On 19 August 2026, Gabriela Dimitrova successfully defended her doctoral dissertation at the Liechtenstein School of Architecture at the University of Liechtenstein. Her dissertation, entitled «The Reusable Brick. Construction Principles of Circular Building in Historical Patents (1860–1960)», examines historical approaches to modular and mortarless construction and their potential for today’s circular economy.

The research is based on around 235 historical patents for dry construction systems, bricks and modular building blocks. The dissertation examines which construction principles can be derived from this historical technical knowledge for the reuse of building components and what potential they offer for the development of circular construction methods and building products today.

The doctoral research was conducted within the Built Heritage & Upcycling Unit and supervised by Prof. Dr. Daniel Stockhammer and Prof. Dr. Silke Langenberg (ETH Zurich). Prof. Michael Wagner chaired the doctoral examination committee.

The Liechtenstein School of Architecture congratulates Gabriela Dimitrova on the successful completion of her doctorate.

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