The new city center project is located in the heart of Újpest, on a four-acre site gained by the demolition of a former leather factory. The main concept proposed a novel urban lifestyle with a new urban city square surrounded by mixed used buildings. This focal point is bordered by varied facades and outstanding landmark elements.
The proposal won the first prize at an international competition. The judge gave our team kudos for the overall strength of the project, but what really impressed them was how the varied urban square was created. The concept focused more on setting up a new lively urban plaza rather than creating a self-fulfilling design. The basic idea was to organize the new buildings around a center point, protected but not closed visually from the major road next to it. Restaurants, cafes, a hotel, offices, cultural center, different commercial and service facilities were located on the square forming the heart of the multifunctional city center. In the direction of the major road a semi-opened, filter-like peristyle, a stoa was placed. This has enabled us to create an airy, open space, ensuring a higher environmental quality and free perspective in the direction of the river Danube. This facade is one of the main faces of the development, therefore its artistic and emblematic composition was essential. An aqueous land art project was suggested to emphasize the proximity of the river and to give an identity to the new city center. On the northern side an “orangerie” was set up enriching the traditional functions. This green winter house, working like a huge covered public space makes it possible to enjoy an exciting ambiance independently of weather conditions. At the same time, due to its stunning presence, it could become a new emblem of the site. On the west, three freely formed tower buildings are located, with the end point of an urban axis, which connects the existing and the new city centers together. Around the buildings a green belt formed by the clusters of public and private gardens provides a continuous natural environment for the users.

Phase: international competition (I. prize), masterplan

Year: 2008

Gfa: 120 000 sqm

Prize: I. prize, international competition

Collaboration: BDP, RMJM (London, UK)