The Anatomy building at the Medical University of Graz has been honored with the prestigious “Archello Award 2023” for its outstanding architectural design, blending historical charm with modern functionality. The award recognizes the remarkable fusion of the listed former pathology building from 1912 with a sophisticated new structure, making it the University Building of the Year.
The Archello Awards 2023, which celebrate design excellence in global architectural projects, saw the Anatomy building triumph among 1,000 submissions from 66 countries. The jury and audience selected one project in each of the 27 categories, with the Med University of Graz’s Anatomy building standing out as an exemplary representation of architectural innovation.
Renovated by BIG for the Chair of Macroscopic and Clinical Anatomy, the listed pathology building underwent a transformation that seamlessly integrates historical substance with a modern architectural vision. The existing structure, dating back to 1912, now houses a spacious foyer, a two-story entrance area, laboratories, offices, and a library. The design language maintains a restrained, functional, and timeless aesthetic, paying homage to the historical essence of the building.
The new addition, with a net floor space of 5,100 square meters, accommodates two dissection rooms boasting a total of 78 dissection tables, making it one of the largest facilities in Europe. An underground connection, featuring a lecture hall for 500 students, links the historical and modern elements, allowing ample daylight through glazed back walls and a circular skylight. Above it, a green square connects the old and new structures seamlessly.
A hidden gem within the old building is the historic dissecting room from 1911, a unique treasure preserved from that era and adding to the building’s historical significance.
Beyond its architectural brilliance, the Anatomy building prioritizes climate protection through thoughtful design. The compact layout and heat recovery from laboratories contribute to sustainability. The meticulous renovation of the old building, executed in collaboration with the Federal Monuments Office, highlights the commitment to monument protection as a crucial aspect of climate conservation.
The Archello Award not only recognizes the Anatomy building’s architectural excellence but also acknowledges its contribution to sustainable practices. As the University Building of the Year, the Med University of Graz’s Anatomy building stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of historical and modern elements, setting a new standard for architectural achievement in academia.
