Design development
Architectural concept
The Erzsébet Square design answers various func-
tional needs with a complex system of places. Six
different areas, each with a particular spirit and
function, have been created within this small area;
nevertheless they complement each other because
of their strict geometric arrangement. The square is
framed by spacious promenades and broad pave-
ments. Hornbeams clipped into cubic forms frame
the welcoming area, and there is a small pond in the
direction of Deák Square. Wide stairs and terraces,
richly decorated with plants and falling water lead to
the underground cultural, entertainment and com-
mercial centre which still bears the ironic nickname
the 'Hole’ (the National Theatre was eventually
built on a different site in the 9th district). A row of
lamps, at a slight angle from the general orienta-
tion, points towards the entrance of the exhibition
and concert hall. The pool with its promenades and
boardwalk, built into the cover slab of the exhibition
hall, provides an ideal leisure park. The peacefully
sparkling water surface is beautifully revealed from
the adjacent terraces and steps. An elevated leisure
area is waiting for visitors along the small boulevard
known as Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Street. The spacious
central lawn offers a pleasant view with its playful
bubbling water elements.
The architectural concept of Erzsébet Square
ensures that the buildings and the open spaces,
the open and inner spaces, are connected to each
other logically and continuously. This is the result
of a constant co-operation between the architects
and the landscape architects. The most unique and
spectacular link is that between the roof garden
and the cultural centre, which takes the form of
a large expanse of water, the, 660m^2 ornamental
pool. The conference room is lit by natural lighting
through its glass bottom. The timber boardwalk
beside the pool is one of the most pleasant places
for sitting and relaxing. The level difference between
the entertainment spaces below and the boardwalk
above serves to provide sufficient shelter against
the noise and bustle of open-air concerts.The nickname ‘National Hole’ of Pest was finally
accepted as the name of the Erzsébet Tér cultural
centre.^3 The underground cultural and commercial
institutions are accessible on a spacious open
staircase serving the terraces which step down
from Deák Square. This represents a symbolic inter-
change between the historic city centre and the
busy new urban nexus. The rigidity of the flights of
stairs is relieved by smooth water surfaces, pools,
lawns and deciduous trees, and therefore the stairs
themselves can be used as resting and seating
spaces, and even for watching open-air concerts or
other events. Even on the hottest of summer days5.16
Budapest City Centre. Detailed urban plan of
Budapest city centre with the bus station and the
parking place on the plot of the former Morocco
court. The irregular break of Andrássy Street, József
Attila Street and the Kiskörút can be seen