Reception building for a test field for motor industry, Zalaegerszeg

Architect: Attila Madzin
Text: Eszter Götz
Photos: Tamás Bujnovszky

Motor industry has evolved into a leading branch of economy in Hungary. As a result, in the past decade it has appeared in other fields as well, primarily in education, research development, infrastructure and urban development. In spring 2016 a governmental decree targeted to construct a world-standard test field in the Zala Hills, where validation tests of traditional cars as well as auto drive and electric one scan be carried out. The first stage of the field was inaugurated in autumn2019 with the main building of the complex, which is in the shape of a large letter Z. Its designer, Attila Madzin had two key aspects to start from: the 265 hectare area with the functions of a test field constructed in several stages, and the logo mentioned above. This the contours of the reception building were drawn as a sweeping and dynamic, daring and streamlined arch, a slightly altered Z form yet easy to identify, which simultaneously conveys the characteristic inclination angle of the neighbouring hills, the initial letter of the complex (ZalaZONE) and the tracery of modern contemporary cars.

Client: Autóipari Próbapálya Zala Kft.
General architecture: M- Teampannon Kft., Tamás Noll; KTN Narthex Kft., Attila Kovács
Leading architect: Attila Madzin
Fellow architects: Balázs Besenyei, Ferenc Károly, Ádám Kern, Andrea Szabó, Tamás Szögi, Bence Varga
Structure: István Kenese – Kenese Kft.
Electrical engineering: Zoltán Ivanics – Provill Kft.
HVAC: László Krobák – Skroll Kft.
Fire protection: Zsolt Fenyvesi – F. S.Z. Mérnökiroda Kft.