April 18, 2026
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Summary of approved PhD theses

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Impact of wood material on the educational process in the current architecture of kindergartens
Ing. arch. Jakub Hanták, PhD.

This dissertation expands the domain of the knowledge of wood, which is primarily perceived as a sustainable material with a low carbon footprint, by its positive impact on the user in the physical environment of kindergartens. The introductory section explains the subject of research, defines the terms used, sets the research objectives, questions or hypotheses, and the methods used, including the research methodology. The theoretical background reflects on previous research of the topic and is the foundation for the practical part. In its first phase, the practical research focuses on wooden kindergarten buildings in the Alpine region. The knowledge is then applied to the following phases of the practical research. By measuring the brain activities of children, teachers and educators, the research obtains brain responses to visual stimulations related to the wood material. In the final part of the thesis, the results on the positive impact of wood material from all parts of the practical research are presented, which coupled with the theoretical basis provide a comprehensive view of the problem addressed, confirming the formulated research questions and hypotheses.

Wind-driven ventilation systems in Central European climate
Aida Shayegani, PhD., MSc

Urban overheating, intensified by climate change, presents a pressing challenge in Central European cities, characterised by an increase in tropical days. Conventional mechanical cooling systems exacerbate carbon dioxide emissions, further contributing to global warming. In response, windcatchers—traditional Iranian natural cooling systems—emerge as promising sustainable solutions for contemporary architecture, even in non-arid climates. This Ph.D. thesis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of windcatchers in enhancing building thermal comfort within Central European climates, with a specific focus on Vienna’s urban environment. Through rigorous analysis of key variables such as height variation, inlet dimensions, urban exposure, Building Management System (BMS) temperature thresholds, and integration with an earth tube system, optimal windcatcher designs are identified using Design Builder simulation software. This doctoral research explores the effectiveness of wind-driven ventilation systems within the Central European climate, juxtaposing historical architectural practices with contemporary design solutions to address modern climatic challenges. By conducting a comprehensive review of existing literature, case studies, and theoretical models, knowledge gaps are identified, and global practices are adapted to meet Central European specifics. Methodologically, a blend of analytical evaluations and practical assessments is employed, including simulations and case studies conducted in Vienna as a representative city within this climate, to validate theoretical propositions. Key areas of investigation include natural ventilation mechanisms, windcatcher functionality, design intricacies, and their integration with passive strategies such as solar chimneys and earth-to-air heat exchangers. The thesis hypothesises that adapting these systems to Central Europe’s unique climate and urban fabric can significantly improve indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency. Theoretical frameworks centre on sustainable architecture, thermal comfort standards, and the synergy between wind-driven and other passive ventilation strategies, fostering the development of innovative, sustainable solutions for contemporary and future architectural endeavours. By synthesizing case studies, notably the Praterateliers building, with theoretical insights, this thesis aims to pave the way toward sustainable architectural practices that harness natural ventilation mechanisms, thereby contributing to scientific advancement and societal well-being through the promotion of healthier, more sustainable living environments. The thesis concludes with a thorough examination of the final stages of the work, including the evaluation of various windcatcher designs, the implementation of innovative solar vent systems, and the assessment of earth tube systems. A comprehensive comparison of these strategies provides recommendations for optimising natural ventilation in Central European buildings, with a focus on enhancing thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of sustainable architectural practices and offer practical insights for mitigating the impacts of urban overheating in Central European cities.

Creative strategies for working with regional features in interior design
Ing. arch. František Dorko, ArtD.

Tradition plays a vital role in preserving cultural values over time, particularly in rural areas, where it manifests as a dynamic cultural heritage. It finds expression in local rituals, traditional material culture, and various other forms and characteristics. These regional features not only distinguish one location from another but also contribute to cultural diversity at large. By promoting local identity, the integrity of a region is deepened, making it more appealing to both residents and visitors. This research focuses on the field of interior design and its relationship with regional identity. Given the complexity of the subject, an interdisciplinary research methodology is employed, involving professionals from fields such as anthropology, ethnology, architecture, and design. The objective is to highlight the cultural capital inherent in traditional regional features and to develop creative strategies for their contemporary and sustainable interpretation within the realm of interior design.

Bank as a representative concept of architecture (1900–1939)
Mgr. Katarína Ondrušová, PhD.

The submitted dissertation follows the development of the building type of a bank building in terms of its style, layout and ideology and the specific sign language of the architecture of bank buildings, studying sample buildings built for selected financial institutions in the territory of today’s Slovakia between 1900 and 1939, i.e. from the beginning of the 20th century to the dissolution of the first Czechoslovak Republic. The aim of the dissertation is to examine and interpret the specific qualities of this building type in the Slovak environment in terms of artistic expression and meaning with an emphasis on the phenomenon of representation. The fourth chapter presents the core of the dissertation in which we focus on the set of bank buildings built for selected financial institutions in the territory of today’s Slovakia. Based on the analysis of the collected data, we divided the buildings into two types—buildings of central banks, i.e. the Austro-Hungarian Bank and the National Bank of Czechoslovakia, and buildings of banks based on Slovak capital, represented by the three most powerful Slovak institutions: Tatra banka, Slovenská banka and Americko-slovenská banka. The establishment of Czechoslovakia on 28 October 1918 presents an important landmark and division point, structuring the subchapters into two time periods allowing us to examine the means and development of architectural representation of the researched banks within two political systems—a monarchy and a republic. Each chapter first deals with a brief economic-historical introduction, then analyses individual works and finally interprets them with an emphasis on the representation phenomenon. The main contribution of our thesis is the interpretation part, which puts individual works into a broader socio-historical context and follows the transformation of the language of representation specific to the provincial Slovak environment. The catalogue of all identified buildings in which the selected banks had their seats in the monitored period is a significant part of the dissertation, which presents the archival sources for further research in a structured manner. The dissertation thesis furthered the current understanding of a so far not well-studied building type, identified previously unpublished bank buildings and assigned several buildings to particular architects.

Mountain solitaires—an innovation in mountain architecture in the 20th century in Slovakia
Mgr. art. Mária Novotná, PhD.

The dissertation explores the development of architecture and innovation in mountain environments, focusing on the construction of tourist mountain huts in Slovakia throughout the 20th century. The aim of the research is to identify key architectural, societal, and technological innovations that responded to the specific conditions of high-altitude environments. It examines factors such as location, altitude, material availability, construction technologies, and socio-political context. The study traces the gradual transformation of the typology of mountain structures, their spatial organisation, and ownership models. It is based on an analysis of architectural tendencies and their delayed or reduced entry into the mountain context, as well as the adaptation of structures to extreme climatic and topographical conditions. The research includes the classification of selected structures based on multiple parameters, the creation of an original periodisation of mountain architecture development, and a comparative analysis with the Alpine context. The dissertation reveals how architectural solutions in the mountains did not emerge as representative gestures but rather as responses to concrete environmental challenges, technological availability, and the realities of their era. The findings provide a foundation for further research, restoration, and planning of mountain architecture, emphasising sustainability and respect for the natural environment. The thesis delivers a systematic and multi-layered analysis of architecture in mountainous regions, focusing on the innovation processes that unfolded over the course of the 20th century. It also contributes to the broader discourse on the relationship between architecture and natural environments, particularly within fragile habitats and contested cultural identities. A distinctive value of this research lies in its synthesis of architectural tendencies with their “evolutionary” logic in extreme conditions, highlighting mountain architecture as an integral and legitimate part of the mountainous landscape.

Ways of fashion design promotion in digital media
Mgr. art. Katarína Vavrová, PhD., MBA

The dissertation deals with the appropriate way of promoting fashion design in digital media in a fast-changing online environment, specifically on social networks. The problem of the appropriate selection of promotion or advertising in terms of its effectiveness, performance, reach and other attributes in relation to the financial cost is a big question mark even for experienced marketers. The survey carried out during the study shows a variable and sensitive perception of advertising and publicity in direct connection with political or other events.

Urban stability
Ing. arch. Ladislav Michalka, PhD.

This dissertation thesis deals with the issue of the current state of spatial planning. Based on an analysis of existing spatial planning tools and urban planning practice, it proposes a new approach to the analysis and evaluation of land (territory). Current planning and urban development tools are often vague, static, and do not sufficiently take into account the complexity of the urban system and the need for flexibility in responding to changing social conditions. The thesis presents a new theoretical, methodological approach and the concept of the “Urban Stability” theory. This new theory and the associated “Urban Stability Matrix” tool aim to enable a more complex view of the territory, its mutual processes, and the various factors that influence the territory. The research part of the thesis introduces the concept of an analytical-synthetic tool, the “Urban Stability Matrix”. This tool serves to evaluate the factors influencing the land, with the aim of creating a comprehensive framework for more effective and objective planning and decision-making within local government. The thesis highlights the importance of examining the limit values of individual factors in the land, which, if exceeded, can lead to the destruction of the territory. An important part of the analysis is also the use of modern technologies, especially geographic information systems, which support the decision-making process and simplify spatial planning. The results of the thesis provide a theoretical basis and methodological framework for further research in the field of urban stability and its practical application.