PHOTO GALLERY: Stunning visual plans of Budapest’s newest university campus

The Hungarian Reformed Church organised an open architectural competition to design the new university campus in Ferencváros for Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church (KRE). 42 architectural firms submitted valid proposals, and the jury selected the design by Archikon Architects, a Budapest-based studio celebrating its 35th anniversary.

New university campus in the heart of Budapest

Visual plans of the new campus of the Károli Gáspár Reformed University (KRE) in Ferencváros. Photo: KRE

The jury included professionals delegated by the Reformed Church, Budapest’s chief architect Zoltán Erő, Ferencváros mayor Krisztina Baranyi, vice president of the Hungarian Chamber of Architects Tihamér Szalay, and KRE chancellor Gyula Balázs Csáki-Hatalovics. The jury was chaired by national chief architect Regő Lánszki, with university development leader Balázs Fürjes as co-chair. The results were announced yesterday evening, our sibling site, HellóMagyar reports.

Project Details

The new university campus will be built in the traditional Reformed district between Ráday Street and Üllői Road in Ferencváros, utilising the former Kaltenberg Brewery building and a vacant lot on Üllői Road. Funded by state support and church resources, the campus will house the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences and the Institute of Psychology, accommodating nearly 2,500 students. The competition saw record participation, with submissions from firms across Hungary and the EU.

Winning design

Visual plans of the new campus of the Károli Gáspár Reformed University (KRE) in Ferencváros. Photo: KRE

Archikon Architects, known for winning multiple prestigious awards such as the Budapest Architectural Excellence Award and the Mies Award, secured first place. The jury’s recommendations emphasised preserving and developing leisure functions at Markusovszky Square and collaborating closely with the Ferencváros Municipality for planning parking and public spaces.

Design goals

Visual plans of the new university campus of the Károli Gáspár Reformed University (KRE) in Ferencváros. Photo: KRE

The competition aimed to blend tradition and innovation, with designs reflecting the church’s mission and openness. The university campus should integrate well into the Ferencváros district and align with local urban plans, serving both the university community and local residents. The design prioritises high architectural quality, sustainability, environmental consciousness, and Reformed simplicity.

Jury recommendations

The jury highlighted the importance of maintaining public leisure spaces at Markusovszky Square and ensuring the new development does not overly burden public areas. Ferencváros Mayor Krisztina Baranyi stressed the need for unified planning with Markusovszky Square, the district’s only public park. She noted that while the winning design is promising, it must preserve the park’s current functions and green spaces.

Architectural vision

Budapest’s chief architect Zoltán Erő emphasised the challenge of integrating large-scale projects into the densely built urban fabric while maintaining public spaces. The winning design proposes a “city within a city” concept, with buildings reflecting urban diversity and sustainability. The preservation and intelligent use of existing structures are key aspects.

Historical integration

National chief architect Regő Lánszki remarked that the Reformed Church has historically prioritised education. The winning design by Archikon Architects integrates KRE both globally and locally, preserving the structure of the historic Dohánygyár factory and enhancing connections with the surrounding environment.

Future collaboration

Balázs Fürjes, co-chair of the jury and university development leader, highlighted the collaborative effort required for the project. The goal is to dream boldly, plan responsibly, and build with discipline, ensuring the new university campus benefits the city and honours God.

Read also:

• Calvinist university city to be built in Budapest’s heart
• Hungarian students choose: the most popular universities in Hungary