The unique Karolinum complex, with its Gothic core, acquired a Baroque appearance in the 18th century through its reconstruction by F. M. Kaňka. Yet the seat of the Charles University was given its current form by the architect and professor of the Academy of Fine Arts, Jaroslav Fragner. Fragner preserved all the architecturally valuable elements while creating new spaces to meet the operational needs of a modern university. The reconstruction, delayed by World War II, affected not only the historic Karolinum building but also other structures in the Karolinum block. During the restoration from 1946 to 1950, the main hall (aula) was extended by about one-third, and tribunes and chairs were added for the academic court. The most demanding phase of the reconstruction was completed at the end of the 1950s with the restoration of the courtyard to its original Gothic appearance, featuring brick arcades and a gallery. The entrance to the rectorate facing Ovocný trh (Fruit Market) was built between 1963 and 1968 according to Fragner’s design. The restoration of the Karolinum complex stands as the culmination of Fragner’s work and one of the most significant achievements in 20th-century Czech architecture. Jaroslav Fragner: Reconstruction and extension of the Karolinum in Prague, 1945–1968 Ovocný trh 3, Praha 1 – Staré Město Fragner’s appointment as a professor of architecture at the Prague Academy of Fine Arts in 1945, succeeding the late Josef Gočár, opened his path to prestigious state commissions. The first of these was the reconstruction of the Karolinum, a highly esteemed but extremely challenging task, which he approached with “poetic vision”. He took over the large complex of buildings not only in a dilapidated state but also altered by architect Josef Zasche’s interventions during the last years of the war. The fact that the foundation walls had already been secured and the ground floor and part of the cloister had suffered from insensitive changes led Fragner to leave the remaining spaces in their existing condition. He cleared away unnecessary additions based on a method of analytical monument restoration, which “aligned with his concept of tradition as a chain of modern achievements across different historical styles, all of equal value”. Fragner carefully restored the Gothic, Baroque and other valued elements, subtly blending them with contemporary details and shapes inspired by Scandinavian design, evoking the historical era while simultaneously representing the present. This is most evident in the ceremonial interiors of the first floor, culminating in the imposing Great Hall (Velká aula) with a fascinating ceiling. While this wooden velum, shaped like a sine wave, primarily serves an aesthetic and symbolic purpose – visually dividing the space into an auditorium and a ceremonial area – Fragner also brilliantly addressed acoustic challenges with the new reinforced concrete ceiling. The canopy above the ceremonial area is adorned with silver symbols of the Czech Crown Lands from the time of Charles IV, created by Jan Lauda, and is set apart from the side walls to allow indirect light to filter through gaps. The light sources were integrated into Zasche’s structure, which also supports the central chandeliers, doubling as heating elements and sound equipment. Parallel to the Karolinum restoration, whose first phase was concluded in 1950, Fragner worked on another project tied to the university: the reconstruction of the Bethlehem Chapel, or more precisely the building of a reminiscence thereof, including its preaching houses. This was an even more challenging task of national importance, encumbered by the chapel’s virtual non-existence and the absence of records about its original appearance. Jaroslav Fragner (1898—1967) Fragner studied architecture and civil engineering at the Czech Technical University (ČVUT) in Prague (1917–1922), but he didn’t complete his studies due to disagreements with Professor Antonín Engel. After briefly working at Karel Honzík’s studio, he established himself as an independent architect in 1922. He finally earned his degree in 1935 in Josef Gočár’s master class at the Academy of Fine Arts. Fragner was a member of the Purist Four, the Devětsil Artistic Association (later the Devětsil Union of Modern Culture) and the Mánes Union of Fine Artists, which he chaired from 1940 to 1956. He also represented its architectural section in the revived Progressive Architects’ Bloc (BAPS). In 1945, he was appointed professor of architecture at the Academy of Fine Arts, serving as its rector from 1954 to 1958. Between 1953 and 1956, he chaired the Union of Czechoslovak Architects. He was a recipient of the State Prize, the Order of Labour and the title of National Artist. Excerpted from the book Architecture 58–89 Publication concept, editor, author of discussions: Vladimir 518