Semmelweis University Advances Pharmaceutical Research

Semmelweis University’s comprehensive development project, the Hőgyes-Schöpf-Merei project, aims to modernise and expand the teaching, research and drug supply capacities of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

It is planned that the new pharmaceutical production unit of the university will be able to meet the infusion needs of the entire institution. The project involves the reconstruction and extension of two blocks of buildings in the city centre of Budapest, which will be used for teaching, research and pharmaceutical production We are pleased to present the project, led by TSPC Group, following the receipt of the building permit. The first phase of construction is planned to focus on the Bakáts square block.

The two blocks

The modernisation of the two blocks in a densely built inner-city environment required careful planning. The project will focus mainly on reconstruction, however, the architects have decided to demolish certain poorly located buildings that are of lesser value.

Hőgyes Endre street block

The block on Hőgyes Endre street is used as an educational centre, where pharmacists are currently being trained. The location of the building is of urban conservation importance, as it is close to the Museum of Applied Arts. The existing building of Hőgyes Endre street 5 will be extended by 2 additional storeys, which will create a uniform street ledge height. The new wing, located behind the street wing, will be equipped with a modern clean room system for the pharmaceutical production, including appropriate mechanical and ventilation systems.

In order to serve the teaching and research needs of the university, a renewed infrastructure and a range of modern equipment will serve the development of the university.

Building „A” houses the lecture hall with a raised grandstand system, where the wooden student space will be retained and refurbished. In addition, a new lecture hall will be built in building „B”, which will be modern and reminiscent of the original hall, and will also house researchers; in building “E”, 60-80 m² of research laboratories will be created for pharmaceutical research.

Bakáts square block

The second block, accessible from Bakáts square, is a historic palace building with a large inner courtyard. During its long history the building has been home to health and social institutions but is currently disused and in a state of disrepair. Through the Pharmacist training, it can indirectly serve the health sector again, as the project will involve a complete renovation of the building, with particular attention to the restoration of the facades, which are of great urban value.

Missing elements will be restored, such as the clock tower in the rear wing, which will be reconstructed according to the original plans, restoring its original form and tower roof.

In addition to the reconstruction of the building’s courtyard and gardens, modern elements will be incorporated to ensure that the building can adequately serve the educational and research needs of the modern age, but a contemporary furniture installation will be placed in the period wing of the building, which will also be open to the public. The historic symmetrical wings of the Bakáts Square block – Buildings “I” and “J” – will house institutional offices. Building “M” will also be renovated and converted, also for educational purposes, with the creation of institute offices and seminar rooms. Building “L” will also house student skill labs, which will allow groups of 20 students to study in modern conditions.

External features and use of materials

The exterior of the new buildings will be finished in a brick-red textured plaster, in harmony with the façades of the original buildings. The new façades will feature plaster decorations and unique shading elements. The historic façades will retain their original appearance, restoring their original colouring. The use of materials on the façades and the courtyard will be reserved: glass, plaster and steel will be dominant.

The new pharmaceutical manufacturing building of the University Pharmacy will have a glass façade that reflects the contours of the historic buildings next to it, creating a harmony between modern and historic elements.

An enclosed suspended corridor will also be reconstructed on the historic building. The modern façades will be decorated with vertical running greenery, a reference to the environmental design tools used.

Scheduling of the project

The Hőgyes-Schöpf-Merei project will be implemented in several phases. The first phase, covering the Bakáts Square block, will start in 2025.

The next phases will focus on the construction of additional buildings and the integration of the entire area, ensuring a high level of service for Semmelweis University’s teaching, research and pharmaceutical manufacturing activities, and future innovation opportunities.

CREDITS

General Designer: TSPC Kft.

Responsible Architect: Mihály Kádár, Zsolt Bánhegyi, Könözsi Szilvia TSPC Kft.

Architect coordinator: Éva Vezér-Vereb TSPC Kft.

Architectural designers: Zoltán Écsi, Orsolya Fehér, Attila Fekete TSPC Kft.

Architect colleagues: Márton Bán, Mónika Fenyvesvölgyi, Balázs Gergó, Annamária Ozsváth-Klenik, Bence Seszták, Tünde Zahari,

BIM: Károly Bélafi, Anna Izrael TSPC BIM Kft.

Laboratory technology: Gábor Finta, János Kerese Health Design Workshop

Support structure designer: Jancsó László TSPC Engineering Kft., Kepe Gábor MIV Mérnökiroda Kft.

Civil engineering designer: Ament András AA4 Mérnökiroda Kft.

Interior design: Zsuzsanna B. Tóth, Lilla Boróka Koch, Simon Orsolya FORMICONCEPT and Zsófia Kovács-Szarka, Zurai Lilla, Csűri Johanna, Holics Tamás, D. Kis Péter TSPC Kft.

Building engineering: Tamás Vörös, József Szedlacsek Perfect-Plan Kft.

Technological engineering, Automation: Gábor Dravecz, Mihályi Szabolcs DRGB Mérnöki Iroda Kft.

Fire protection designer: Bálint Molnár, István Bihari Long TSPC Kft.

Building structures: Nagy Károly Épszerkinfo Kft.

Building electricity: Radics Richárd, Attila Tóth TSPC Energy Kft.

Infrastructure planning: Ákos Szova, Zsuzsanna Vrana TSPC Mérnökiroda Kft.

Environmental protection: Sándor Péter Zöldszem Bt.