After four months of work, the renovated building of the Faculty of Education at the University of West Bohemia (FPE ZČU) on Veleslavínova Street in Pilsen was symbolically opened on October 18. The ceremonial event was attended by faculty, university, and city officials.
"The renovation of the building has been ongoing throughout my entire term, the last five years, and actually started even a bit earlier. The work culminated this summer in connection with the beginning of repairs on the building at Chodské Square," said the dean of the faculty, Pavel Mentlík, who symbolically opened the newly reconstructed premises at exactly 3 p.m. He thanked the rector of UWB, Miroslav Lávička, and former bursar Petr Beneš for their support and cooperation. "In the final phase, the exterior plaster was restored according to historical designs, and the spaces for the Department of German Language were refurbished," added Dean Mentlík.
In his speech, university rector Miroslav Lávička emphasized that the renovation not only benefited the faculty and university but also contributed to the beautification of the city of Pilsen. "I am very pleased that the renovation of this university building, which significantly contributes to the enhancement of the city center, has been successfully completed on time. I believe it will now also be attractive to tourists who will surely appreciate its original historical appearance. I wish everyone who will use the building to feel comfortable here and for the building to serve its purpose in the best possible way," said the rector.
Dean Mentlík added that the entire interior of the building has also been transformed. "The corridors and staircases display artwork by students and faculty members. The atriums are used for exhibitions, and the entire building thus functions as a so-called hidden curriculum, positively influencing the preparation of future teachers," noted Dean Mentlík.
After the official opening, guests were invited to explore the newly renovated spaces, especially those now serving the Department of German Language. "The relocation of the department from Chodské Square to the Veleslavínova Street building is a logical step that will greatly benefit students as well. From now on, all language departments will be housed in one place," said Michaela Voltrová, head of the Department of German Language.
The building, whose foundations were laid in 1865, has undergone several changes over the years. Thanks to an investment of 16 million CZK, the original appearance of the building has been restored, while equipping it with modern technologies that meet current requirements for high-quality education. The faculty is also currently renovating the building at Chodské Square, with repairs expected to take two years.
Photos from the event are available in the faculty’s online gallery.
Faculty of Education |
Michal Švec |
22. 10. 2024 |