
Barnabas Laris and Adam Vesztergom, in collaboration with Borbala Gyure, Csenge Csontos, Nora Kohalmy and Mark Antal, recently won the first prize in the Main Square of Ujpalota competition for their project, ‘Urban Meadow.’ The forum or main square of Újpalota, which is the second largest micro district of Budapest, is situated exactly in the center of this residential area, at the junction of the main roads. Most inhabitants of this housing estate cross this square day after day. This town square, however, does not have a view which is framed by public buildings. Therefore, a new community building can achieve a remarkable public function as well as a space-forming effect, simultaneously placed moderately as its volume is more solid than the ones of the commercial buildings. More images and their description after the break.
There are some characteristics defined by the settlement: the centrality and the important gate-away traffic are given. The composition of the buildings here is varied and its visual appearance is chaotic. The café is stuck between the shop and the community house and it squirms like a little brother in the shadow of his bigger companions. The square’s other pavilion-like buildings (kiosks) are also in a rundown condition. Parts from the square are torn off from the great complex. The main elements of the square are connected to the past of this area, and also do have an ad-hoc style. The fountain is located in the crossing of the pedestrian roads but it does not make the people stop while passing by. In spite of the many unfavorable components, there is agile vegetation in this area. It refreshes the mind of the people coming here from the narrow block of flats and crowded public vehicles.

