Fencing Hall of Vasas Sports Club, Budapest

Architects: Géza Kendik, A4 Studio
Text: Anna Zöldi
Photos: The Greypixel Workshop

A4 Studio had an utterly simple idea for this utterly simple construction to reflect the standards of fencing in Hungary by architectural means: a golden medal calls for a golden box. Courage was much needed to come up with such an obvious, pretentious concept in the context of contemporary Hungarian architecture which is permeated by a variety of abstract ideologies, and deliberately proclaims modesty in its everyday practice. What is even more, fencers resolved into pixels posted on the golden facade. However, the concept was unanimously approved by both the authorities and decision-makers, and there was money allocated for the project. To top it all, in the summer of 2012 Áron Szilágyi won a gold medal in fencing at the Olympic Games. As a result, his jubilant silhouette defines the street façade of the hall.

Architecture: Stúdió A4 Iroda
Leading architect: Géza Kendik
Fellow architects: Orsolya Maza, Zoltán Papp
Electrical engineering: Zoltán Tóth, Péter Juhász
Technical installations: Benedek Végh, Ferenc Vígh
Structure: Viktor László
Main contractor: MARKET Építő Zrt
Client: VASAS Sport Club