COOPERATE IN RESEARCH

Robert Špaček, Ján Legény, Peter Morgenstein, Julián Keppl, Klára Macháčová

The main focus of this research group is put on the relationship of architecture and environment. A couple of last years were devoted to the investigation of a solar access design while using the concept of solar envelope and also contemporary ITs as scripts and algorithms. Research group members are primarily focused on reduction of energy demands of buildings, even whole city districts or cities. The research is conducted in the field of energy cooperativeness, utilization of solar appliances as building integrated photovoltaic. The scope of the research is moving from the scale of the single building to complex systems – the city. All those interests are accompanied by research within urban democracy, urban decency, history of the city, smart cities and smart grids or by the concept of crime prevention through environmental design. The preservation and rescue of archaeological and historical monuments or investigating new methods in architectural education plays a specific role in the research. 

Projects

• Architecture and town planning 2020 – heading towards nearly zero energy standard
• Translucent and transparent structures applied to architectural objects in specific conditions APVV – Bilateral cooperation. Principles of sustainability in the context of historical urban structures (SK-AT-2017-0014) /1.8.2018 – 31.12.2019/
• Solar potential of urbanized areas and its use in the Smart City concept(APVV-18-0044) /18.3.2019
• ODA, Slovak Aid. Safer Cities Education (121/09/2015) /1.10.2015 – 30.11.2016/
• Interreg Danube Transnational Programme (DTP). DANube Urban Brand /1.1.2017 – 30.6.2019/
• Prevention of crime through the creation of an environment (JLS/2007/ISE/CFPA/C1024) /1.1.2009 – 31.12.2010/

Lorant Krajcsovics, Henrich Pifko, Tibor Varga, Lukáš Šíp

The research group focuses mainly on materials and technologies for environment-friendly building operation, basic concepts, life-cycle assessment of buildings or on construction with natural materials (wood, clay, straw, stone), natural insulating materials, modern high-tech alternatives, recycling. Other scopes of research include vegetation roofs and walls, underground architecture, measuring the impact of materials and technologies on indoor quality of buildings, environmental quality assessment. Technology for the operation of economical and environment-friendly buildings, energy-efficient buildings, architecture design principles linked with the strategy of 2020, use of renewable energy related to architecture, energy and material flows, assessment of energy efficiency, integrated design represent the key fields of research as well.

Projects

• VEGA: Architecture and Urbanism 2020 – Towards an Near Zero Energy Standard (1/0559/13) /1.1.2013 – 31.1.2015/
• KEGA. Experience from natural laws to technology – a project of informal interactive education of pupils and students stimulating interest in technology (038STU-4/2017) /1.1.2017 – 31.12.2019/

Martin Uhrík, Ivor Mečiar, Vladimír Hain, Roman Hajtmanek, Radovan Pekník

The group members are primarily developing conceptual design skills massing of architecture using computer and digital (parametric) composition. Researchers are focusing on the modeling aspect of forms, possibilities of 3D printing or how to transform digital design into reality. Their outputs introduce the basic principles of 3D printing or how to create high quality 3D models for rapid prototyping. Main IT tools include SketchUp, Rhino, or any 3D modeling programs supporting export to STL files. 

Projects

• STU as leader of Digital Coalition, OIKONET, OIKODOMOS I. a OIKODOMOS II . 
• APVV: Solar potential of urbanized areas and its use in the Smart City concept (APVV-18-0044) /18.3.2019 – ongoing
• KEGA: Experience from natural laws to technology–- a project of informal interactive education of pupils and students stimulating interest in technology (038STU-4/2017) /1.1.2017 – 31.12.2019/
• System research concepts „URBAN WALK“ /15.9.2018 – 30.6.2019/

Jana Vinárčiková, Peter Daniel, Michal Hronský, Peter Mazalán, Katarína Morávková, Dušan Kočlík

The research of the group is focused on exploring existing and innovative forms of public, working and residential interior environments in a broader context while reflecting actual design, implementation, technological possibilities, material base, socio-societal context and newly generated users‘ requirements. Significant thematic areas of conducted research comprise: mapping of preserved cultural heritage in the field of interior design in Slovakia, new possibilities of transformation former works into digital applications, shopping parterre and participative forms of art considered as a part of innovative methods in architectural designing. Overlapping/merging of interior design into the field of artistic disciplines, social sciences and humanities, exploration the concretization of ideological principles and aspects of mutual interaction of spaces and the audience as a result of generating experience, spatial, scenic and sensory effects is a subject of interest as well. 

Projects

• KEGA č  038STU-4/2020.Participative forms of art as part of innovative methods in architectural designing.
• APVV: IDENTITA. SK – common platform for design, architecture and social sciences (APVV-16-0567) /1.7.2017 – 30.11.2020)
• KEGA: The design of interior spaces – Innovation of teaching model with a focus on practice. (042STU-4/2015) /1.1.2015 – 31.12.2017
• KEGA: Interior in Slovakia (č. 022STU-4/2017) /1.1.2017 – 31.12.2019/
• KEGA: Participative forms of art as part of innovative methods in architectural designing (038STU-4/2020) /1.1.2020 – 1.1.2022/

Michal Czafík, Andrea Bacová, Branislav Puškár, Zuzana Tóthová, Edita Vráblová, Pavúk Ján, Stanislav Majcher, Ľubica Selcová

The research is linked to new forms of housing in the context of requirements for sustainable development. It focuses on wide typological areas of apartment buildings and their specific forms. Special attention is paid to socially differentiated housing – i.e. rental housing, housing for the elderly but also housing for marginalized groups. The research is linked to key areas across all typological types: related to smart housing concepts and smart technologies, modular housing and conversions improving housing conditions.  The urban development of settlement structures (urban as well as rural) brings the need for research of new strategic forms for suburban development linked to landscape protection, enotourism and hospitality in new spatial conditions. The research group carries out research in close connection with the educational process. 

Projects

• Cross-Border Cooperation Program SK-AT 2007-2013: REGIOGOES – Regional potentials in the cross border region Austria-Slovakia. Development of new housing, work and leisure time models for the cross border area.  1.1.2013 – 31.12.2014
• Domestic project: Elimination of architectural information and orientation barriers at STU, 1.1.2015 – 31.12.2017
• VEGA: Defining and transforming the impact of new technological systems into the principles of designing residential and civic buildings, 1.1.2008 – 31.12.2008, ukončený úspešne 
• Slovak Family House 2000-2015, Funding Scheme: Slovak arts Council

Ján Ilkovič, Ľubica Ilkovičová, Jozef Baláž, František Kalesný, Yakoub Meziani, Katarína Kujanová, Oľga Ivánková, Eva Vdolečková   

The activity of the research team is focused on following fields: the symbiosis of a production and engineering buildings architecture and on the forming of sustainable, architectural structures. The content and the research direction stem from the long-term research group profile with focus on contemporary, intelligent, technology and material determinants in the design of specific building structures. The scope of the research expands on the Industry 4.0, smart concept of production complex and on the green industrial parks. Transformation of old industrial buildings and areas with preservation of their original identity is a relatively independent part of the team investigation. This issue generates a large database for creative approach in design methods. The important part of research team activity is the application of the new education methods, which encourages a sense for architecture and a creative factor in the architectural structure design from the concept up to the detail by means of didactic maquettes demonstrative modelling.

Projects

• State program: Architectural interventions for the city of Modra / Vision of revitalization. 15.1.2016 – 28.2.2017
• VEGA 1/2124/05 Interpretation of membrane structures in contemporary architectural work, 1.12.2005 – 31.12.2007
• KEGA: Penetrations in education within the REA network of schools, 1.1.2016 – 31.12.2018

Katarína Vošková, Pavel Gregor, Pavol Paulíny, Andrej Botek, Nadežda Hrašková, Eva Kráľová, Beáta Polomová 

The scientific team focuses on the popularization of the cultural heritage and related scientific artistic disciplines: architecture, visual art, scenography, theatre, film, music and literature. One of the projects has been recognized as one of the activities of the European Cultural Heritage Days by the Ministry of Culture of Slovak Republic The project is held in Banská Štiavnica, inside the historic space of the locality of UNESCO – world heritage site. The aim of the research group is the reflection on the cultural heritage issues in other kinds of visual and audio art. 

Projects

• APVV: IDENTITA. SK – common platform for design, architecture and social sciences (APVV-16-0567) /1.7.2017 – 30.11.2020)
• State prorgam: ARCH+A days, 01. 07. 2016 – 15.10.2016
• KEGA Building a basis for interdisciplinary transfer of architectural heritage research results. 1.1.2011 – 31.12.2013
• KEGA: Experience from natural laws to technology – a project of informal interactive education of pupils and students stimulating interest in technology. 01. 01. 2017 – 31. 12. 2019
• KEGA: An interdisciplinary approach to the protection of cultural and natural heritage, 1.1.2017 – 31.12.2019

Nina Bartošová, Jarmila Bencová, Henrieta Moravčíková, Matúš Dulla, Jana Pohaničová, Peter Vodrážka, Danica Šoltésová

The research group focuses on the history and theory of architecture and urban planning. Historical research comprises a wider range of topics falling within the period of 19th century up to the current times, studying various architectural and urban planning trends, as well as significant personalities and their work, with the aim to strengthen the awareness of local architectural heritage. The research in theory deals mostly with the interpretation of particular trends and phenomenon of European architecture and town planning and criticism of contemporary architecture. Research outcomes are regularly presented to the wider audience via publications, lectures and lecture series, and exhibitions both in Slovakia and abroad.

Projects

• VEGA  1/0444/17: Tradition and Innovation in Architecture as a Phenomenon of the Long Century 
• VEGA  2/0074/17: The Unplanned City: Architectural and Urban Conceptions of the 20th Century and Their Influence on the Urban Structure of Bratislava 
• VEGA 1/0555/14: Michal Milan Harminc – The Life and Work of the Nestor of Slovak Architecture
• VEGA 2/0095/14: Industrial Heritage – Theory and methodology of preservation applied in the research of Bratislava territory
• KEGA 003STU-4/2016: Inhabited History: 100 Years of the Modern Architecture in Slovakia
• Creative Europe Programme no. 2014-2411/001-001: Women’s creativity since Modern Movement (MoMoWo) 

Katarína Fejo, Ľubica Vitková, Katarína Smatanová, Tomáš Hanáček, Viera Joklová

The team focuses on the issue of urban design and planning with emphasis on the principles of sustainability based on: transformation of existing structures, mixed-used and optimized development intensity, efficient operation and the support of the local communities (city of short distances, compact city…). The important part of the team research is the quality of urban fabric and public spaces, which is supported by the identity of the urban fabric and the innovative forms of development that meet the changing requirements of society.

Projects

• DANUrB 2: Projekt Interreg DTP, June 2020- december 2022
• Creative Danube: Innovative Teaching for Inclusive development in Small and Medium Danubian Cities Projekt Erasmus +, KA203, october 2019 – september 2022
• Solar potential of urbanized areas and its use in the concept of Smart City, APVV, 2019 – 2022
• DANUrB – „DANube Urban Brand – a regional network building through tourism and education to strengthen the Danubian identity and solidarity, 2017 – 2019
• Challenges of Contemporary Urban Planning, Projekt Slovak AID – 2016 – 2018
• Interreg Danube Transnational Programme (DTP). DANube Urban Brand /1.1.2017 – 30.6.2019/

Bohumil Kováč, Lucia Štefancová, Karol Görner, Silvia Bašová, Alžbeta Sopirová

The research team specializes in topics in the field of urban design and planning with an emphasis on the conceptual solution of the development of settlements. The focus of its members is therefore broad-spectrum, covering all urban dimensions (public space, zone, settlement, region) as well as types of settlement structures (cities, towns, suburban areas, rural settlements). The research area of the team includes the issue of urbanity and the composition of the city, methods of approaches in the design of new public spaces, or the topic of mitigating negative impacts in the urban environment.  The research group, based on long-term cooperation, connects the educational process and practice and creates opportunities for verifying the vision of students to public perception.

Projects

• National project: Support for universal design – 00397 687 (2020 – 2023)
• APVV-18-0044 (2019 – 2022): Solar potential of urbanized areas and its use in the Smart City concept
• APVV SK-PL-2018-0022 (2019 – 2020): The concept of „liveability“ in the context of small towns
• KEGA 016STU-4/2017 – 2020: Interdisciplinary approach to the protection of cultural and natural heritage
• APVV – Bilateral cooperation: The concept of „liveability“ in the context of small towns, 1.1.2019 – 31.12.2020
• APVV. Solar potential of urbanized areas and its use in the concept of Smart City (APVV-18-0044) /18.3.2019 – present /

Katarína Kristiánová, Eva Putrová, Katarína Gécová

Research at the Centre of Landscape Architecture is dedicated to the long-term issues of landscape architecture and landscape planning achieving the aims of sustainable development, topics of green infrastructure, management of urban green space, aspects of livability and use of nature-based solutions, preservation of values of cultural and natural landscapes, and the issues of rural settlements and rural landscapes. Great focus is put on the investigation of various theoretical and design aspects of planning urban public spaces, reflecting the city users‘ needs and promoting well being, good health, sustainable use of resources, and provision of ecosystem services, within economic, cultural, and political development. The Centre collaborates with the European Council of Landscape Architecture Schools (ECLAS) and LE:NOTRE Institute.

Projects

• CA17133 – Implementing nature based solutions for creating a resourceful circular city, 2018 – 2022
• CA18204 – Dynamics of placemaking and digitization in European cities 2019 – 2023
• APVV SK-PL-18-0022 LIVA – The concept of livability in the context of small towns, 2019 – 2020
• VEGA 1/0371/18 SakralArch 2019-2020
• TU1204 – People Friendly Cities in a Data Rich World 2013 – 2017
• FP1204 – Green Infrastructure approach: linking environmental with social aspects in studying and managing urban forests 2013 – 2017

Veronika Kotradyová, Ivan Petelen, Andrea Urlandová 

The BCD Lab research group is focused on a body conscious design – relationship between human and its environment. Its members are experts in a field of design, architecture, ergonomics, neuroergonomics, social sciences and medicine providing specialised training, lectures, seminars, conferences and workshops. It focuses on human health and the relationship between civilization diseases and the design of the built environment. It explores human responses to the built environment and its elements and focuses on emerging conscious design choices. Other activities are oriented on experimental product design, prototyping and testing. 

Projects

• APVV 16-0567: IDENTITA.SK – common platform for design, architecture and social sciences.
• EHP – projekt – SK06-IV-02-004: Experimental Wooden Climatic Chamber.
• APVV-0594-12: Human-wood interaction – humanization potential of wood in the interior.
• APVV-0469-11: Interior design as a means of disease prevention and treatment.
• SAMMRS / 2009/09/02: Professional seminars in Afghanistan.
• APVV-0278-07: Principles of home furniture design – how to sit and work, rest and sleep healthily and correctly.

Lea Rollová, Zuzana Čerešňová, Danica Končeková, Pavol Korček, Pavel Nahálka, Alexander Schleicher, Natália Bošková Filová, Michal Kacej

The CEDA research group is focused on human-centered design methods (e.g. Universal Design, Inclusive Design, Design for All, and People-Friendly Design) to create an inclusive environment that accepts human diversity and respects people’s individual characteristics also in terms of their psychological and social needs. The research exploits knowledge from the field of neuroscience and environmental psychology to observe and evaluate sensory and emotional responses of people in interaction with the built environment. CEDA provides accessibility audits of the built environment, surveys of user satisfaction with the environment (POE), consultations, expertise, and project documentation.

The CEDA research group is active members of organizations:

• EIDD (European Institute for Design and Disability) – Design for All Europe
• Academic network DfA Acanet
• European Accessibility Resource Center AccessibleEU

Projects

• EDIDesk – Open Access Contents on Design for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion for Higher Education Programmes. Erasmus+ Programme, KA220-HED (2023-2026)
• DESIRE – DESIgn for all methods to cREate age-friendly housing. Erasmus+ Programme, KA2: Strategic Partnerships (2020-2022) 
• National project: Deinstitutionalisation of social care facilities – support of transformation teams, European Social Fund (2018-2023) 
• National project: Support for universal design (2020 – 2023)
• UNIALL – Accessibility of Higher Education for Students with Special Needs. Erasmus+ Programme, KA2: Strategic Partnerships (2015-2018) 
• Design for All of the Built-Environment Focused on Inclusion of People with Disabilities in Education and Work Process. Scientific Grant VEGA (2011-2014)    

Michala Lipková, Peter Paliatka, Martin Baláž, Peter Olah

The research group focuses on the global technological, social and infrastructural trends in the field of mobility. Through complex speculative design projects the lab challenges the role of an automobile and its possible transformation into a new living and working environment. New technologies, such as virtual reality enable better prototyping and user testing to gain and verify the best user experience. The goal of the laboratory is to contribute to human-centered research in the field of in-car HMI, automotive interior design, mobility services, alternative means of transport and wearable electronics. Equipped with a modular mixed reality seatbox, the lab enables dynamic car interior simulation and testing of different mobility scenarios.

Projects

• ongoing long-lasting cooperation with companies: Volkswagen AG., Škoda Auto a.s., Matador Holding, a.s., Gravity Sketch, Ltd., Moor Design
• State program: Flowers for Slovakia – Pass it on Tour 2016 – Berlin. 01/04/2016 – 31/08/2016
• APVV: IDENTITY. SK – common platform for design, architecture and social sciences (APVV-16-0567) /1.7.2017 – 30.11.2020), approved
• Other domestic 2015vu077: Flowers for Slovakia III. 01/09/2015 – 31/12/2016
• Other International: Predicting Research Trends in Mobility Digitization. 1/1/2015 – 12/31/2015
• State program: dizajnerskakresba.sk – designzeichnung.de. 3/1/2016 – 12/31/2016

Zuzana Turlíková, Branislav Jelenčík, Tibor Antony, Marián Králik, Peter Humaj

Creativity, human-centered approach, critical thinking and complex problem-solving are key job skills in upcoming Industry 4.0. Design thinking embraces, offers and cultivates these strategic capabilities of the future. The research group focuses on enhancing the design process and focuses on implementing creative thinking principles as key methods and tools in the design process. The research group further examines also different design methodologies and new prototyping technologies, compares them and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork as key elements for innovation. With the broad expertise of its researchers with diverse yet complimentary backgrounds, the research team also predicts and anticipates society and world’s changes. Considering and evaluating the new learnings, it includes them into the design process reflecting the ongoing changes in the role of a designer in today’s society.

Projects

• Erasmus+ KA220-HED: CT.uni: Creative Thinking – Taking an Innovative and STEAM Approach for a Transdisciplinary University (1/5/2022 – 1/5/2025), approved. For more info about the project, click here.
• KEGA: Support of high quality education in an interdisciplinary environment by using modern didactic methodology and techniques, 2021 – 2023
• Many research projects are realized with private sector/authorities: Vectary Inc., Pontis foundation, Seesame s.r.o., Polytrade CE, Kodreta s.r.o., Benjamin button, s.r.o., e-Sense Slovakia, s.r.o., OMS, spol. s r.o., UNICEF
• Slovak Arts Council, Ministry of Culture of SR, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of SR, Visegrad Fund, OPENMAKER program, European Commission,
• VEGA: Research of progressive methods and means in production automation. 01/01/2013 – 31/12/2016
• KEGA: Introduction of progressive training methods for production systems focused on automotive production. 1.12017 – 31.12.2018
• Bilateral cooperation – SR – Austria: Improving the quality of production in selected applications. 01/01/2016 – 31/12/2017

Michal Brašeň, Paulína Ebringerová

The research group focuses on monitoring current trends in the field of graphic- and communication design as well as new media. The right use of colours, typography, text, photography and multi-media create complex pictures in overall presentation of product, service or of a designer himself. Design supported by robust marketing strategies and PR makes it a strategic business tool today.

Projects

• Interreg Danube Transnational Programme (DTP). DANube Urban Brand /1.1.2017 – 30.6.2019/
• domestic project: FreshArt. 2.5.2016 – 1.3.2017

Peter Mazalán, Milan Lukáč, Bohuš Kubinský, Gabriela Gáspárová-Illéšová, Vladimír Petrík, Eva Plotzeková, Michal Šuda, Monika Stacho

The research group focuses on a wide range of artistic practice, especially on the connection of visual arts to architecture. It examines various layers of intermediality in contemporary art and reflects its current trends. It also partially analyzes the influence of art in the field of architecture from the perspective of other sciences.

Projects

• Slovak Arts Council, Ministry of Culture of SR, Tatra banka foundation, BRDS – The Bratislava Self-Governing Region, EEA and Norway Grants
• KEGA Interdisciplinary approach to the protection of cultural and natural heritage, 1/1/2017 – 31/12/2019
• Other international: Flowers for Slovakia. 1/1/2009 – 12/31/2011
• Another domestic: Deposit of memories. 02/02/2017 – 31/12/2017
• Level – project for the synagogue in Lučenec. 01/01/2016 – 01/03/2017