CNN: iconic buildings in Budapest by the ‘Hungarian Gaudi’
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The Hungarian capital has a lot to offer, including the marvellous views and the amazing architecture. There was one man who especially contributed a lot to the current outlook of Budapest. His name is Ödön Lechner, also referred to as the ‘Hungarian Gaudi’. After taking a look at the following buildings he designed, you will understand why.
Ödön Lechner, a talented Hungarian architect, shaped the future landscape of Budapest by his bold designs – reports CNN. In his lifetime, Hungary was still part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Towards the end of the 19th century, however, a new art movement surfaced to rebel against the traditional styles that the Austrians loved. This gave way to Lechner’s bold, playful ideas involving intricate ceramic details and daring colours, all used to express his national identity.
Geological Institute
The building was designed in 1896 and still houses the Geological Institute of Hungary. Visitors of the museum can learn about Hungary’s geology and see collections of minerals and prehistoric footprints. However, just going to see the building itself is totally worth it as well. Its iconic blue-tiled rooftop is adorned with intricate forms, ceramic fossils as well as little figures of Atlas holding up the globe.
Thanks to the Zsolnay Porcelain Factory that produced pyrogranite, a material that is outstandingly good in bearing outside weather conditions, Lechner was able to use it for the roof tiles and decorative architectural ceramics that are part of this building, too. In fact, this material actually became crucial for the fate of the art nouveau style in Hungary.
Hungarian State Treasury
Taking a closer look at the buildings designed by Lechner, it becomes clear that he was searching for a Hungarian identity that he could express visually. The building of the Hungarian State Treasury is a spectacular example of this. Besides the beautiful rooftop design that also showcases motifs inspired by local folk art, the front of the building is also adorned with flowers that are typically part of Hungarian embroidery.
