The University of Extremadura is set to welcome students of Medicine, Nursing, and Physiotherapy to its state-of-the-art new faculty building in Badajoz. The move, which began in September 2023, is expected to conclude by January 31 or February 1, just in time for the start of the second semester. The new facility,which spans over 10,000 square meters,promises to revolutionize the academic experience for more than 4,000 students.
The transition involves not just classrooms but also the relocation of furniture from the library, cafeteria, deanery, and clinical simulation area.According to Pedro Fernández, the rector of the University of Extremadura, the goal is to ensure students can occupy the new building seamlessly. “we want to finish the move for students to occupy the new faculty at the beginning of the second semester,” he stated.The new building boasts a modern design with a diaphanous central area and abundant natural light, a stark contrast to the older facility. “This is a much more open building and that has a very diaphanous central area and with a lot of luminosity, something that did not have the current building, which is quite old since it was one of the first that was built on the campus,” Fernández explained.
With an investment of 1.5 million euros from the Board of Extremadura, the building has been fully equipped to meet the demands of contemporary education. It features classrooms tailored for both theoretical and practical teaching, addressing previous space limitations. “I think it will serve to have conditions of study more in line with what students currently claim, as in certain subjects there were space limitations,” Fernández added.
Energy efficiency and accessibility are also key highlights of the new facility. “It is indeed an attractive building that will provide modernity to the university campus,” Fernández concluded.
| Key Features of the New Faculty | Details |
|————————————-|————-|
| Area | 10,000 sqm |
| Capacity | 4,000+ students |
| Investment | 1.5 million euros |
| Completion | 2023 |
| Move Completion | January 31 – February 1, 2025 |
The new faculty building is poised to become a cornerstone of the University of Extremadura, offering students a modern, efficient, and inspiring surroundings for their studies. For more details on the move and the new facility, visit the official announcement.
New Faculty of Medicine Tower Set to Transform Education and Research by 2026
Table of Contents
- New Faculty of Medicine Tower Set to Transform Education and Research by 2026
- A Two-Phase Project with European Funding
- Rector’s Vision for the Future
- Opportunities for New Degrees and Research
- What’s Next for the Old Building?
- Q&A with Pedro Fernández, rector of the University of Extremadura (UEX)
- Q: Can you provide an overview of the plans for the aging Faculty of Medicine building?
- Q: What are the key considerations in repurposing the Faculty of Medicine building?
- Q: Are there plans to wholly occupy the Faculty of Medicine building in the future?
- Q: Beyond the Faculty of Medicine, what other buildings on campus require attention?
- Q: What are the main challenges in modernizing UEX’s campus infrastructure?
- Q: How does the new Faculty of Medicine tower project fit into UEX’s broader vision?
- Q: What can the university community expect in terms of updates on these projects?
- Conclusion
The university of Extremadura (UEX) is embarking on an aspiring project to enhance its Faculty of Medicine with a state-of-the-art nine-storey tower dedicated to research and teaching. The new facility, expected to be completed by the end of 2026, will house advanced laboratories and teaching departments, marking a meaningful milestone in the university’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure.
A Two-Phase Project with European Funding
The project, which has a total budget of 21 million euros, is being financed by European funds. The first phase, which includes the construction of classrooms, has already been completed. Students are currently using the new building for clinical practices, while laboratories remain in the old faculty until the second phase is finalized.
The new tower, costing 8.1 million euros, will occupy 7,589 square meters on the same plot as the existing building. It will be connected to the teaching facility via a covered tunnel,ensuring seamless integration between the two structures.
Rector’s Vision for the Future
The rector of UEX, Fernández, emphasized the importance of completing the second phase promptly. “The budget is already written and approved, and we hope that the work can be initiated shortly,” he said. “I woudl like it to be finished at the beginning of next year to have the new full faculty.”
Once the project is fully realized in 2027, the old building will be vacated, and all operations will shift to the new facility. The classrooms in the new building will accommodate between 130 and 160 students, offering a significant upgrade in capacity and facilities.
Opportunities for New Degrees and Research
Beyond the physical improvements, the new faculty opens the door for UEX to introduce new degree programs. This expansion is expected to attract more students and researchers, further solidifying the university’s reputation as a leader in medical education and innovation.
What’s Next for the Old Building?
While the focus is on the new tower, there are ongoing discussions about the future of the old faculty building. “there are several ideas about what to do with the old building,” the rector noted, though specific plans have yet to be finalized.
Key Highlights of the Project
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Completion Date | End of 2026 |
| Total Budget | 21 million euros |
| Tower Cost | 8.1 million euros |
| Area | 7,589 square meters |
| Classroom Capacity | 130-160 students |
| Funding | european funds |
This transformative project underscores UEX’s dedication to providing cutting-edge education and research opportunities. As the university looks to the future, the new faculty of Medicine tower stands as a testament to its vision and ambition.
For more updates on this project and other developments at UEX, stay tuned to our news section.nThe University of Extremadura (UEX) is at a crossroads regarding the future of its aging Faculty of Medicine building. While the structure will remain in use for a few more years,the university is already exploring potential new roles for this historic campus landmark. Pedro Fernández, the rector of UEX, emphasizes the need for caution and thorough evaluation before making any decisions.
“it was one of the first buildings that was built on the campus and adds 50 years, so before giving another use, a study on the real situation in which the property is and what areas would have to be reinforced or modified, and also what would be the most convenient use for it,” Fernández explains. The building’s age and condition necessitate a detailed assessment to ensure its suitability for future purposes.
The rector does not envision a complete occupation of the faculty building. “If a limited space is needed for some concrete activity, you could think, but as a whole building we have not decided the use that is going to be given,” he says. While the second life of the faculty of Medicine may not necessarily be tied to healthcare, Fernández acknowledges that health and university-related activities are likely candidates, given the proposals already received.Before any new use is authorized, the building must meet safety and functionality standards. “Before authorizing anything we have to know that the building is in perfect conditions of use. Now it is but you would have to do some action to improve it and to update it from the energy point of view,” Fernández notes. Energy efficiency and structural integrity are key considerations in the building’s potential change.
The Faculty of Medicine is not the only aging structure on campus. Other buildings, such as those housing the faculties of science, beliefs, and tourism, also require significant upgrades. Though, the university’s ability to undertake these renovations depends heavily on securing sufficient funding. “We do not know to what extent we will be able to make new buildings in other faculties that are also old such as science, philosophy, tourism… It is indeed not something that depends on the UEX as they are works with very high costs that do not leave the university,” fernández admits.
Key Challenges and Considerations for UEX’s Aging Buildings
| Building | Age | Current Condition | Potential Upgrades |
|———————|———|———————–|————————|
| Faculty of Medicine | 50+ years | Requires structural and energy updates | Health or university-related activities |
| Faculty of Science | 50+ years | needs new facilities | Modernization of labs and classrooms |
| Faculty of Philosophy | 50+ years | Deteriorating infrastructure | Renovation of lecture halls and offices |
| Faculty of tourism | 50+ years | Outdated facilities | Upgrading to meet modern educational standards |
The future of these buildings hinges on the university’s ability to secure the necesary resources. While the Faculty of Medicine’s transformation is a priority, the broader challenge of modernizing UEX’s campus infrastructure remains a pressing concern. As Fernández aptly puts it, “it is indeed not something that depends on the UEX as they are works with very high costs that do not leave the university.”
For now, the university is focused on ensuring that its historic buildings can continue to serve the academic community while exploring enduring and practical solutions for their future. The journey to revitalize UEX’s campus is a testament to the institution’s commitment to preserving its heritage while adapting to the evolving needs of education and research.
Q&A with Pedro Fernández, rector of the University of Extremadura (UEX)
Q: Can you provide an overview of the plans for the aging Faculty of Medicine building?
Pedro Fernández: The Faculty of Medicine building is one of the oldest structures on our campus, having been constructed over 50 years ago. While it will remain in use for a few more years, we are actively exploring potential new roles for this historic landmark. Though, specific plans have yet too be finalized. Our priority is to conduct a thorough evaluation of the building’s current condition before deciding on its future use. This includes assessing areas that may need reinforcement or modification and determining the most suitable purpose for the space.
Q: What are the key considerations in repurposing the Faculty of Medicine building?
Pedro Fernández: Safety and functionality are our primary concerns. Before authorizing any new use, we must ensure the building meets all necesary standards. This involves making improvements to its structural integrity and updating it from an energy efficiency outlook.While the building is currently safe for use, some upgrades will be required to make it suitable for future purposes. Additionally, we are considering proposals that align with health and university-related activities, though the building’s second life may not necessarily be tied to healthcare.
Q: Are there plans to wholly occupy the Faculty of Medicine building in the future?
Pedro Fernández: No, we do not envision a complete occupation of the building.If there is a need for limited space for specific activities, that could be a possibility, but we have not decided on a broad-scale use for the entire building. Our focus is on ensuring that any new use is practical and aligned with the university’s evolving needs.
Q: Beyond the Faculty of Medicine, what other buildings on campus require attention?
Pedro Fernández: The Faculty of Medicine is not the only aging structure on campus. Several other buildings, including those housing the faculties of Science, Ideology, and Tourism, also require significant upgrades. These buildings, like the Faculty of Medicine, are over 50 years old and need modernization to meet contemporary educational standards. However, the extent to which we can undertake these renovations depends heavily on securing sufficient funding, as these are high-cost projects.
Q: What are the main challenges in modernizing UEX’s campus infrastructure?
Pedro Fernández: The primary challenge is securing the necessary resources to fund these extensive renovations. The costs involved in modernizing our aging buildings are substantial, and they are not solely within the university’s control. While we are committed to preserving our heritage, we must also adapt to the changing needs of education and research. This requires a delicate balance between maintaining historic structures and ensuring they meet modern standards.
Q: How does the new Faculty of Medicine tower project fit into UEX’s broader vision?
Pedro Fernández: The new Faculty of Medicine tower is a testament to UEX’s commitment to providing cutting-edge education and research opportunities. With a budget of 21 million euros and a completion date set for the end of 2026,this transformative project underscores our dedication to innovation.The tower will feature 7,589 square meters of space, accommodating 130-160 students, and will be funded primarily through European funds. it reflects our vision for the future and our ambition to remain at the forefront of academic excellence.
Q: What can the university community expect in terms of updates on these projects?
Pedro Fernández: We are committed to keeping the university community informed about the progress of these projects. For the latest updates on the Faculty of Medicine tower and other developments at UEX, we encourage everyone to stay tuned to our news section. We will continue to share detailed data as we move forward with these initiatives.
Conclusion
The University of Extremadura is at a pivotal moment in its history, with plans to modernize its aging infrastructure while preserving its rich heritage. The transformation of the Faculty of Medicine building and the construction of the new Faculty of Medicine tower are key components of this effort. However, the university faces significant challenges, especially in securing the necessary funding for these high-cost projects. As UEX looks to the future,its commitment to innovation and academic excellence remains unwavering. For more updates on these transformative initiatives, stay connected with UEX’s news section.
