Graduation projects
Esterhazy Community House for Children
Author Name
Oláh LiliánaProfession
Építészmérnök/ architectLocation
Bács-Kiskun megye, Magyarország/Bács-Kiskun county from Hungary
Project description
My graduation project is based in Tata, in the area of the former Esterházy riding school. The riding stables are currently uncovered and in a state of deterioration. The building is neither listed nor protected, but the area itself is of historic interest. The Esterházy legacy plays an important role in the identity of Tata and in the life of the town: the Esterházy manor house, the former champagne factory, the summer residence in the English garden, the riding school and the stables all have untapped potential. The functional design of the riding school has taken into account its location, the needs of the population, its historical significance and the current functioning of the town. This part of the Old Lake, the historic core of the town, is a destination for day trips, but also a popular leisure destination for the town's residents. The new feature would target families, children, tourists and residents alike. The Riding Stables building will house a children's activity and community centre, an addition to the Esterházy Castle. By this I mean programmes which would bring the history of the town closer to children through interesting, playful and fun activities (e.g. children's theatre, group activities, games of skill, crafts, periodic workshops, etc.). The building would thus provide space for school groups, camps and a new programme for family outings. A café and ice-cream parlour would be added to the riding stables building, along the retaining wall, overlooking the Old Lake. It would also bring tourism, which is concentrated around the castle, to this side of the lake, where there is a shortage of catering facilities. The starting point for the architectural concept was the creation and preservation of value: the aim was to strengthen the identity of the town by leaving the walls of the former riding stables intact. By keeping the existing masonry and building a new roof, I will create a large unheated space with a large roof, protected from the weather. Within this, I will install a tempered building unit that will not interfere with the original building structures. The supporting structure of the childcare centre will be CLT panels, with external thermal insulation and a timber façade cladding. The retaining wall will house the café. This will be connected to the lakeside promenade, serving both hikers and families visiting the day care centre. The interior, tempered space of the café is insulated on the inside, allowing the structural elements to be continuous. An outdoor staircase connects the childcare centre to the café.
Author's presentation text
I am Liliána Oláh, a recently graduated architect. I graduated in spring 2022 from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. In architectural design, I like to understand and plan the building from its role in the city to the details. I tried to keep this principle in mind during my thesis. It is important to me that the building is not only architecturally pleasing but also functionally usable. I think it is also essential to know the users and the target group during the design process. I live in Lajosmizze, which is located in Bács-Kiskun county. After university I got a job here.
