MÁV-Start Zrt. plans to build a new technical preparation and maintenance base in Budapest. The DANU team prepared the architectural concept and the urban planning components for the project. The exceptionally complex design and analysis process was coordinated by Ex Ante Ltd., and the feasibility study was completed through the cooperation of 16 specialist fields. We were responsible for the urban planning and land-use planning tasks, as well as the functional and architectural tasks, which also involved integrating inputs and information from various disciplines.

The project consisted of two main phases: during the preparatory phase, potential locations were evaluated based on architectural, technological, and urban planning criteria. After selecting the location, the main phase began with the functional design of the base on the chosen site. The concept design, which is part of the study, examined the site conditions and the short- and long-term development goals and regulatory environment related to the area.

In planning the layout, the technological sequence required for the optimal operation of the facility was a key factor, as was ensuring the continued operation of the surrounding railway service areas. One of the project’s unique aspects is that the layout of the site was adapted to the existing railway tracks, resulting in a very elongated complex that spans 1 km.

Due to their size, the maintenance facilities are significant elements in the massing of the complex. The main hall of the central building alone is 280 meters long, and additional sections connected along Keresztúri Street further extend it. This leads to another distinctive feature of the project: the building’s facade is a total of 500 meters long. By dividing the mass into functional units and using a unique design language that references the railway, we were able to deliver plans for a future-oriented, state-of-the-art technological base to MÁV.

Déli Városkapu is one of the largest riverfront brownfield areas of Budapest. We participated in the preparation and design process of a new district and the Diákváros (Student city) project planned for this location as consultants and analysts.

We prepared an impact assessment study and scenario analyses for the neighboring district areas during the project preparation and the competition evaluation. Our work explored the impacts of the project on transportation, infrastructure, local economy and neighborhoods. We used Space Syntax and a variety of other tools for analyzing public spaces and transportation.

After the competition we stayed on as consultants throughout the design phase of the masterplan.