Ever wondered how sustainability and innovation come together? Step right up to the Corvinus University Budapest New Building. It is not just a building. It is a symbol of the future of education.
Corvinus University of Budapest has a rich history. It started as the Faculty of Economics of the Royal Hungarian University in 1920. Over the years, it transformed and grew. It became a leading institution in Hungary. In 2004, it adopted the name Corvinus University of Budapest. The name pays homage to King Matthias Corvinus’s renowned library.
This new campus represents a significant milestone. It embodies Corvinus University’s commitment to progress. The Gellért Campus, as it is also known, can host around 680 students. It offers almost 14000 square meters of useful space.
The building is designed to foster collaboration. It has multi-purpose teaching and research spaces. A 300-seat auditorium provides ample room for lectures and presentations. The Data Space supports data analysis. The Media Studio helps students develop storytelling skills. The Makerspace allows students to practice design using 3D printers.
Outside, a 1.1-hectare park offers a green space. It is even available for outdoor classes. For those needing accommodation, the four-storey dormitory houses 180 students. Six apartments are available for professors.
The sports center caters to physical well-being. It includes indoor and outdoor sports fields. A fitness room and exercise studios provide space for various activities. Soon, a climbing wall gym will open.
The Gellért Campus is the most sustainable university building in Hungary. It was built and operates according to LEED Gold criteria. Solar panels and geothermal heat pumps supply energy. The building is proposed for AA+ energy efficiency certification.
During construction, 82% of demolition waste was recycled. Insulation is excellent. Plumbing is water-efficient. Light pollution is reduced. Efficient equipment ensures sustainable operation. The park has low irrigation needs. Only a quarter of the area is paved. The car park has limited spaces to encourage public transport. There are 170 bicycle storage spaces.
The Maecenas Universitatis Corvini Foundation acquired the land in 2019. The government supported the renovation with funds. The investment totaled HUF 17 billion. The content design began in November 2020. Concrete construction started in autumn 2021. Over 3000 people worked on the renovation.
Memorable aesthetic details enrich the campus. A “crown” ornament tops the higher tower. A Hungarian lamp installation, inspired by exchange rate diagrams, decorates the entrance hall. A translucent glass concrete counter uses Hungarian patented Litracon. A retro network control cabinet from the seventies will be in the Data Space. Acoustic wall coverings enhance learning spaces. An atmospheric green roof connects the two buildings. The “Perfect Cubes” sculptural installation by Attila Csörgő adds a contemporary touch.
Lajos Szabó, Acting Rector of the University, said the building is a symbol of the future. It represents innovation, inspiration, interaction and integration. These factors make this place special.
The Corvinus University Budapest New Building stands as a testament. It shows how education can be both innovative and sustainable. It is a place where students can thrive. They can develop the skills to shape the future.