Two historic buildings of the Faculty of Education at the University of South Bohemia on Dukelská Street have been transformed beyond recognition. A two-year renovation breathed new life into both structures, which had been in a state of disrepair. Academics and students will begin the new semester in a modern, comfortable, and representative environment that preserves the historic character.
The renovation started in the summer of 2023, when academic staff had to relocate to other faculty buildings on Jeronýmova Street, where teaching continued. The faculty also received support from the management of Dukelská Elementary School, which provided an entire floor of the school for lectures and seminars for future educators during the afternoons.
“It was hectic, uncomfortable, and restrictive, yet it brought us closer together. We were nearer to each other and met more intensively than when we were in distant buildings. In any case, we are glad the renovation is behind us and that we have a beautiful new environment for our work. We look forward to teaching in a setting that is now modern, functional, and aesthetically pleasing for students, educators, and visitors alike. The restored spaces combine respect for the buildings’ historic character with the needs of contemporary education,” describes Dean Helena Koldová of the Faculty of Education at the University of South Bohemia.
From an old school to a modern workplace for training future teachers
Since their founding, both buildings on Dukelská Street have been used for teaching. The older of the two (building no. 9) was constructed in 1910–1911 and originally served as a boys’ school—first German, and from 1920 Czech. The cornerstone of the younger building (building no. 7) was laid on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the republic in 1928, and three years later the “Masaryk Jubilee Third Municipal Girls’ School” was ceremonially opened there.
Although both buildings have visibly changed over their century-long history, teaching will continue here for years to come. Students preparing primarily for careers in education will start the new academic year here and can look forward to new classrooms, seminar rooms, relaxation zones, and technically equipped workspaces that support high-quality teaching, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. As part of the project, a small multi-grade classroom equipped as a “Future Classroom” was also created. The Faculty of Education will use it with students to practice examples of modern teaching methods for pupils and teachers from regional primary schools.
“The renovation has brought not only increased comfort and safety but also a dignified environment that reflects the significance of the teaching profession and academic life. This makes the faculty an even more attractive place for study and professional development. I would like to thank everyone involved in the renovation—architects, contractors, the leadership of the University of South Bohemia, and last but not least the colleagues who oversaw the entire process,” adds Dean Helena Koldová.
The complete renovation of both buildings cost CZK 120 million, more than half of which was covered by a grant from the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.
