Community House, Makó

Architect: Balázs Váradi
Text: János Pál
Photos: Bence Csernyus

After a long and thorough preparatory work stage, supported by a series of studies, the city of Makó decided to create its new sub-centre, which will provide long-term assistance and opportunities in a complex way, mainly for the residents of the neglected and segregated Honvéd district. It was here that architect Balázs Váradi managed to use his experience gained in the field of social and solidarity architecture and put it into practice. The Makovecz legacy of Makó and the architect’s soul is embodied in the building he has dreamed up here. The planned new Community House, with its surrounding sports fields and playgrounds, will serve and promote „self-awareness, cultural richness and proud citizenship.” The modest budget tied the designers’ hands to some extent, but after repeated redesigns, the scheme was finally implemented. The organic elements have been simplified. The new formulation has been integrated into the architectural heritage of the surroundings, masterfully combining traditional architectural components with contemporary needs and building materials, setting an example to those living here and in the wider area of how to continue to use old forms, materials and ornamentation. The community building has come to serve as a base for the Roma Municipality of Makó and the Civil Guard, local social workers and family support workers, with a kitchenette, a group employment centre, a community laundry with a 50-seat function room, drying room, ironing and laundry facilities, a 100-seat theatre for the public as well as a DIY workshop. The areas outside the building form an integral part of the Centre’s operations. It does not only include a multi-purpose sports field and outdoor equipment, but also covers a playground, parking and a waste collection point.

General planning: ArchEA
Architect: Balázs Váradi
Fellow architects: Bence Várnai, Gábor Lassú
Structure: László Pongor, Endre Szász
HVAC: László Szalóky, László Benes, Dávid Petrekin
Electrical engineering: Dávid Sándor, Tamás Németi
Fire protection: Ferenc Végh
Accessibility: Ágoston Kiss
Landscape: Mária Boldog
Traffic: Csaba Szombati
Public utilities: Tamás Bukovinszky