Snøhetta has won the Budapest South Gate International Masterplan Design Competition.
The goal of the competition is to implement a viable urban development in line with the strategic objectives of Budapest. This development should, through the creation of the Budapest Student City, produce housing of appropriate standard for nearly 12,000 students, catalyze the urban development of the area and with its new functions, sports facilities and community spaces it should be an attractive quarter of the whole capital.
“It boldly accepts the challenge of developing a new neighborhood in Budapest that does not yet exist. It captures the opportunities of the area – offered by water, green belts and the characteristics of an island”, the jury stated.
The site provides a unique opportunity to create a lively waterfront for the people of Budapest. Water as main design element is highlighted with channels reaching far into the new district. Besides new public urban spaces along the riverfront, the park landscape offers recreational areas and sports facilities. Furthermore, the fluvial landscape enhances the biodiversity of the city quarter and provides for water treatment.
In the main urban area, residential and commercial units are placed in relative proximity to create urban density. All buildings engage with the water; either in direct contact with the water, or by emphasizing the views towards it.
To reflect the industrial heritage of the area, and to create a distinct identity, the strategic building guidelines focus on bricks or similar materials.
The roofs of the buildings play an active role in shaping the skyline and therefore the character of the district. They are designed as accessible green roofs, terraces or winter gardens, and provide space for photovoltaic panels to generate energy.
Future urban sustainability relies on a carefully considered, flexible and robust masterplan as well as on the smart operation of the city and a recurring update of technological features. The suggested masterplan creates a strong framework for a sustainable urban district based on the three pillars of ecological, social and economic sustainability.
This masterplan is the first step to create a new, livable and sustainable part of the city.
