In the fall, a private university of architecture will open in Prague

Prague - In the autumn, the first private university of architecture will open in Prague. The institution, named Architectural Institute in Prague (ARCHIP), will offer bachelor's degree studies in architecture, taught entirely in English. The new school will be located in the premises of the Veletržní Palace, which also houses the National Gallery. The school's rector, Regina Loukotová, informed journalists today. Interested applicants can submit their applications until June, but they must prepare 90,000 crowns for one semester of study.
    "The teaching concept is based on the integration of architecture and other fields, and also focuses on previously neglected areas such as landscape architecture, urbanism, the shaping of public space, and heritage conservation," Loukotová stated. Historical Prague could attract students from abroad, which the new school heavily relies on.
    The school only received state approval this week, so applications will be accepted until June 21. Unlike other architecture schools, it does not require a mathematics and geometry test for admission. According to Loukotová, they profile themselves more as an art school than a technical one, and they hope to offer a master's program in the future. Applicants only need to submit a motivation letter and a digital portfolio of their work, such as photographs or drawings. From these, a professional committee will select 60 to 80 of the best candidates for the first year.
    Architecture can be studied at five other schools in the Czech Republic, located in Prague, Brno, Ostrava, and Liberec. The College of Horticulture in Lednice also specializes in garden and landscape architecture. Entrance exams often consist of three rounds, where candidates must demonstrate knowledge in mathematics, geometry, as well as artistic talent and general knowledge. Nevertheless, there is enormous interest in studying architecture every year.
    ARCHIP will be the most expensive private school in the Czech Republic with a fee of 90,000 crowns per semester. "We are an exclusive school," Loukotová commented, noting that teaching architecture is financially demanding and that they want to pay high-quality teachers well, including those from abroad.
    The education will reportedly be strongly connected with practical experience, and graduates can find employment as experts in landscape creation, managers in architectural studios, or in heritage conservation departments at offices.