The University of Trenčín inaugurated the Creative Centre FabLab, which was established within the framework of the call of the Ministry of Culture for the mobilization of creative potential in the regions. Specifically, it is about the creation of craft workshops for budding entrepreneurs, tradesmen, craftsmen and, last but not least, students. “The intention of establishing the Creative Centre in the conditions of the university is to multiply the potential for cutting-edge studies, technologies, innovations and to create an environment that motivates students and graduates to entrepreneurial skills, develops talent and creativity,” said the Rector of Trenčianska University Jozef Habánik.
The Creative Centre is located in the Faculty of Special Technology, which has suitable facilities, instrumentation and laboratories. In the area of about 850 m² there are five craft workshops, spaces for supporting creative work as a front office, a day café and lecture rooms, an exhibition space and a gallery of craft and art products, as well as a relaxation zone and coworking spaces. The project also counts on using the potential of the study programmes of the Faculty of Industrial Technologies in the field of textile technology, design, design and material engineering, which are directly linked to the cultural and creative industry.
The proposed programme of open craft workshops enables the availability of the Creative Centre not only for students and researchers of the University, but also for a wide group of recipients, such as entrepreneurs, students of secondary vocational schools in the Trenčín region or individuals. The Centre has created 20 new jobs and envisages opportunities for 130 individuals to benefit from all the services provided.
The total amount of expenditure was planned at 4.29 million. EUR, while the amount of EUR 2.92 million has been allocated for the technology in the craft workshops alone. EUR, for reconstruction and construction works 340 thous. EUR. The co-financing of the University amounted to 214 thous. EUR.
More than 100 devices are installed in the Creative Centre in five craft workshops. “For example, in the welding and locksmith’s workshop there is a sandblasting and washing box for perfect cleaning of materials before welding or coating, a sheet metal bending machine or equipment for cutting and shaping of metal sheets,” explained the rector Jozef Habánik. In the shared workshops there is also technological equipment for measuring the hardness of materials, a large format printer, 3D modern printers for metal, plastic and composite materials, a scanner for spatial scanning, a digital altimeter, various CNC devices, as well as a potter’s wheel and kiln and many others.
The entire surroundings of the Creative Centre were also transformed as part of the Green Revitalisation of the University Campus project, which aimed to improve the quality of the environment. As part of the investment 491 ths. EUR measures were implemented to reduce noise and dust, rainwater retention measures, trees and hedgerows were planted.
