Semmelweis University’s timeless buildings are about to get a high-tech makeover – PICTURES!

Semmelweis University is set to undergo a transformative journey, combining the preservation of its historic city-centre buildings with state-of-the-art infrastructure to support education, research and healthcare. This ambitious project respects the architectural heritage of iconic sites while integrating cutting-edge facilities, ensuring that tradition becomes the foundation for future innovation.

Semmelweis University: modernisation strategy

According to Magyar Építők, the development of the two iconic city centre blocks of Semmelweis University will serve education, research and healthcare. The project aims to preserve the urban significance of the Semmelweis University buildings while providing modern infrastructure and the designers have paid particular attention to preserving the historic facades and restoring their original appearance, including the restoration of their colour scheme. The development is part of the Hőgyes-Schöpf-Merei Medical Research Centre, which has now received planning permission and is part of Semmelweis University’s overall modernisation strategy.

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New possibilities and reconstruction

The renovations are not just about improving the condition of the buildings, but also bringing new functions to life. The increased capacity of the Faculty of Pharmacy will enable the University to meet its own infusion needs and thus contribute more directly to health services. For both blocks, the investment will improve the conditions for teaching and research activities, as well as expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

Due to the densely built-up inner-city environment, the project required particularly careful preparation. The WHB Group’s design team emphasised that the focus of the refurbishment was mainly on the reconstruction of existing buildings. Neglected properties of lesser value will be demolished and replaced by new, modern buildings. The conversion will increase the total floor area of the site to 20,679 square metres and the gross floor area to 26,745 square metres.

One of the priority sites is the block on Endre Hőgyes Street, which is already a training centre for pharmacists. Two additional storeys will be added to the building, allowing the designers to create a uniform cornice height on the street frontage. The interior of the building will also be renovated to provide modern teaching facilities and research laboratories.

The second site is the historic palace and courtyard building located near Bakats Square. The property has served many health and social functions throughout its long history, but is currently in a state of neglect. It will be completely renovated and returned to the health sector. In addition to the restoration of the original façade elements and decorations, the building will also feature a reconstruction of the clock tower in the rear wing, which will be restored to its original tower and form.

The exterior of the new parts of the building will have a brick red textured render to match the historic buildings. The facades will be enhanced by plastic plaster ornamentation and modern glazing, while unique shading elements will provide contemporary functionality. The facades of the original buildings will retain their patina and be restored to their original colours, paying homage to the past.

The Semmelweis development: tradition meets innovation

The project will be carried out in several phases. The first phase will involve the renovation of the Bakats Square block, followed by the reconstruction of other buildings and the integration of the whole area. The aim is to provide a world-class infrastructure for the full spectrum of Semmelweis University’s teaching, research and pharmaceutical manufacturing activities, while opening up future opportunities for innovation.

The development of Semmelweis University is an exemplary project that combines the preservation of historical values with the creation of modern functions. The modernisation of the city centre blocks will not only contribute to the development of university education and research but will also enrich the urban landscape. This type of investment shows how respect for the values of the past can become the basis for innovation in the future.

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