ANNIVERSARY: 80 Years of Architecture Education in Slovakia and 50 Years of FAD STU

The anniversary celebrations, held on April 14, 2026, in the Emil Belluš Auditorium, commemorated significant milestones in architectural education in Slovakia—80 years since the start of its systematic teaching and simultaneously 50 years since the establishment of the Faculty of Architecture and Design at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava. These jubilees represent not only a historical legacy but also a living tradition that shapes the present and future of architecture, urbanism, and design.

The beginnings date back to 1946, when systematic architecture education started at the Slovak Technical High School. A key moment came in 1948, when architect Emil Belluš laid the foundation stone for the faculty's current building. In 1951, the teaching moved to the new premises of the Pavilion of Theoretical Institutes, which remains one of the iconic sites of architectural education in Bratislava to this day. The independent Faculty of Architecture was established in 1976 and gradually evolved into its current form as the Faculty of Architecture and Design STU in Bratislava.

Over the past decades, the faculty has become a center of creativity, critical thinking, and responsible approaches to the environment. Since 1976, more than 6,000 graduates have completed their studies at the faculty. Deans and faculty members played a significant role in shaping it, responding to societal and professional challenges—from building the faculty in its early days, through transformation after 1989, to the current emphasis on interdisciplinary education. The faculty has progressively expanded its study programs—from architecture and urbanism to design—and adapted them to society's changing needs.

The common denominator of the teaching remains the emphasis on studio-based creation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and seeking a quality relationship between people and their environment. Thanks to this, the faculty maintains a strong position in architectural education.