Architecture students at FCE BUT are designing future of Prostějov. Their visions are inspiring both city and public

How can a former spa be transformed into a modern library and community center? And how can the extensive brownfield area around Prostějov’s Local Train Station be put to use? Architecture students from the Faculty of Civil Engineering at Brno University of Technology have proposed ways to utilize real-world sites throughout Prostějov.

For the second year in a row, students in the bachelor’s degree program Architecture of Building Structures at the Faculty of Civil Engineering BUT have participated in the revitalization of public buildings and spaces in Prostějov. As part of their studio work, they design possible versions of actual sites for real clients. The results included not only architectural studies but also physical models and presentation panels.

The students presented their designs to the public through opening receptions and exhibitions, where they received valuable feedback not only from investors but also from citizens. The city, in turn, received dozens of original designs that can inspire its future development. It also provided financial awards for the most successful ones.

A collaboration that bridges education and practice

The collaboration between the Institute of Architecture at FCE BUT and the city of Prostějov arose from an initiative by graduates of the FCE BUT, who are now city council representatives Ilona Dočkalová and Václav Lužný. The first assignment for the students was to convert the former municipal spa into a library and community center. The project’s great success paved the way for further assignments; this past spring, the students completed their fifth set of proposals for the revitalization of Prostějov.

“The collaboration with the city is beneficial for both sides. Students work on real-world assignments and gain practical experience. At the same time, the projects also generate outputs for our research activities,” says Viktor Svojanovský from the Institute of Architecture FCE BUT.

The first project was followed by proposals to convert the original library into an elementary art school, proposals for a sports and recreation zone in the vicinity of the GALA Aquapark and the revitalization of the Prostějov Local Train Station including a proposal for a new parking garage.

Real clients, real experiences

Each design is usually preceded by several weeks of detailed analysis of the area. Students visit the site, examining its transportation network, green spaces, public services, and the needs of residents. They present the results of their work during ongoing reviews, which are attended by faculty members and city representatives.

“The students present their results to a real investor, who evaluates their designs and provides feedback. Sometimes, the investor even changes their requirements during the course of the project. This is incredibly instructive for the students; they will encounter this on a regular basis in their professional lives,” explains Petr Novák from the Institute of Architecture FCE BUT.

As part of its collaboration with the city, the Institute of Architecture also assigns thesis projects focused on identifying neglected sites, vacant lots, and brownfields in Prostějov with potential for new uses.

The Future of Prostějov Through the Eyes of a New Generation

While in standard practice an architect prepares one or two design options, students come up with a whole range of different perspectives on the transformation of the same site. It is precisely this diversity of proposals that the city considers one of the greatest strengths of the collaboration.

“We had an incredibly positive experience working with the students. Thanks to the variety of proposals, we have the opportunity to consider the use of these sites without any blinders,” says Ilona Dočkalová from the Department of Development and Investment at the Prostějov City Hall. “My colleague and I are very pleased to be able to support the faculty that shaped us,” she adds.

She also views the collaboration with students as an investment in the years to come. “We see ourselves as a sort of vanguard for their professional future. Investing in students is, in my opinion, the best thing we can do,” concludes Dočkalová.

Selected student projects were also presented this past July at the final international conference of the DARING CITIES program URBACT IV in Olomouc.

Award-winning student designs

The City of Prostějov awarded the best student projects with a cash prize. Awards were given not only to the designs that best met the assignment requirements, but also to projects offering unexpected and original solutions.

Revitalization of the Area Surrounding the GALA Aquapark

For proposals for a sports and recreation zone in the vicinity of the GALA Aquapark were recognized: Marie Ševelová, Nikola Balážiová and Viktorie Bílková.

Revitalization of the Prostějov Local Train Station Complex

Awards for proposals to revitalize the Prostějov Local Train Station and its surroundings were presented to Vojtěch Zabořil, Karolína Hanáčková, Martina Lagová, Tomáš Vrána, Petra Schindlerová (2nd place in this year’s Arnošt Wiesner Prize competition), Kateřina Kolářová, Alexandra Bušová, Filip Kolník, Zdeňka Palánová and Anna Růžičková.

The New Look of the City Library

For designs for the new library, awards went to Vojtěch Trmač (1st place in this year’s Arnošt Wiesner Prize competition) , Diana Holdenberh, Vojtěch Diehel, Lukáš Krejčí and Vojtěch Vacek.

Conversion of the former municipal spa

Awards for proposals to transform the municipal spa into a library and community center went to Tereza Palíšková, Ondřej Tálský, Zuzana Pekárková, Lenka Martiňáková, Žaneta Pawlicová and Filip Rajman (1st and 2nd place in this year’s Arnošt Wiesner Prize competition).

An experience that textbooks cannot replace

According to the instructors, what students enjoy most about the collaboration is the fact that, instead of theoretical examples they work with real-world assignments that have a tangible impact. This feedback confirms the main goal of the Faculty of Civil Engineering BUT, namely connecting future professionals with real-world construction practice.

“The students’ work does not end with the submission of a studio project; it takes on real-world significance. They can present it to the public and defend it before experts as well as the people directly affected by the design. This is an invaluable experience that they will carry with them into their professional lives,” concludes Petr Novák.

Source: FCE BUT

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Author	Mgr. Veronika Balko
Published	2026-07-17 12:24
Link	https://www.vut.cz/en/but/f19528/d348967