budapest, jozsef attila theatre, competition
“Lift our hearts! It belongs to whomever does…”
In terms of plans, we focused mainly on the following points:
- The preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the existing value of the theatre (culturally and physically alike).
- Liberal changes will be made to the exterior image and connecting area of the theatre
- A maximum use of space ensured a functional program for the threatre
Conservation and Preservation of the Theatre
Cultural Values
The Joseph Atilla Theatre is the only cultural establishment in the area. With a small leap, we must overshadow the troubles of the neighbourhood (pollution, traffic, and indifference). Such a meeting place will be created that will slow down and invite passers-by.
Physical Value
It was a very important decision in our design investigations that the existing building would not undergo demolition and a new building would be constructed, rather the existing building would undergo a renovation and expansion. This way the site location can take the existing value further, it will have a history, not only in pictures but also in the walls of the building itself. We had to examine the value of each portion to see what could be inherited by the expansion. Simultaneously, the new building could not be shuffled for the sake of the existing one. The completeness of the character in the final building rests in the fact that it will carry the existant and new values together.
Economy
Preservation of the Existing Values
During the planning of the new program, we examined the surrounding area (i.e. we could only have the building so deep in the ground as to not disturb the existing Merto line and not reach the water table, thus reducing the cost of construction). With the structural elements, least restrictions were placed upon essential elements.
Icon
In terms of the competition, the final plan constantly made reference to another important theatre in Budapest, the Vig Theatre. We examined how it realized its neighbourhood with such stimuli, such as pace, traffic, and built surroundings.
Exterior Image
Visually, the building stands out from its surroundings during the evening, and takes up worthy space during the day as well. It should draw attention, invite the public, and welcome passersby daily.
Interior Spaces
The interior two important parts were the foyer and the theatre. In this form, spatial conditions give the interior character of the theatre. However, the foyer is conceptually influenced more by the exterior. Before a show, the public will gather, in front of all traffic and pedestrians along Robert Karoly Korut, but privately as well behind a sound-proof glass wall.
Culture
The cultural significance of the building rests upon the union of the existing building and the new one in terms of materials, form and technicalities. For example, the Robert Karoly korut elevation has a stone façade and only the addition of a glass wall, to ensure the allowance for daylight.
Their quality of their connection and unity will be a deciding factor in the success of the building. We did not want to create a barrier with a modern addition, nor did we want to build a retro building. We wanted to erect a unified building, which would be worthy of the Theatre’s name.
Liberalism
Exterior image
Form, use of materials, connection to site
Approach
Every aspect of the building is supported
Connecting exterior spaces
The most important decision was to establish an open space between the two buildings. The Theatre is now a separate entity and not dependant on the residence. The peaceful, heartfelt, and intimate space also benefits the surrounding area. When examing the local neigbourhood we could not find any such public space (other than parking lots) that were open, near buildings, and filled with trees and benches. We wanted the space to be a public meeting space, useful during the day as well.
Program
We examined each point of value of the existing building when planning the program. In each case, we found that the original location for each component was the optimal one, overall reducing our construction costs. The remainder of the building was divided into three categories: existing functions, renovated existing functions, and removed parts.
We separated circulation areas and artistic service areas with various functions throughout the building. At the same time, we pushed for the theatre attendees to quantify in the foyer, where after the performances, the audience and the performers could meet.
2005
In terms of plans, we focused mainly on the following points:
- The preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the existing value of the theatre (culturally and physically alike).
- Liberal changes will be made to the exterior image and connecting area of the theatre
- A maximum use of space ensured a functional program for the threatre
Conservation and Preservation of the Theatre
Cultural Values
The Joseph Atilla Theatre is the only cultural establishment in the area. With a small leap, we must overshadow the troubles of the neighbourhood (pollution, traffic, and indifference). Such a meeting place will be created that will slow down and invite passers-by.
Physical Value
It was a very important decision in our design investigations that the existing building would not undergo demolition and a new building would be constructed, rather the existing building would undergo a renovation and expansion. This way the site location can take the existing value further, it will have a history, not only in pictures but also in the walls of the building itself. We had to examine the value of each portion to see what could be inherited by the expansion. Simultaneously, the new building could not be shuffled for the sake of the existing one. The completeness of the character in the final building rests in the fact that it will carry the existant and new values together.
Economy
Preservation of the Existing Values
During the planning of the new program, we examined the surrounding area (i.e. we could only have the building so deep in the ground as to not disturb the existing Merto line and not reach the water table, thus reducing the cost of construction). With the structural elements, least restrictions were placed upon essential elements.
Icon
In terms of the competition, the final plan constantly made reference to another important theatre in Budapest, the Vig Theatre. We examined how it realized its neighbourhood with such stimuli, such as pace, traffic, and built surroundings.
Exterior Image
Visually, the building stands out from its surroundings during the evening, and takes up worthy space during the day as well. It should draw attention, invite the public, and welcome passersby daily.
Interior Spaces
The interior two important parts were the foyer and the theatre. In this form, spatial conditions give the interior character of the theatre. However, the foyer is conceptually influenced more by the exterior. Before a show, the public will gather, in front of all traffic and pedestrians along Robert Karoly Korut, but privately as well behind a sound-proof glass wall.
Culture
The cultural significance of the building rests upon the union of the existing building and the new one in terms of materials, form and technicalities. For example, the Robert Karoly korut elevation has a stone façade and only the addition of a glass wall, to ensure the allowance for daylight.
Their quality of their connection and unity will be a deciding factor in the success of the building. We did not want to create a barrier with a modern addition, nor did we want to build a retro building. We wanted to erect a unified building, which would be worthy of the Theatre’s name.
Liberalism
Exterior image
Form, use of materials, connection to site
Approach
Every aspect of the building is supported
Connecting exterior spaces
The most important decision was to establish an open space between the two buildings. The Theatre is now a separate entity and not dependant on the residence. The peaceful, heartfelt, and intimate space also benefits the surrounding area. When examing the local neigbourhood we could not find any such public space (other than parking lots) that were open, near buildings, and filled with trees and benches. We wanted the space to be a public meeting space, useful during the day as well.
Program
We examined each point of value of the existing building when planning the program. In each case, we found that the original location for each component was the optimal one, overall reducing our construction costs. The remainder of the building was divided into three categories: existing functions, renovated existing functions, and removed parts.
We separated circulation areas and artistic service areas with various functions throughout the building. At the same time, we pushed for the theatre attendees to quantify in the foyer, where after the performances, the audience and the performers could meet.
2005