T2.a Architects

Waterfront Kopaszi Dam

Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Zsolt Batár

WATERFRONT KOPASZI DAM

T2.a Architects

PHOTOGRAPHS
Zsolt Batár, Attila Polgár

AREA
50000.0 m²

YEAR
2005

LOCATION
Budapest, Hungary

CATEGORY
Park

Text description provided by architect.

The area around the former river harbor lies in the southern part of Buda. The territory was abandoned and heavily polluted industrial site, partially used for personal holiday purposes in the last decades of the Communist regime and in the ‘90s.

Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Zsolt Batár
Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Zsolt Batár

Before the current owner (property developer Öböl XI. Ltd.) acquired the site, the narrow dam was dotted with a variety of modest wooden barracks in said condition which were home to the water police, a number of small restaurants.

We proposed erecting the new pavilions on exactly the same spot as these old structures and employing a timber building typology characteristic of the waterfront.

Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Zsolt Batár
Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Zsolt Batár

We were playing with shapes and materials, just as we were playing during the design process: we identified the buildings with names such as ‘the one with the sweater’ or ‘with the parka’ etc.

So the steel frames were dressed up with light-weighted wall structures and timber facades. With their simple shape and detailing, these unpretentious little buildings radiate a certain timelessness and lightness.

Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Zsolt Batár
Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Zsolt Batár

The outdoor area has been also carefully landscaped and treated always in strong connection with the buildings.

The environmental rehabilitation of the bay is also finished: the water is not anymore a polluted, but a living natural area.

Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Zsolt Batár
Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Zsolt Batár

The area as a whole has the potential to be a resounding success.

The location is particularly outstanding in that it offers water views on two sides of the dam and natural access to the Danube which is a unique opportunity for the habitants of the City.

Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Zsolt Batár


Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Zsolt Batár
Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Zsolt Batár
Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Zsolt Batár
Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Zsolt Batár
Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Zsolt Batár
Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Zsolt Batár


Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Zsolt Batár
Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Zsolt Batár
Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Attila Polgár


Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Zsolt Batár
Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Zsolt Batár
Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Zsolt Batár
Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
© Attila Polgár


Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
Planta
Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
Planta


Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
Corte
Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
Corte


Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
Fachada
Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
Fachada
Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
Emplaza


Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
Estructura
Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
Estructura
Waterfront Kopaszi Dam
Estructura

T2.a Architects
T +36 1 3920005
T2.a Architects
Budapest, Budakeszi út 91, 1021 Hungary