“A comprehensive approach to urban renewal” – Holcim Awards Jury
The outstanding highlight of this project is its comprehensive approach to urban renewal. The initial driver of the project was the need for additional space to accommodate government administrative departments in the heart of Budapest. Instead of just fulfilling this prime purpose by another large office complex, the project incorporates the revitalization of the adjacent historic Teréz quarter consisting mainly of housing and small businesses as well as the creation of additional public functions and parks including the upgrading of a beautiful old railway station that had been neglected for many years. In addition, a sustainable energy concept will be applied to the new administration buildings.
Last updated: June 26, 2008 Zurich, Switzerland
Due to this integral development of a previously rather disregarded urban area a win-win situation will be created: on the one hand the new office spaces will be built according to the specific expectations of the government and the users, and on the other hand most of the inhabitants of this quarter will stay in their former but upgraded living environment and will benefit from access to additional recreational facilities. Overall, the project demonstrates in a convincing manner how urban renewal should be tackled in order to realize substantial contributions to the sustainable development of degraded urban areas.