Qvarta is an architectural intellectual and applied workshop that has been operating for 3.5 years. The main focus is on designing and constructing community buildings and smaller-scale experimental projects. Qvarta operates with two centers: intellectual work and design take place in the Budapest office, while prefabrication occurs in the Mezőkövesd workshop.
Qvarta's young, dynamic team consists of architects, architectural artists, and interior designers from across Europe. Their design methodology is integrative, combining architecture, interior design, graphic design, discipline management, and workshop activities. This is enhanced by experimental work, including material experiments, models, and comprehensive implementations.
Sunplant, a Hungarian landscape architect and garden design office, specializes in creating naturalistic and playful public spaces and private gardens. Their work emphasizes the connection between nature and humans, aiming to bring people back to nature and create small oases in urban environments. They design various projects, from private gardens to larger urban spaces, prioritizing the needs of both humans and wildlife. Led by Izabella Czél since 2021, who holds a master's in Landscape Architecture and Garden Art and has experience in an award-winning English practice, Sunpolant collaborates with architectural studios on diverse projects, including courtyard gardens, kindergartens, urban spaces, and parks.
Project description in English
The story of the community green space project at Lujza Street 36 in the 8th district dates back to early 2022. The planning was preceded by joint discussions with the residential community and the office representing the building. During these conversations, the needs that formed the basis of the design program emerged. The design program for the planned courtyard renovation included the following elements:
• Beautifying the courtyard
• A covered bicycle storage area
• Seating and conversation areas
• A small sandbox for children
• Solutions that can be used year-round
It was essential to consider the architectural character of the building. A distinctive feature of the building is the rounded corners of the walls, which are reflected in the design of the courtyard elements.
A central element of the design is the forum, a gathering place for larger conversations or even residential meetings. In the middle of the forum is a small sandbox that can be covered to function as a table. The bicycle storage is located near the entrance. In the center of the courtyard is a planter with additional smaller seating areas around its edges. A higher planter in the opposite corner of the courtyard also serves as a space divider.
The project successfully applied for funding from the "Égig érő fű" program of the Capital City. It was important for the implementation to stay true to the original vision, so the designers decided to take on the construction themselves. The prefabrication was carried out in the Mezőkövesd workshop, while the assembly took place on-site. Under the supervision of the workshop leader, the architects used circular saws and welders, the landscape architect planted vegetation, and everyone helped with moving the soil.
Budapest's smallest community green space was completed, and the residents have been enjoying it ever since. The intervention positively impacted the building's microclimate, reducing summer temperatures and improving air quality.
