Extensions to the main building of Lviv Polytechnic at the beginning of the XX century

The article deals with the problem of building up the educational premises of Lviv Polytechnic National University (official name at the time - Imperial Royal Higher Technical School in Lviv) in the early 20th century. The attention is drawn to the reasons that determined the necessity to extend the educational space for the institution, given its development and increased social significance. Based on the analysis of archival materials, the author traces the construction process in detail: from the official permit for extension in May 1903 to the implementation of the project. The persons who were engaged in the Building Committee, formed by the Galician governorship, and the sphere of their responsibility are indicated. The way of conducting such works at that time is specified: a sort of tender was held and a contract for execution of works was signed with a winner (a company that offered the lowest price). The particular enterprises, type of work performed (construction, carpentry, metalwork, etc.) and the amount of money paid are indicated. For example, the extension was carried out by Alfred Kamenobrodsky's firm, carpentry by Wczelak Brothers, varnishing by Alexander Boyarsky and interior design of six new classrooms by Marcin Prugar and Son. A detailed description of equipment necessary for the newly built premises is given, which allows understanding what the lecture halls of the time looked like. It is pointed out that the construction of wings led to other changes in the arrangement of the territory, in particular, a cobblestone path was finally paved from the main building to the chemistry building located nearby. Based on the studied sources and literature, the author concludes that the extension of the premises of the University in the early 20th century was extremely necessary. The addition of two so-called «wings» to the main building, however, did not solve the problem of lack of classroom space, because some of the units were still in rented premises and the professors constantly asked for the construction of new buildings for the needs of Lviv Polytechnic.