Art Studios of the Faculty of Education, Masaryk University

The new Art Studios of the Department of Art were designed to provide an inspiring environment for future art teachers, covering both traditional applied arts disciplines as well as new media. 

The Faculty of Education at Masaryk University had long faced a shortage of quality teaching spaces for its popular Art Education programme. It addressed this issue   by commissioning a project for a new extension of the studios.  The construction site originally housed three buildings from different periods: the pavilion of the former shooting range of the Department of Civil Defence, a transformer station, and a new elevator serving the adjacent historical building.

The art studio building consists of three superimposed blocks, with varying heights for different art spaces, and includes a terrace. The studios are designed as creative laboratories with ample storage and exposed structural elements, providing an optimal environment for the creative processes of both students and instructors. 

The architect Michal Palaščák, keeping the users’ needs in mind, paid special attention to the lighting and the size of the interiors. Large windows ensure ample natural light, which is vital for creative activities, while the spacious interiors facilitate efficient work. Another notable feature of this modern building is its sensitive integration into the existing faculty complex and its surroundings. The clean orthogonal form of the building is emphasized by smooth buffed white plaster and large frameless windows, the only elements deviating from standard construction practice. The interior concrete surfaces are unified with white paint and epoxy coating, contributing to a cohesive and fresh appearance. 

The building also incorporates environmental features that align with sustainability principles, fulfilling the vision of the clients – meeting requirements for simple technologies, including recyclable concrete, functionality, and integration with the existing buildings of the Faculty of Education.