A much-needed upgrade is coming to one of the most popular universities in the Czech Republic thanks to plans for a new art and architecture campus for Brno University of Technology from Feilden+Mawson’s FAM Architekti studio.

The Prague-based entity is responsible for the transformation of a 19th-century former army barracks into what will become the new home for both the architecture and fine arts faculties. A full-scale extension of one of the two main extant buildings will provide architecture students with design studios, a library, and auditorium space while the fine arts facilities only require minor additions and alterations. Each will be connected through a large new opening which houses a cafe.

FAM is envisioning the architecture facility as an open floor plan with “sort of a studio landscape.” A large central atrium stands as the heart of the design surrounded by the library and a series of alternative studio, academic, and social spaces that spill out into the adjacent park. A green island is thus created by a conscious effort to preserve the majority of trees on the site that will in time serve as an art-filled connector to both campus and community. 

“To work on a vision for a new architecture school was a challenging and responsible task,” FAM Architekti partner Pavel Nasadil said in a statement. “Definition of the architecture school took us to revisit core ideas for space and its relationship to function, light, and human activity. A series of spaces that relate to one another as a realm for students, teachers, and staff to meet, engage, and interact.” 

Archinect will provide construction updates as they become available.