Shelter for Mental Health Therapy

My name is Anna Zsolnai, I was born in Budapest in 2001. In 2019, I graduated from Városmajor High School in Budapest. In June 2024, I graduated with a master’s degree in architectural engineering, with honours at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Department of Urban Planning and Design. Before starting the master course, I was an enthusiast of understanding the wider architectural complexity of urbanism while I went to the department of urban planning and design. Therefore, I was engaged to participate in university competitions and such projects under practical conditions. In frame of Erasmus+ scholarship, I visited cities at region of Lazio, Italy, for studying the consequences of earthquakes. Studying the future perspectives of rural urbanism, especially focusing on the shrinking settlement problems of Ibrány, in Hungary. In a teamwork with students from other university departments we won the 2nd place in the urban planning competition of 2024. My thesis was awarded at the Mapei diploma project competition. I tried to participate in as many professionally useful events as possible and try myself in new situations. Engaged for practical designing solutions, I was working for Peruvian urban planning projects during my internship at a private architectural company in Valencia, Spain. In the future, I would like to be employed at a company with a wide space for creativity, where my wide-ranging interests and the accompanying perseverance are welcomed.

Regarding my thesis, I have chosen the site of the Shelter for Mental Health Therapy, at 42. Péter Pál street, in Budafok, in Budapest, Hungary. In a framework, I defined large-scale urban development plans for the center of Budafok, with a particular focus on the area of Péter Pál street. With these development proposals, I tried to explore, and improve the environment of the architectural program. The exact design program was determined by the shortcomings of Budapest and the characteristics of Budafok. In Hungary, it is particularly difficult for people, with mental health problems, to access therapy. In 2007, a change in hospital structures led to the closure of 11 institutions and decided to abolish the National Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, the centre of the care system. Alternatives available facilities have remained limited, and unaccesible for those who need care, and the conditions are still poor. For those who do not require hospitalization with medication, but still need help, the system is not competent to help. The coronavirus pandemic, neighboring war and subsequent economic hardship are just some of the events in recent years that have affected people not only in terms of health or economically, but also mentally in Hungary. This may also result an increasing number of people with mental health problems. The planning program attempts to fill this gap in the capital city of Hungary. The architectural program aims to create an institution, for patients who do not need hospital care but who need support, and therapeutic treatment. The location of Budafok (within the municipal boundary of Budapest), easy accessibility by public transport, its calm, quiet, small-town atmosphere and high green space index make it a great location for such a program. One part of the building complex is a residential facility for around 15 people, with mental health problems. The apartments are suitable for a stay of a few weeks to a few years, for one or maximum two people. The apartments consist of a room and a bathroom, with basic furniture and a small kitchenette (fridge, microwave, sink). The communal kitchen, dining room and communal space are located in a separated building. The residents receive therapeutic treatment in the therapy center. This part of the complex is also available to non-residential clients who come for therapy. Residents have a fixed daily schedule, the floorplan of the building complex is designed to accommodate these needs.