PÉCS, CITY CENTER

 

Our primary design intent was to create spatial foundations for social, economic, and environmental growth in Pécs. The reconstruction of built and natural elements of the square increases life quality in its immediate surroundings, and therefore attracts high quality services that take this growth even further towards functional diversification. Another intent of our spatial design concept was to establish individual square-segments where cultural life can take over and flourish in open space. We avoided enforcing specific uses on these public areas, and aimed to provide a transformable setting for various recreational and cultural activities.

Through the visual experiences gained by passing through and experiencing urban space, the individual does not only become part of her/his own urban living environment, but also its organizer. This increase of spatial quality, the enhancement of cultural richness are shared interests of both the inhabitants and of the city.

We divided the design area into several functional units, which are thematically sequenced, in a spatially separated yet characteristically harmonious manner. These units are: Hunyadi Street, Szepesy Ignác street, Széchenyi Square; Városház Square, Irgalmasok Square, and Street of Irgalmasok.

New functions are placed within these spatial structures, filling them with life and activities. Instead of its formerly sole commercial function, we propose the installation of two outdoor terraces on Hunyadi Street. On Széchenyi Square, flush pavements provide the possibility to set up terraces in front of the facades. With the introduction and expansion of this function, we intend to increase the number of visitors and the variety of uses of this site.

The priority areas of Városház Square and Széchenyi Square host temporary exhibition spaces (temporary arts and crafts, historical, any cultural or self-organized art expos) and public art sculptures. In Széchenyi Square, along the diagonal lines, temporary kiosks can be set up; the minimal slope of terrain provides and easy stroll from the diagonally adjoining walkways. The essence of our concept is for one function to strengthen another: the presence of gastronomic establishments alongside public exhibitions generates mutual benefits for visitors and economic activities alike.

2008


Design competition


Client: Municipality of Pécs

Size: 25 000 m2

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MÓRICZ ZSIGMOND CIRCUS

 

Móricz Zsigmond Circus is one of the most important traffic nodes of Újbuda. It is an intersection of a great number of tram and bus routes, and - since spring 2014 - has also become a station of Metro Line 4.

Design work of the Circus started in 2001 as part of Metro Line 4 project, and resulted in the reconstruction of arched green spaces and numerous passenger underpasses around the famous ‘Mushroom’ building.

In the 13-year period, both the client’s needs and the infrastructural concept changed considerably. Besides aiming to create harmony between facades of various styles, the square also provides a new, safe passenger surface, a pleasant open space to spend time on, surrounded and intersected by attractive green surfaces. The new dark shade pavestone is the integrating force of this many-sided architectural environment, which functions more than just a passage to those walking in the area. We used materials with low reflexive features to make the space receptive, while the modest architecture of the covering provides a link between the ‘Mushroom’ Building and other destinations within and from the circus. The composition of red, large sized plant containers provide a playful, vivid experience.

The square has considerable passenger traffic at present, however, the new design allows not only passing but relaxation, observation and meeting as well. It is transparent and modest. It meets the various requirements of a big city.

2009-2012


Open space design
- construction plan


Client: DBR Metro Project Directorate

Lead designer: Főmterv – Palatium – Uvaterv konzorcium

Contractor: Swietelsky Építő Kft.

Size: 11 500 m2

Estimated cost: 330 000 000 HUF

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