of Paris ‘La Villette’ and the University of Rome ‘La Sapienza’, where she studies in both Italian and French.

Velina is currently an Associate at Makower Architects where is responsible for the management and delivery of urban design and master planning projects, working directly with the client and overseeing the design process. Velina is also a part of the senior management team, responsible for overseeing work processes, including software strategy and implementation, and projects resource and cost management. 

Velina has also several years of professional experience in the US, from where she holds an architectural license, a LEED AP certification and is a member of the AIA.

Besides interested in evidence-based scientific analysis and applied socio-spatial research for urban planning solutions, she also enjoys writing critical pieces on architecture in general.