WEIJENBERG WINS AWARD FOR BUDAPEST MUNCIPALITY COMPETITION

Building on Hungary’s medal haul at the 2016 summer Olympics, the Hungarian government is investing in a large-scale programme to transform the ageing and disused areas of the capital into state-of-the-art hubs for athletics.

In May 2017, the Municipality of Budapest opened an international competition for a €24 million velodrome overlooking Óbuda island. The brief was to transform a disused former gas works into a 5,000-capacity cycling stadium, national training facility and internationally recognized centre for sporting excellence.

WEIJENBERG was honored with a special award where elements of its velodrome design will be integrated into the cycling stadium.

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Judges commented that WEIJENBERG’s submission was the only design to break the norm of an articulated elliptical shape, changing the mass of the velodrome and orientation to better fit the site’s environment. The landscape design and outdoor functions planned around the building, such as an amateur BMX track and public areas for visitors to enjoy active free time, were highly commended as well as access and integration with the city’s transport network. Sustainable solutions incorporated into the final design were also noted.

An amateur BMX track encourages visitors to enjoy active free time, creating an athletics hub for the public.