Within the framework of the KEHOP project, the facade of the János Balassa Dormitory of Semmelweis University was renovated, and thanks to the modernization of the energy infrastructure, the windows and insulation of the building were also replaced. Developments will continue in this building and also at the Lajos Markusovszky Dormitory of the university.
After the recent establishment of spaces available for students at the Nagyvárad Tér Theoretical Building, the Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, and the External Clinical Block, we also welcome the developments of János Balassa Dormitory”
– said Félix Takács, Vice-President of Semmelweis University Students’ Union. As he pointed out, the building meets the expectations that a 21st century, prestigious medical-health sciences university may hold towards its dormitories.
Within the framework of the KEHOP project, the facade of the János Balassa Dormitory of Semmelweis University located on Tömő utca was renovated, and thanks to the modernization of the energy infrastructure, the windows and insulation of the building were also replaced. Thus the first stage of the investment has been completed, and the Lajos Markusovszky Dormitory of the university will soon be renewed in a similar way.
In addition to the primary focus on the modernization of energy infrastructure, the Balassa Dormitory is also undergoing further renovation works: on the ground floor, the entire ceiling has been rebuilt, increasing the aesthetics of the space and further ensuring compliance with safety regulations. The parquet on the first two floors have been restored and the renovation of the rooms and other floors is still ongoing. The investments are ensured by the dormitory from its own resources.
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Energy modernization of eight high-capacity facilities may take place within the framework of the KEHOP-5.2.4-15-2016-00004 Energy Modernization at Semmelweis University on Multiple Locations Project. The program was launched in 2016, and in 2017 the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery was the first building to be renovated. In the past year, the investment was completed at three more locations: János Balassa Dormitory, the 1st Department of Pediatrics and the building of the Faculty of Health and Public Administration located at Ferenc tér 15. The renovation works are ongoing at five more locations: the Department of Neurology, the 2nd Department of Pediatrics, the Tömő Street Clinical Block and the Lajos Markusovszky Dormitory.
Semmelweis University Students’ Union has previously conducted a survey among those living in the dormitory about what other developments they would need in addition to the fundamental infrastructural changes. As a result, the development of the WIFI system of Balassa and Markusovszky Dormitories began, and sofas were placed in both buildings to further improve the community life in the student spaces. The renovation of the gyms located at the dormitories is still ongoing, which is supported by the Health Development Center. Other plans include landscaping the dormitory gardens, creating the possibility of selective waste collection and composting, and expanding the external student spaces.
Dr. Béla Merkely, Rector emphasized during the building tour that the developments fit well with the initiatives of the university’s Green University Program and Family-Friendly University Program, and also serve the institution’s goals to increase student spaces and establish close cooperation between the institution’s management and students.
I am grateful for our students for their involvement in the fight against coronavirus with exemplary activity”
– said Dr. Béla Merkely. He also highlighted that their work was of great help to clinics and hospitals. As the Rector pointed out, after receiving such support from the students, it is especially a good feeling to provide students with developments such as the current dormitory renovation.
“This building was handed over almost 40 years ago. I am in a fortunate situation, because I had the opportunity to attend that ceremony as well as a student representative”, recalled Dr. Ferenc Godó, Director of the Directorate of Dormitories.
He pointed out that the current investment is particularly important because it shows that the dormitories of Semmelweis University are being developed and renewed.
Ádám Szabó
Photo: Attila Kovács – Semmelweis University
Translation: Katalin Illés-Romhányi
