FA CTU, Škoda Auto University and the Škoda Auto Foundation concluded a Memorandum of Cooperation in May 2023. Its aim is mutual support, coordination and cooperation in the implementation of projects aimed at connecting the student community and developing the university environment.
"I am looking forward to our cooperation with ŠAVŠ (Škoda Auto University) leading to a practical connection between the disciplines that belong together - architecture and economics - in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. A holistic approach to design takes into account many factors such as social and cultural context, environmental impact and financial sustainability. In this collaboration, students can enhance each other's knowledge and skills and prepare for collaboration in an architectural practice environment," says Dalibor Hlaváček, Dean of the FA.
The opening of the exhibition took place in the atrium of the Škoda Auto University on 16 May in the presence of the Dean of the FA, Prof. Petr Hájek and Prof. Irena Šestáková - Vice-Dean of the FA for Development and Construction. The central element is a multimedia installation that illustrates the sensitive connection of the city area with the Škoda Auto car factory. At the core of the exhibition are two workshop cranes carrying a wooden frame structure with an urban model. The students' designs are embedded in the situational model and clearly recognisable: they are made up of orange perspex objects. The individual projects are then projected on the wall behind the central installation along with a commentary.
"Among the student designs we can find atypical houses, unexpected solutions to missing parking spaces, cultural and co-working centres and steel footbridges that connect historically significant parts of the city. I am glad that the students have not been shy and have developed very diverse and confident proposals for how Mladá Boleslav could develop further," says Petr Hájek, the head of the studio.
For example, the design of an apartment building for research centre staff, the transformation of a car test track into a meeting place or atypical student housing. The exhibition in the atrium of the Škoda Auto College runs until 31 May.
