Bus Station, Szentgotthárd

Architect: Géza Kendik
Text: Anett Mizsei
Photos: Tamás Bujnovszky

The concept of the newly inaugurated bus terminal passenger lounge in Szentgotthárd was based on a clear formula faultlessly consistent from both a formal and a functional viewpoint. Designers had two inspiring points of reference to start from. The first one was an expanding grove of pine trees in the neighbourhood of the terminal building through which the pedestrian route between the town and the station passes. The second one was the rhythm of the three traverses bridging over the span of the railways. Requirements such as protection against weather conditions, seating capacity and simple communication along the longitudinal axis of the building had to be met. As a result, two pavilions have been built and positioned independently of each other on the platform. There are now two junctions of passengers with the railway tracks and the moving trains along them as their backgrounds. The sequence of slightly distorted butt walls forms the basic structure of the building. By piercing each of them in the middle the necessary axes of transportation and transparency were created. Shaped in a varied way, the diagonal walls are connected via beams and wainscoting, simple means have been used to make up the distorted surfaces that form the heart of this exciting spatial play. Connections break up at a point where a sapling tree shall be planted. It is meant to grow into one with the structure and as it grows later on it shall create a new quality in this rusty world of industry smelling like the railway itself. The pavilions are simply furnished with benches on which passengers can take a seat or pack their luggage.

Architects: Géza Kendik, Zsófia Gönczöl, Zoltán Papp – Studio A4 Iroda