Construction of a new campus for the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Faculty of Charles University in Hradec Kralove is now underway. Designed by Bogle Architects, the campus, named MEPHARED II, will provide space for advanced research and development in the areas of medicine, pharmaceutical and other biomedical sciences, while also contributing to the provision of high-quality medical care to patients in the Czech Republic.
Construction works have started on this first-of-its-kind educational centre in the Czech Republic, integrating education, research, and development for the faculties. MEPHARED II will also foster direct connections with clinical practice at the Faculty Hospital of Hradec Kralove and the Faculty of Military Medicine of the Defense University, whose students study at Charles University’s Medical and Pharmaceutical Faculties.
Covering over 69,000m2 with capacity for up to 3,600 students, MEPHARED II will create contemporary spaces designed to boost scientific excellence as well as inter-disciplinary cooperation. Spaces for teaching, research and administration will take account of the latest thinking in the design of functional study and research environments.
“In our work with Charles University for the MEPHARED II project, we are answering many of the biggest priorities of university students and staff,” said Viktorie Soucek from Bogle Architects. “We have designed a vibrant sequence of contemporary spaces, with increased interior daylight offering a sense of wellbeing throughout the building, both in teaching areas and elsewhere. Landscaping is also being implemented to enhance the project’s harmonious relationship with nature.”
Bogle Architects’ design for MEPHARED II corresponds with the wishes of students and staff revealed in a recent survey among a representative sample of 140 respondents who said existing Czech university spaces do not meet 21st-century requirements. Respondents suggested that the brief to designers of such buildings did not take users’ needs into account and claimed that unsuitable working environments make a significant impact on their productivity.
“MEPHARED II will help transform our teaching, research and development capabilities,” said Professor Jiri Mandak, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove. “Teaching in some academic subjects at our faculties is very closely interrelated, and this development will provide us with space to further interconnect our activities, both organisationally and spatially. This will lead to better results and even greater successes for students, teachers, researchers, and administrative staff.”
With construction on site now underway, MEPHARED II is expected to be completed and ready for use in the second quarter of 2026.
Image provided by Best Communications.
