Népliget
Our design approach for an architectural idea contest
architectural idea contest
climate change
going beyond
urban green space
problem
The Budapest Municipality announced an architectural idea contest last August, the goal of which was to generate exciting plans that respect the historical garden nature of Népliget and respond to the challenges of climate change. The utilization and evaluation of a public space are not solely determined by the quality of its physical environment. Therefore, simply altering the degraded environment cannot provide a certain solution; an approach that deploys a diverse array of tools, going beyond this, is required. In our competition submission, we wanted to demonstrate why we consider it essential to employ a process-oriented, iterative design approach that thinks in systems and builds on the results of design research mapping the realities of those affected during such a renovation.
our work
At the heart of developing our concept was a deeper understanding of what types of park usage attitudes could be relevant when renovating Népliget. During our research, we talked to a wide range of park users: we approached people walking in any city park, but also sought out those who specifically live or work in the vicinity of Népliget. During the interviews, in addition to everyday park usage habits, we sought attitudes that could outline an individual's feelings about a particular place: what does a person expect from their living environment and urban green spaces? What creates our sense of homeliness with a place, when do we become attached to a public space / park? What enhances our sense of security in a public park, and what triggers fear? We sought answers to such questions when engaging passers-by and during semi-structured interviews as well.
solution
Our proposal focuses on the activation of Népliget using various tools, improving its public safety perception, and simultaneously provides a solution for ensuring the long-term preservation of its current values. The principle of gradual change and multiple small-scale interventions facilitate the early start of rehabilitation and a shift in the park's perception, thereby making long-term development based on demand. Instead of forceful intervention, this approach creates room for resource-rationalizing, ecologically-focused, demand-responsive solutions.

Also worked on this project: Eszter Juhász, Madácsi Flóra, Győrfi Dániel.
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László Ágoston
co-founder, business design consultant
let's meet for a coffee!