The final renovation of the Film Discussion Club room, interdisciplinary eye-tracking workshops and the design-phase works on the bicycle centre at Wrocław University of Science and Technology – the awarded ideas in the Polytechnica Nova competition are getting closer and closer to completion.

The cinema due to be open in October

The restoration of the historic cinema hall of the "Politechnika" Film Discussion Club, located in the main building of our university, is coming to an end. In the Polytechnica Nova competition, the project submitted by Wojciech Wodo, Ph.D. from our Faculty was awarded a distinction in the "University Social Responsibility" category and was allowed to be implemented.

The Film Discussion Club, founded by Andrzej Ostoja-Solecki, has been operating at our University for 60 years. During that period, thousands of students interested in good films passed through room 329 in the A-1 building. The club organizes film screenings and reviews, as well as many other cultural events. However, the hall required renovation and adaptation to new technological solutions.

“Thanks to funding from the Polytechnica Nova project, we managed to restore the paint coatings of the ceilings and walls, as well as refresh the wooden panelling. We purchased new audio-video equipment, replaced the furniture in the projection cabin, and added fabric curtains on the windows,” says Dr. Wojciech Wodo. “You could say that we have restored the full functionality of the room. Although the first classes will be held here at the beginning of the next academic year, we are planning an opening ceremony on 27 October,” he adds.

The renovation works included the cleaning of the floor and the washing of the upholstery on the seats. We also managed to install broadband Internet and connect the projection booth with the podium in order to allow high-quality streaming.
“I would like to emphasize that our goal was not to completely change the appearance of the room. We wanted to maintain its unique character and ensure that it could serve cinema lovers for years to come. As a result of the renovation, the hall can also host theatre performances or mini concerts. That's because the podium can now be easily moved in order to form a small stage,” adds Dr. Wojciech Wodo.

This year, the Film Club celebrates its 60th anniversary, so in addition to the grand opening, several special events are planned. In October, our University will be visited by the Indian director Subrata Sen, who made his films at Wrocław University of Science and Technology, and in December, film lovers will be treated to a 35-mm film screening on vintage projectors.

Eye-tracking in teaching

Starting on Monday, 20 people from six faculties at Wrocław University of Science and Technology (Architecture, Civil Engineering, Chemistry, Information and Computer Technology, Management, and Fundamental Problems of Technology), as well as from the Academy of Fine Arts and the University of Wrocław are taking part in the interdisciplinary eye-tracking workshop named "Looking at Ostrów Tumski." They are part of the LET'S GO project, which won in the "Development of Didactic Facilities" category of the Polytechnica Nova competition and assumes the construction of a laboratory which uses biometric tools (eye trackers) to improve the teaching process at Wrocław University of Science and Technology. Its leader is Marta Rusna, Ph.D. from the Faculty of Architecture.

 – The participants have to perform two eye-tracking tests: a panorama of Ostrów Tumski with the Alumnat and the impact of the mural presenting pope John Paul II and the symbols of "WKS Śląsk" on the perception of the cathedral. Finally, they will prepare and present conclusions from their research,” says Dr. Marta Rusnak.

Everyone is using equipment purchased from the budget of the Polytechnica Nova competition. “We acquired three types of eye trackers (stationary, mobile and VR) along with software, computers, optometric equipment, a multimedia board and furniture” says Dr. Rusnak. “The first research carried out in the LunAres analogue space station is already behind us.

The room in the renovated C-7 building, which will house the laboratory, is being adapted to the needs of the project. “Acoustic doors are being built, the electrical installation is being modified (sockets, lighting), and blackout blinds are being installed’” says Dr. Marta Rusnak. She adds that the work is expected to last about ten more weeks.

Facilities for cyclists

In the "University Social Responsibility" category, the winner project was Expansion of bicycle infrastructure at Wrocław University of Science and Technology. Its objective is, among others, to build a modern bicycle centre and safe and comfortable bicycle parking infrastructure.

Currently, the project leaders, together with the Investment and Renovation Department, have already carried out a detailed inventory of all bicycle stands located on the university campus. After counting all the available places, they selected locations for new, additional stands. They also plan to replace non-functional stands with new ones. As a result, there will be several hundred new bike stands at our university.

 
“We have also developed a preliminary concept for the bicycle centre. Its planned location is in the area between building C-7 and the Student Culture Zone. The spatial and functional scheme assumes that the centre will have fully equipped bicycle repair stations, a cafe, as well as locker rooms and showers. Currently, together with the Investment and Renovation Department, we are working on the documentation to announce a tender for the design of the centre,” says Prof. Grzegorz Soboń from the Faculty of Electronics, Photonics and Microsystems, co-author of the project.