April 26, 2024
Logo Logo

Summary of approved PhD theses

Full article

Historical and typological development of the Baroque roof structures in Slovakia
Mgr. Daniela Zacharová, PhD.

This dissertation thesis looks into baroque trussings in Slovakia, their typological evolution from early forms in the 17th century through advanced constructions typical for the period of the 18th century up to simplified constructions of the period reaching to the first half of the 19th century. The paper consists formally of ten chapters (including introduction, conclusion and references). When it comes to content, it can be divided into four parts: Introduction to the topic (chapters 1 – 3) justifies its choice, specification of the subject and the aim of the thesis as well as working hypothesis, it outlines a supposed application. It clarifies the research methods, analyzes the present state of the issue in question and defines the basic terminology. The core of the paper (chapters 4 – 5) resumes the evolution of the baroque trussings in Slovakia and its determinants, including an overall view of the carpentry, based on the findings issuing of author´s own research. The focus of the paper (chapters 6 – 7) concentrates on historical typological classification and characteristic of the baroque trussings documented in Slovakia, the basic types of which are listed in the Catalogue of the construction types of baroque trussings below. The obtained information is further compared in the historical context with the evolution of baroque trussings of different countries in Central and Western Europe. The conclusion of the paper (chapters 8 – 10) concentrates on, besides a draft of aesthetic features of the trussing, final evaluation of the obtained results. Reference literature, sources and appendices are listed in the final part.

Architectural and urbanistic development of the medieval and early modern Bratislava
Ing. arch. Zdenka Šedivá, PhD.

The goal and the result of the dissertation thesis is a monographic elaboration of the urban-architectural development of Bratislava in the Middle Ages and during the beginning early modern times (circa between 1250 and 1550). The author has created a synthesis based on an analysis of written historic sources, younger map plans, image sources (vistas, engravings, historical photographs) and much of the existing archeological and historical research. The result of the work, besides the written synthesis (a catalogue), is also a graphic elaboration of a number of phenomena (e.g. the prevalence of certain types of portals or types of houses in various parts of the city intra muros). The author has comprehensively and graphically made the acquired findings available via digital 3D model of the city. The model represents a sum of currently available information, which can be added, updated, or even corrected without any problems in the future, thanks to the digital technologies – depending on the progress of further research. The work therefore represents conservational-historical topography of the city, together with digital 3D modeling of the space as well as the individual buildings. The main advantage of the written part is a synthesis of partial information into a greater whole which will enable to pose new questions, and to give new answers. The main benefit of the 3D model is the clarity of graphical output and the feedback possibility for archeologists, conservationists, and other specialists.

Modern architecture as a monument – Slovak Radio building
Ing. arch. Štefan Bekeš, PhD.

The Slovak Radio Building in Bratislava is the “jewel” of the Slovak late Modernism according to architectural theorists. They also draw attention to the need for its protection. Another part of the professional community, and part of general public, consider this building as a relic of the communist regime, and they think it should be removed from the image of the city. The Slovak Radio Building was built for a very specific function and its construction required extremely technical, functional and technological Solutions, which could be classified as unique for their period of time. However, its service, tech¬nology and total current status have become outdated. Also, the building is oversized for the current Radio needs, and as a result it will have to go through total reconstruction in the near future. It will be necessary to establish the potentials and limits of the structure that will affect the project of its renovation. Since its completion, the Slovak Radio Building has been struggling with notable unpopularity; however, the situation is now changing. Responsibility for this shift has been due to the actions of Slo-vak Radio and Television (RTVS). In cooperation with the Faculty of Architecture of the Slovak Tech-nical University (STU) and the Department of Architecture at ÚSTARCH SAS, RTVS has established in the premises of the Slovak Radio building an educational path “prečo pyramída?” (Why a Pyramid), presenting the greatest attractions and uniqueness of the Slovak Radio Building. Since its opening, the Radio Building’s educational path has been visited by a large number of visitors. This circumstance has significantly improved the image of the building. Until the end of 2015, the activities of the civil association “Jedlé mesto” (Edible City) also contributed to improving the image of the building through the creation of a community garden on the building’s open terraces that had not been in use for 30 years. Although this project did not fully succeed, it focused attention on the potential of these spaces (the terrace). This has stimulated RTVS to the decision to reconstruct and continue to use the roof terrace space for public activities. The basic idea of the proposal of the reconstruction of the roof terrace was the aim to preserve their social life by integrating functions and Services otherwise absent in this part of the city. In this way, the original concept of the terrace. only as a space to be passed through, would be changed and the terrace would itself become a destination point. AU suggested interventions adhere to the original proposal. and also respect the principle of reversibility while not damaging or in any way interfering with the existing elements of the Slovak Radio Building. The dissertation thesis also deals with options for integration of new function in the Slovak Radio Building. This potential (economic and structural) will be researched by watching pedestrians moving around the radio building, number of staff and students, workers and learners within walking distance of 200m from the Radio Building, the distribution of commercial facilities close to the building and the spatial options of the Radio Building. The research results will be applied to evaluate the commercial potential of the Slovak Radio Building, and will help to identity potential areas for placement of such facilities.

  • PhD thesis approved in the study programme Architecture at the Faculty of Architecture STU in Bratislava

Life and work of architect Josef Marek (1889 – 1966)
PhDr. Katarína Haberlandová, PhD.

Dissertation about Josef Marek is the first biography of a Czech architect living and working in Slovakia during the period between the wars, which was written as part of doctoral studies at the Faculty of Architecture STU. In addition to well-known works, it provides information on newly-discovered buildings. Josef Marek, a native of village Petrovice in Moravia, studied architecture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague, with the founder of modern Czech architecture – Jan Kotěra. Shortly after graduation he came to Slovakia, to take part, together with his classmates from the Academy, in developing further the modern architecture in our country. His biography brings knowledge of a much wider range of structures, than was hitherto known. With regards to projects we knew for quite some time the paper presents information in a completely new context, such as analysis of the competition for the construction of a protestant church in Trnava. To clarify the forming of his attitude to the ideas of modern architecture was in turn reinforced by examination of industrial architecture sketches that we found in his estate in Brno. The other two key chapters of the work address the most important issues of that particular historical period – housing and urban planning. One of the most important contributions of the work was the texts about unrealized, especially urban projects, in many predominantly urban planning developments in the second half of the 20th century, which probably represent the greatest creative potential of Josef Marek. Completely new information about Marek’s early stage of operation in Slovakia provided the findings of industrial sketches, analyzed through the architectural discourse of the first two decades of the 20th century. For better understanding of architect’s thoughts, his texts found in the estate also helped. “In situ” did not succeed in identifying all of Marek’s works. However, the failure to identify several residential homes did not affect the overall appreciation of the architect’s work. At the same time, we are committed to continuing it. The incompleteness in the details that we have encountered almost always in the life of the biography also outweighed the value of new insights about the work of Josef Marek in Linz during the 1940s. This is another possible development of the exploration of a significant and unrecognized period, which is brought to us by the life of architect Josef Marek.

Keywords: PhD study, doctoral study, PhD thesis, FA STU, PhD students, architecture, research