In the campus of the Technical University of Ostrava, the construction of the Faculty of Economics is nearing completion

project: CHVÁLEK ATELIÉR s.r.o.

Ostrava – The construction of a new building for the Faculty of Economics at the VSB - Technical University of Ostrava (VSB-TUO) is nearing completion in the Poruba campus, which has so far been located in the center of Ostrava. The construction phase is expected to be completed in December, after which the building will be equipped with furniture and audiovisual technology. It could start serving students from the next academic year. Juraj Anděl from the construction contractor and university spokesperson Petra Halíková said this today to ČTK.

The Faculty of Economics has been located in a building on Sokolská Street in the city center since its establishment in 1977. However, the facilities are outdated and do not meet the requirements for modern teaching, which is why the university decided to build a new facility. The four-story building with underground parking will serve approximately 300 faculty members and 1,400 students. "The construction began at the end of 2021. We have 24 months for completion, so it should end by the end of this year. Currently, finishing work is underway, and we are essentially on schedule," said Anděl.

The underground parking will have space for more than 200 cars. It is the largest underground parking facility in the campus area, which should improve parking options on the premises. Above it, there is also outdoor parking for another 40 vehicles. "The building of the Faculty of Economics has four above-ground floors. The built-up area is about 4,000 square meters. The first and second floors mainly contain seminar rooms, classrooms, and a large lecture hall for 100 people. The third and fourth floors primarily have offices for faculty members," said Anděl.

The facility will also include relaxation zones and a closed outdoor atrium with greenery and seating. Due to quality acoustics, there will be special acoustic ceilings and cladding in the classrooms. "The roof of the Faculty of Economics building features photovoltaic panels, of which there are about 400. Additionally, there is an underground large-capacity retention tank that allows rainwater to be collected, which will be used for flushing or irrigation. The goal is to achieve a reduction in operating costs," said Anděl.

Interior furnishing will follow the completion of the construction phase, which, according to Halíková, will also include an artistic work created specifically for this building. "We hope that teaching in this new building will start in the second half of September. The relocation of employees and the entire faculty should take place in the summer months," said the spokesperson. She added that the university's aim was to naturally integrate the new building into the campus area. "We tried to build on the original buildings, which is why there is a passage from the new Faculty of Economics building directly to the older structures, which will also be gradually reconstructed," said Halíková. The university plans to sell the original facility in the city center at an auction.

The construction of the building is expected to cost around 829 million crowns excluding VAT. Additional costs will need to be invested in furnishing and technology. The final price is not yet known, as some contracts are still being tendered.