IN BETWEEN WALLS, TERÉZ KÖRUT 24-32

Most of us ERASMUS students live in buildings with courtyards. One thing we noticed is that people usually do not spend any time there. It seems to us as though the anonymity of the modern world and city has led the courtyards of Budapest to have become deserted places that serve circulation only, even though they could be so much more. Pest’s residential blocks are dominated by the typology of the Laubengang house. Our goal was to create an exemplary study, exploring the question: How could these spaces become more attractive and make people want to spend time there again? What could happen in between all those walls? We chose a block located on Teréz Körut, close to the Oktogon. It consists of six building units with one courtyard each - but as already said, it is exemplary, the concept could be reused in other blocks in Budapest. First came exploration and analysis, gathering important information. For example, the westernmost courtyard is open to the public and mainly used for parking and accessing some shops on the ground floor. There is a cinema located in the building next to this one. It occupies the ground level of the former courtyard so that the courtyard - in a sense - moved up to first level. It is mainly occupied by the pitched roof of the cinema, though. In another building there is a supermarket on the ground floor, leaving only a small unused courtyard there and a big space on the first level, above the supermarket. The courtyards are all independent from each other. Something all of them have in common: There are no people around. Also, there is a lot of vacancy in all of the buildings. The first step of our intervention would be to interconnect the courtyards so that they can become a catalyst for interaction between the residents. The westernmost courtyard stays publicly accessible while the courtyard over the cinema is supposed to be semi- public, only accessible for the public through the cinema. All of the courtyards would be open to all of the residents of the block, though, making it possible for them to use not only one but six courtyards and what they’ll have to offer. Next, we added our urban interventions. Each courtyard has its own program, tailored to its existing conditions. The interventions consist of both additions and subtractions.

Climbing courtyard: A space for the residents as well as the public ; insertion of a climbing wall on the previously unused firewall ; green canopy to provide shade and atmosphere.

Cinema courtyard: a multifunctional open-air cinema located above already existing cinema ; retractable transparent membrane roof structure and roll-up canvas for maximum flexibility.

Gardening courtyard: An urban gardening space as "green lung" of the block ; opportunity for residents to cultivate and socialise.

Sports courtyard: A space dedicated to sports and fitness with a batminton / volleyball field as well as outdoor fitness equipment ; located on basement level.

Reading courtyard: A quiet, contemplative space primarily for reading and book exchange ; lightweight nets to relax on.

Educational courtyard: A workshop space with a presentation area as well as an area for creative activity ; can otherwise be used as meeting point or chill out area.