The Urology Clinic building was constructed within the compound of the University Hospital at Karlov, close to the busy Sokolská Street. The architects Vratislav Růžička, Eva Růžičková and Boris Rákosník had to carefully design this five-story structure, surrounded by historically protected buildings, while effectively shielding it from noise. The building consists of a multi-storey base topped by a highly articulated cube, separated by a technical floor. The façades have remained intact in their original state, including the windows. The entrance is adorned with a large glass sculpture depicting a family, created by Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová. The clinic opened in September 1976. Vratislav Růžička – Eva Růžičková – Boris Rákosník Urology Clinic at Karlov in Prague, 1973-1976 Urologická klinika Všeobecné fakultní nemocnice a 1. lékařské fakulty UK v Praze, Ke Karlovu 6, Praha 2 The Urology Clinic in Nové Město is undoubtedly a building that belongs to the Brutalist style. Its distinctive yet humble and human-centric design responds to the strong historical context of the hospital compound and respects its location within a heritage conservation area. “In a way, I created each of my buildings with architectural means, almost like a sculptural work. Of course, each one is different, because the determining factor for me was always the relationship to the site and its urban conditions,” Růžička reflected on his approach towards the end of his career. The Urology Clinic best exemplifies this philosophy, where an expressive sculptural approach meets a high-quality functional layout. The building’s placement confirms the urban block and its character of a walled garden, with the frontage facing the street towards Karlov. Visitors are greeted by a sculpture by Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová in the foyer. Collaboration with artists is a hallmark of this building and of Růžička’s work in general. Vratislav Růžička (1929–1990) Růžička studied at the Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering at the Czech Technical University (ČVUT) in Prague (1952) and later completed a Master Class in Architecture under Professor Jaroslav Fragner at the Academy of Fine Arts (AVU) in Prague (1955). He worked at the Prague Regional Design Institute (1959–1976), where he also served as director (1967–1974). He was the chief architect of the Slovak town of Žiar nad Hronom (1959–1979). Throughout his architectural career, he also taught at Academy of Fine Arts, and in the final stages he led the architecture department as an associate professor (1982–1988). In 1976, he started receiving full disability benefits and continued to work in architecture privately. His work is remarkably extensive and typologically diverse. He participated as a co-author in the design of many important buildings, mainly in Prague. Excerpted from the book Architecture 58–89 Publication concept, editor, author of discussions: Vladimir 518 Urologická klinika | Foto: Prague City Tourism