The Liget Center is located on Dózsa György Street, in the building of the former headquarters of the Hungarian Trade Union, facing Városliget Park, adjacent to the new ING Head Office completed by EEA in 2004.
Built in 1949 by the architect György Szrogh, the building is the last modernist public building in Budapest and was purchased with the aim of refurbishing the building and creating new rental office space. The building was listed as a national monument during the design stage, resulting in detailed discussions with the authorities to ensure that the original modernist qualities were respected.
The complex consists of three elements: a long slender slab lifted from the ground (the office wing), a connecting part (the neckpiece) with large interlinking spaces and a floating solid block containing a 250-seat auditorium. The office wing has a new glazed climate façade and raised floors to increase flexibility within the offices and accommodate new mechanical services. The neckpiece contains open plan offices and reception functions. Refurbishment of the auditorium and development of a new media plaza will take place in a second phase, creating a contemporary environment fully equipped for 21st century information exchange technology, within this rejuvenated modernist monument.
design 1999-2000
