“The roof garden overlooking Thaly Kálmán street is one of the secret places of the Basic Medical Science Centre (EOK) that is known to almost nobody, as it is an operational area, where strangers are not allowed.”, said Natália Sándor, event organizer of the Basic Medical Science Centre and the Nagyvárad Theoretical Building.
Whenever she would like to spend some time in tranquillity, she comes up here to admire the view and get some fresh air. One of the most intriguing features of the roof garden is that the floor is covered by a thin layer of soil, which is planted with vegetation that tolerate draught, wind and cold. This garden requires very little care: shortly after planting nature basically takes over because the plants grow in a sustainable way and do not need watering.
“This setup does not exert extra force on the roof but provides a large green area, which is also significantly cooler in the summer compared to a concrete rooftop. In the spring, it is fantastic to see the blooming flowers, including euphorbia, blue fescue, sedum, succulents and some blooming grasses.”, she said.
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Natalia Sándor has been working as an event organizer at EOK for ten years, therefore she knows all its hidden corners. When she started working here, there were only one or two events held a year, but since then it has grown into a small event centre catering to different needs, which is rare in Budapest. They can meet the needs of smaller events and even more specialized, niche projects. In addition to the university’s and external events, EOK has its own programmes, which are in part organized by the students.
“I love being part of the life of EOK as it is always full of life, busy with happenings and challenges come in my way all the time, which I find motivating.”, she said.
EOK is also a popular venue for filmmakers, the most special events are advertisement shootings. Still, her favourite programmes are those of the Association of Friends of Semmelweis University, who are deeply committed to Semmelweis University as their alma mater, workplace and inspirational environment.
Bernadett Bódi
Photo: Attila Kovács – Semmelweis University
Translation: Ágnes Raubinek
In our article series entitled “My University”, we ask university citizens to show their favorite university location. These articles are a part of the celebration of Semmelweis University’s 250th anniversary year, which can be viewed on the University’s anniversary website.
