Visitor centre Pannonhalma Abbey
Winner Aluta award for best architecture in Hungary 2010
The Millenary Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma, only 120 km away from Budapest, has been UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996. The Pannonhalma Abbey is an outstanding historical, religious and artistic centre of Hungary. The Abbey and the natural beauty of its surroundings make it one of Hungary's most popular tourist destinations.
The goal of the new Visitor Centre is to further increase the attractiveness of the Abbey. Our Visitor Centre plan won the first price at an architectural tender. New catering services, bicycle, car and bus parking facilities will be created according to the new plan. The designated area is located very close to the Abbey, on Kosaras hill. In its current state the hill is covered in concrete. The restoration of the natural state of the hill was an important evaluation criterion.
The most prominent architectural feature of the area is the Reception Building from 2003. This has a strong visual dominance in the historic environment of the Abbey. Our plans will honour its “symbolic” nature. The new Visitor Centre in contrast with the Reception Building is characterized by modesty in its appearance. Our aim was to supplement the existing Reception Building with the Visitor Centre in order to ensure the necessary conditions to welcome tourists. Based on our concept the Visitor Centre welcomes visitors on two floors. The ground floor is immersed in the hill and only the upper part of the building will be visible. The hidden structure is a valuable quality of the plan.
The underground parking area serves the restoration of the natural environment. The cafe terrace can be reached via the lowest floor of the building, the location of the parking area. The cafe is directly linked to the place where either conferences or exhibitions can be organised by utilising the mobile walls. In addition, lectures and various events can be held here. The top floor will host the restaurant. Its additional premises are located on the parking area level, thus ensuring the clear and flexible space organization of the building. The two different restaurants, requested in the programme of the architectural design, are planned on the same floor. The ‘a la carte’ restaurant and the cafeteria have a direct connection with each other. If needed, they can also be separated from each other. On the other side of the buttress, by the restaurants there is a direct connection with a terrace where the customers of the restaurants can have a rest or where events can be held too.
According to our concept visitors can spend quality time in a comfortable environment while waiting for the tour of the Abbey. The restored hill could also be used as a large resting area with an excellent view.
photo's: Tamás Bujnovszky
downloads
- Hongarije Vandaag 26-05-2010 (in Dutch)
- Kisalfold 29-05-2010 (in Hungarian)
- article in newspaper Trouw (in dutch) 18-05-2007
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