In the garden of Újlipótváros

Discovering the potential of an urban block

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Abstract

This graduation project investigates the potential of a site in the interior of an urban block in the 19th century neighborhood of Újlipótváros in the north of Budapest. The proposal is to convert this previously private and fenced off underused area into a cultural center within a large collective space. An open space divided in public and private naturally coming forth from the shape of the existing buildings. The cultural center is composed of 3 buildings each in a different relationship to the existing, a theatre build against a party wall, a courtyard of multipurpose spaces squeezed in between the existing buildings around a large existing tree and a free standing tower housing a gallery. All buildings are using the same structural logic, in a system of engineered wooden elements which can be installed without damaging the delicate site. The space in between is the connector of these buildings and is the core of the project, the potential of these inner courtyard blocks is to be a space for retreat and create an space away from the harsh and imposing environment that the surrounding city can be.