Engineers studying in new facilities. The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of BUT has completed renovations worth half a billion

An extensive project for the reconstruction and modernization of the interiors was completed by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Brno University of Technology. The investment, totaling 540 million crowns, was financially supported by the Ministry of Education with a subsidy of 443 million crowns, while the remaining funds were covered by the university itself. Additionally, the faculty invested almost 70 million CZK for expenses not covered by the subsidy. The work was carried out gradually, starting in 2021, and was completed this year before the start of the academic year. Since mid-September, future engineers have been studying in the newly renovated building.

The A5 facilities were inaugurated on 25 September. | Autor: Václav Široký

Back in June, the corridors in front of the main lecture halls at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering were reminiscent of the 1980s, the era when the faculty’s Pod Palackého vrchem campus was built. In mid-June, construction workers took over the site, and by 16 September, when the new academic year at BUT began, students returned to completely renovated interiors.

The new premises include quiet study rooms, lockers, kitchenettes, and other spaces for both study and leisure. Students were also involved in the project’s design to ensure the result met their needs. The premises were officially inaugurated on 25 September in the presence of BUT Rector Ladislav Janíček, Faculty Dean Jiří Hlinka, and representatives from the Ministry of Education, the construction company PSG Construction, and the Architectural Office Radko Květ.

Opening ceremony of A5 at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering BUT. | Autor: Václav Široký

"We have reason to celebrate as we have successfully completed a project we have worked on with determination and passion for many years. This moment is the result of the hard work and cooperation of everyone involved in the renovations. Thanks to all partners, contractors and the University team behind the renovations. Their dedication and professionalism were crucial for the success of the whole event," said FME Dean Jiří Hlinka.

The faculty auditorium has also undergone renovations, which not only has a new interior from autumn 2022, but also massive investments have been made in audiovisual equipment. New lighted studios and workshops have been created in the premises of the Institute of Design, where students will find facilities and technology for creating models and prototypes. In total, six buildings have undergone complete interior renovation in the last three years, while two others have been partially modernised.

"The reconstruction and modernisation of the area in front of the lecture halls was the third order for us at FME BUT in the last three years. I am pleased with the long-term cooperation with the BUT and their interest in the digitalisation of the construction industry. We have jointly implemented several contracts in the BIM (Building Information Management) environment, where we have had the opportunity to experience all its advantages. Education is one of the key components of the company, so I am very sympathetic to the approach of the university management and its concept of modernising the BUT FME. I wish that the modern facilities will attract many new smart students to the school," said Peter Surovič, Chairman of the Board of PSG Construction, on the occasion of the opening ceremony.

The construction industry has not escaped the price increases and inflation of recent years. In the end, less of the total reconstruction money was used to repair the premises than originally planned. "We are short of completing the renovation of a major building combining classrooms and the faculty library. At the same time, the completed renovation did not change the condition of the buildings with the so-called light and heavy laboratories, which were also originally envisaged. In total, we are short of 400 million crowns to complete the renovations. We are looking for resources where we can, in European and national subsidies," added Petr Tesař, secretary of the FME.

The money for the work and equipment worth CZK 610 million was largely obtained from the state budget, thanks to a subsidy from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports from the programme for the development and renewal of the material and technical base of public universities. The minimum compulsory co-financing from the university's own resources was set at fifteen per cent, and the faculty eventually invested CZK 70 million from its own resources in the reconstruction.