Infopoint

Infopoint

T2.a Architects as Architects

Back in the old days District 17 on the outskirts of Budapest used to be a loose community of three small villages. In the Communist era they were forcefully fused into one unit and attached to the capital. At the same time, their original urban fabric was deliberately altered by the erection of high-rise concrete apartment blocks. By the end of the first decade of the 21st century this part of the capital, Rákosmente, as it is now called, was in bad need of a new urban centre. This is the main function of Főtér, the “Main Square”, which was created on the site of a former bus terminal and busy traffic junction. Infopoint – designed by T2a Architects – is one of the major, spectacular features of the Main Square. During the design phase, one of our primary objectives was to strengthen and lend even more content to the community functions of the square. We wanted to create a meeting place that could serve as the very hub, the driving force of the community life of the area. We designed a building whose open structure offers comfort and ease of use and blends organically into the landscaping philosophy applied to the renewal project of Főtér. A key challenge was to define the architectural relationship to the overwhelming presence of the existing high-rise concrete apartment blocks. This is the concept behind the extensive “cloud” of the sweeping canopy hovering above the Main Square, and providing shelter from the scorching summer sun and the pounding rain. We recreated the “agora” function in an organic way that is well adapted to the needs of everyday life: the Infopoint also features as a café and a public toilet. The depressed basin around the building acts as a protected but open public are that forms a pleasing transition between the closed masses of the built structure and the open space.

Project Spotlight
Product Spotlight
News
Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo
28 Mar 2024 News
Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo

Global transdisciplinary architecture and design practice Snøhetta has designed a new entranc... More

10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete
27 Mar 2024 Specification
10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete

Precast concrete is made by casting concrete in a reusable mold. These molds are made of various mat... More

Sameep Padora and Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India
26 Mar 2024 News
Sameep Padora & Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India

Mumbai-based Sameep Padora & Associates (sP+a) has completed Hampi Art Labs in Toranagallu, a vi... More

Introducing Partner Thermory AS
26 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Thermory AS

Thermory AS offers a diverse product range that includes durable exterior cladding, decking, interio... More

Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality
25 Mar 2024 News
Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality

Brooklyn Tower, standing an impressive ninety-three stories tall with a unique neo-deco crown, is al... More

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury
25 Mar 2024 Archello Awards
Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright have been announced as Archello Awards 202... More

Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon
22 Mar 2024 News
Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon

The Eugénie Brazier school project in Lyon, France, undertaken by regional architecture studi... More

Detail: Pleated facade geometry of Bonfiglioli HQ by Peter Pichler Architecture
21 Mar 2024 Detail
Detail: Pleated facade geometry of Bonfiglioli HQ by Peter Pichler Architecture

Designed by Peter Pichler Architecture, the new Bonfiglioli Headquarters is located in Calderara di... More