Budapest’s Newest University Campus: A Visual Tour
The Hungarian Reformed Church recently organized an open architectural competition to design the new university campus in Ferencváros for Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church (KRE). With 42 architectural firms submitting proposals, the jury ultimately selected the design by Budapest-based studio Archikon Architects, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary.
The new university campus, funded by state support and church resources, will be located in the traditional Reformed district between Ráday Street and Üllői Road in Ferencváros. It will repurpose the former Kaltenberg Brewery building and a vacant lot on Üllői Road to accommodate the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences and the Institute of Psychology, serving approximately 2,500 students.
Archikon Architects, known for winning prestigious awards like the Budapest Architectural Excellence Award and the Mies Award, secured first place in the competition. Their design aims to blend tradition and innovation, reflecting the church’s mission and openness while integrating well into the Ferencváros district and aligning with local urban plans.
The jury emphasized the importance of maintaining public leisure spaces at Markusovszky Square and ensuring the new development does not overwhelm public areas. Ferencváros Mayor Krisztina Baranyi stressed the need for unified planning with Markusovszky Square to preserve its current functions and green spaces.
Budapest’s chief architect Zoltán Erő highlighted the challenge of integrating large-scale projects into the urban fabric while maintaining public spaces. The winning design proposes a “city within a city” concept, focusing on urban diversity and sustainability and preserving existing structures intelligently.
National chief architect Regő Lánszki noted the historical focus of the Reformed Church on education, with the winning design by Archikon Architects integrating KRE globally and locally, preserving the structure of the historic Dohánygyár factory and enhancing connections with the surrounding environment.
University development leader Balázs Fürjes emphasized the collaborative effort required for the project, aiming to dream boldly, plan responsibly, and build with discipline to ensure the new university campus benefits the city and upholds the values of the church.
