Highlights
Contemporary Architecture Route
BUD A– P EST
KÖZ T I A R C H I T E C T S + E N G I N E E R S
2011
Liszt Ferenc International Airport Budapest Hungary based KÖZTI architects + engineers has completed ‘Skycourt’ in 2011, an extension to Liszt Ferenc International Airport’s terminal two in Budapest. The new passenger hall hosts security control points and shopping to connect two existing terminal spaces. Manifested from a minimalist approach, the corridor is formed by a rhythmic series of steel arches spanning sixtyfour meters connected by glass skylights. Large angled columns supporting the arches are placed adjacent to the expansive continuous curtain wall which overlooks the lively runway. 4
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4 SPORA ARCHITECTS
2014
T WI N S TATION S / FOVÁ M / G E LLÉ R T TÉ R
From the architect. These two metro stations are part of the most important infrastructure project currently in Budapest, the M4 metro line. The original idea of the line was invented by the engineers in the 1980’s, about 30 years ago. It was a metro line designed according the thinking of that decade. Budapest's first subway line, the ‘yellow line’ called Kisföldalatti, was opened in 1896. This was the first underground railway in continental Europeand the world's first electrically powered subway. It had been built in 21 months using the highest level of technology including a prefabricated structure of steel slabs. After a long period of time, there arose the possibility for another line to be built; this was the M2 or ‘red line’. The construction began in 1950 during the socialist era; after a long interval it was completed in 1973. This east-west line was built in a similar manner as the M4 plan, but the stations have been mined. This is typical of metro stations in Budapest. The construction of a new, north–south subway line was initiated in 1970. This was the M3; it was completed in 1990. The missing line, the M4, was conceived about that time, to provide a quick east–southwest
public transport connection. The new M4 metro line planned in Budapest is to connect South–Buda with the city centre of Pest which is the heart of Budapest.
raditionalism; it is living in the past. The M4 will be a different world, an underground world. It’s important to emphasise that it’s a public space — a public space under the ground.
Ten stations a re to be constructed in the first step along the 7,34 km-long line. In the last thirty years there hasn’t been such an ambitious development in regards to transport here in Budapest. Now, as time has passed, we are faced with a huge gap in technology. The concept, thinking and previous plans for the M4 were made in the 80’s and 90’s with stations reflecting the way of thinking of the 70’s and 80’s. And yet now we will be opening these stations to passengers living well into the 21st century.
The Szent Gellért tér station and the Fővám tér stations are twin stations; both are on the bank of the Danube. They are composed of a cut-and-cover box and tunnels. The box is supported by levels of reinforced concrete beams; the resulting structure is similar to a net, like a bone or skeletal system. The architectural and structural concept based on random beam grid and the underground bone texture combined with the organically implemented construction system were compatible without compromises with the often volatile and changing conditions of the planning and building processes.
Thus the most challenging aim for us was to rationalise the structures, architecture, technology and space as originally planned while at the same time re-thinking the project according to the 21st century’s spirit. One of the goals of the project will be to encourage people to use public transport. We believe that the architectural quality of the stations can be one of the tools used to get people to do this. The metro must be trendy. Budapest is a city of eclecticism, romanticism, and
The Fővám tér station is more than a metro station; it is a complex traffic junction, an interchange spot for tramways, buses, metro, ships, cars and pedestrians, which altogether create a unique open public space above and under the ground. The station is a new multilevel city junction, gateway to the historic downtown of Budapest. The section of the underground space is proportional to the cross section. 7
A3 The world’s most famous repurposed Ukrainian cargo ship, A38 is a concert venue, cultural centre and restaurant floating on the Danube near the abutment of Petöfi Bridge on the Buda-side. Aboard, you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of South Pest, the Millenial Culture Center, the Palace of Arts, and the National Theatre - which is even more pic- A38 has already achieved the status turesque at night when the lights of a legend; its outdoor and indoor come on. stages have carried innumerable noted artists and bands from almost all genres including but not In the late 90s in Hungary, couple limited to pop, rock, alternative, of years after the end of the com- jazz, electro, and progressive styles. munist era, culture has changed in every aspect. A new type of culture was born and it needed its scene. First of all Vancza together with This time László Váncza's inten- Bahia publisher were thinking tion was to realise a professional of a place in the historical part alternative cultural center. A sym- of Budapest, where there are bol of freedom, adventure, life and enormous, unused spaces on the liberty of arts. basement level under the eclectic residental buildings. This option was failed. The ultimate solution seemed completely irrational. A dream to build a cultural center on the Danube.
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38 VĂ N C Z A I N D U S T R I E S
They were thinking of restoring an existent ship. It was a big deal to find the right ship. It had to host big events, give a place to a concert hall with backstage, to a restaurant, bars, panramic terraces etc. The West–European ships' structure was too narrow to design-in a well-proportioned concert hall regarding acoustic aspects. In the East not only the railway tracks are wider, but the flood-gates also. Hence there are wider hulls.
Together with Endre Szabo, who was finally the contractor and the naval specialist of A38, they found an unused, stone- and tank-carrier ship in Ukraine, signed Artemovszk 38. The ship was built in 1968, was tugged through international waters in order to receive a complete makeover and an infusion of new life which would enable it to set off on a voyage to the future.
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cal to the axis is one of the main rule in ship design. Due to the new program and functional arrangement the architects had to differ from this rule. The local symmetry is balanced by the different floors' different space-distributions. The concert hall was build in a new, steel-structure in a floated way to fullfil the acoustic requirements.
Known as the design process is a restoration and renovation process in this case, the respect of the aesthetic values and the very special attributes of the old ship was always in focus of the new design. They were aware of the fact, that the ship is an industrial heritage, Organising the spaces symmetri- and at the same time they had to create a high-tech, modern and user friendly community space.
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T2A ARCHITECTS
2008
Kopaszi Dam
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9 The area around the former river harbour lies in the southern part of Buda. The territory was abandoned and heavily polluted industrial site, partially used for personal holiday purposes in the last decades of the Communist regime and in the ‘90s. In 2005 a competition was organized for the revitalization of the L ágymányos Bay area . The task was to design beside the approach to the Lágymányos Bridge a large-scale thermal baths and aquatic centre at the head of the harbour, beside the approach to the Lágymányos Bridge. The T2a competition entry went beyond the competition brief and included a development proposal for the dam that lies between the river and the harbour with small pavilions and a public recreational, sport and leisure area for the people. Before the current owner (property developer Öböl XI. Ltd.) acquired the site, the narrow dam was dotted with a variety of modest wooden barracks in sad condition which were home to the water police, a number of small restaurants. Now the water police has its new home designed by László Váncza. The new pavilions are erected on exactly the same spot as these old structures and a timber building typology characteristic of the waterfront is employed. The architects were playing with shapes and materials, just as during the design process: they identified the buildings with names such as ‘the one with the sweater’ or ‘with the parka’ etc.
Kopas zi The
So the steel frames were dressed up with light-weighted wall structures and timber facades. With their simple shape and detailing, these unpretentious little buildings radiate a certain timelessness and lightness. The revit aliz at ion of t he The outdoor area has been D am, has be en nominate d for also carefully landscaped and treated always in strong M ie s van der Rohe prize 2 0 0 9. connection with the buildings. The environmental rehabilitation of the bay is also finished: the water is not anymore a polluted, but a living natural area. The area as a whole has the potential to be a resounding success. The location is particularly outstanding in that it offers water views on two sides of the dam and natural access to the Danube which is a unique opportunity for the habitants of the City. 11
Ludwig
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11 ZO B O K Y, D E M E T E R A N D PA R T N E R S
Museum
2005
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PA R T O F M Ü PA - PA L AC E O F A R T S
ludwig museum – Museum of Contemporary Art collects and displays masterworks of modern and contemporary art. The permanent collection contains valuable pieces of American pop art (Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg, Robert Rauschenberg etc.). Yet focusing on Eastern and Central European art, it also puts a special emphasis on presenting the Hungarian art of the 60’s to recent days in an international context. Besides, temporary exhibitions showcase leading artists of the international scene as well as the best-known Hungarian masters. Be sure to explore the Museum’s colourful place which is indeed a contemporary work of art as well. The Palace of the Arts opened in 2005. It accommodates the most diverse branches of the arts, with facilities incorporating the most advanced theatre, museum, and acoustic technologies. The spectacular building occupies an area of more than 10,000 m 2 at the Pest side of the Lágymányosi Bridge, adjacent to the National Theatre, the first pillar of the Millennium City Centre being built on the site. The main objective of the architects was that the multi-functional building should present a coherent
whole when viewed from the outside. The exterior presents a simple, clear aspect with large expanses of glass, and almost devoid of decorative elements. Inside, the building is laid out into broad, clearly-arranged internal spaces. The outer surfaces are of ‘dead’ material – concrete, glass and Süttő limestone, while inside, an enormous undulating main wall, clad mainly in walnut, creates a warm, friendly atmosphere. The building’s principal visual feature is the imposing lobby, which connects the three main sections: the Béla Bartók National Concert Hall, the Festival Theatre, and the Ludwig Museum – Museum of Contemporary Art. The Béla Bartók National Concert Hall is the largest section of the building. With an audience capacity of 1700, the concert hall ranks among the best of the world in terms of acoustics, having been built by Artec of New York in association with Hungarian engineers. The fabulous acoustic system is coupled with a high-tech audio-visual system which can serve the needs of any visiting production at world standard. The queen of musical instruments, the great organ, was installed in spring 2006. The concert hall is home to the National Philharmonic. 13
M4 Ludwig Museum Kopaszi Dam BUD A38 Trying to find an old landmark in
Budapest? You won’t have to look far. Modern design worth seeing? That’s a bit trickier, but our staff got together and picked the sites you really shouldn’t miss if you’re looking for contemporary architecture.
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