What could the ideal stadium of Varna look like through the eyes of our graduates majoring in Architecture?
02 april 2026
Nine graduates in Architecture at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” defended their diploma projects yesterday, demonstrating a high level of professional training, conceptual thinking and sensitivity to the modern urban environment. The defenses were held before an examination committee chaired by Corresponding Member of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Prof. Arch. Atanas Kovachev, in the presence of the chairmen of the regional colleges of the Union of Architects and the Chamber of Architects – Arch. Marin Velchev and Arch. Nikolay Rachinski, representatives of the business community and guests.
Among the most impressive developments was Dimana Yotovska’s project, dedicated to a multifunctional stadium in “Malka Chaika” area in Varna. Her concept is called "Alae Maris" – “wings of the sea” – and considers the stadium as an experience and space that creates a community to make young people stay and keep the potential of the city. The project, developed under the scientific managementg of Senior Asst. Prof. Arch. Boryana Nozharova, has an impressive concept and a clear public function.
The conceptual solution presents the stadium as a southern city portal and part of a multifunctional sports and cultural complex, integrated into the natural environment of the protected area Varna–Beloslav Lake, which is a natural highlight of the project. The architecture follows the rhythm of the territory and combines nature, movement and public life, developing spaces for sports, culture and recreation. The form is inspired by the dynamics of the wave and the flight, which gives the site a highly recognizable silhouette and emotional impact.
The project also impressed with its functional integrity – a stadium with a capacity of 25,000 spectators, compliant with UEFA and FIFA requirements, with the possibility of holding both sports and cultural events. The space is organized in such a way as to ensure a smooth transition between the urban environment and the sports arena, including public areas, panoramic spaces and various functions active throughout the year.
A particularly strong impact during the defense was caused by the model of the stadium presented by Dimana, made of... different types of spices. The attention to detail was exceptional - the figures of the football players were created from rosemary measuring only two millimeters, which complemented the overall feeling of precision and dedication. Her family was present in the hall. They excitedly watched the presentation - a moment that gave even greater value to this academic success.
The high level of the diploma theses confirms the well-established training of the students majoring in architecture at Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar" and their ability to make projects with real social value and professional depth. This diploma defense session stood out as one of the strongest for the major, in which each project impressed with idea, development and professionalism.
