Fakulta architektury Vysokého učení technického v Brně School building

Welcome to the heart of historic Brno. Right now, as you stand on this street called Poříčí, you are in a place where the past meets the present. Before your eyes rises a building that is not just an ordinary place of learning, but a living witness to the history of our city and our country. Look at this facade that now welcomes you. Feel its presence, its weight, and the special atmosphere radiating from every detail of this protected monument. It is a place where ideas are born that later change the appearance of entire cities. You are standing before the Fakulta architektury Vysokého učení technického v Brně. Although it may seem like just one of many buildings in this city, its significance is profoundly deep. It is one of the oldest and yet smallest parts of this great institution, yet it carries within it an incredible power of knowledge and creative work.

Let us now move back in time to understand how this place came to be. To grasp the significance of this building, we must return to a time when the world was passing through difficult moments following the end of the First World War. It was a period of great change, when a new era was being born, and with it, the need for new people to design the face of our country. It was in this pivotal year, 1919, that the first foundation was laid here, with the establishment of the department of architecture and civil engineering. Since then, this place has become a key center for architectural education and urban planning. The history of this institution is not linear, but full of growth and transformation. In 1951, a significant step was taken with the founding of the High School of Construction, which already incorporated this faculty of architecture. Over time, the needs of students and teachers continued to evolve, until a fundamental moment arrived in 1976, when the faculty of architecture completely separated from the faculty of civil engineering and gained its own independent identity. This journey from a small department to an independent faculty reflects the development of modern construction throughout our region.

Now, please pay close attention to what you see directly in front of you. Although we cannot look into every corner of the interior right now, the facade itself at Poříčí 5 is something exceptional. It is a protected cultural monument of the Czech Republic. This means that every line, every shape, and every element of this appearance carries weight and must be preserved for future generations. Feel the harmony that this building brings to the surrounding urban space. It is a place that is not just matter made of stone and mortar, but a space for thinking about how people live and how their surroundings change. This building serves as a classroom not only for students but for everyone who passes by and can realize how important it is to protect our heritage.

As you look at this building, you might wonder who all worked here. This faculty is not just a building; it is a place that shaped the minds of the greatest creators of our cities. People whose names are today associated with the finest architecture and art moved through its halls. We can mention, for example, Karel Hugo Kepka, Emil Králík, or Vladimír Fischer. They knew how to combine practical construction with the beauty of form. Jaroslav Syřiště and Jiří Kroha also belonged to this place, bringing new perspectives on how a city should look. Names such as Antonín Kurial, Bohuslav Fuchs, or Bedřich Rozehnal also appear in the history of this place. These people were not just teachers; they were visionaries. And their legacy lives on in every building they designed. Other prominent figures, such as Vincenc Makovský, Miloslav Kopřiva, or Alois Král, also left their mark on this environment. When you realize that you are standing before a building so closely linked to these great names, this place begins to feel even more noble.

However, there is also an interesting mystery here that may intrigue anyone interested in history. Although we know many of the names of the teachers and students who shaped this place, the creators who designed this specific facade remain unknown to history. We do not know their names, we do not know their faces, but their work stands before us and speaks to us through its form. It is a fascinating contrast between the fame of great personalities and the anonymity of those who created the very framework for their education. This mystery adds a special depth to the building. It is a reminder that behind every great work stands someone who performed their task with a love for the craft, even if their name may no longer be known.

I hope that this short journey through time and history has given you a new perspective on this building. You are standing in a place that is the heart of creative Brno. Remember that every building in this city has its own story, but this particular place on Poříčí street carries a special spirit of learning and the constant search for beauty. Please continue your walk through Staré Brno, look around you, and try to find traces of those who were here before us in every detail of your surroundings. Thank you for your attention, and I wish you a pleasant continuation of discovering the beauties of our city. Goodbye.