Although the history of this building has survived only sparsely (in books and on the Internet), some data have been passed down orally. For example, we know that the building of today’s Faculty, in addition to the sanatorium, used to be a centre for children with developmental disorders. Children who had no other options for health, psychological or family reasons stayed here and were educated. Besides them, some children from the surrounding area also attended school here. The centre was completely self-sufficient, i.e., certain food was grown by the centre itself and the food was prepared on site.
The old iron carousel, which is in the Faculty courtyard, also points to this time. The carousel dates from the time before the centre of the Faculty was moved from Opatija to Ika. To this day, the carousel reminds us of another function and role the building had at that time. From all this data it is evident that the building of the present Faculty has had various uses and, in terms of historical changes, has been used for a wide range of needs – from the former sanatorium, i.e. spa, to the orphanage and the centre for children with developmental disorders, to the present day, when an internationally recognised educational institution is located here.
FUN FACT: Today, the Carousel is used by students as a place to relax before and after exams, harking back to places that remind them of their childhood, such as playgrounds or amusement parks – this memory works to release the hormone serotonin, which helps concentration and calms the mind.
