INFOCAFÉ
Esztergom / Hungary
BSc Diploma Project / 2018
The project area is located in Esztergom, on the Prímás-island, between the historical city and the green zone. The site can be easily reached from every part of the town. Due to the flat land the building is rounded by a beautiful waterside view. In addition, the location is in direct connection with a big park.
The primary point of view during the planning process was to utilize the above-mentioned natural advantages. The main principle of the conception was to plan a building that can provide the tourists with proper information. The choice of function was based on my own survey and investigation, but there was an initiation from the part of the town to develop the location touristically.
The structure of the area was determined by the direction of the traffic passing through the town and the special outlook of the park as well. The building can be found on the axle of these two elements. The incoming people can be informed at the info-building. Furthermore, it is possible to have some rest and some coffee in the café spending the waiting time comfortably.
The building is covered on 3 sides by glass surfaces, providing a visual communication between the inner and the outer spaces. The two functions can be found in two separate buildings with a connection to each other via a transitional space. Their operation is independent and they are not connected to the pierced slab structure which has only aesthetic role. It joins the two functions in one unit and makes a link to the park and roads.
The mass is geometrically quite cleared and the surface elements have a common picture. The used materials are durable and light.
The appearance of the building can respond on both the built and the natural environment. The aim of the clear, simple, geometrical lines is to emphasize the historical buildings in the neighbourhood. This way a contrast has been formed which can draw the attention to my building.
The pattern of the surface elements indicates the connection of the surrounding environment. Furthermore, the reticular texture can symbolize the function of the building as well.
To create the details the main standpoint was the most homogeneous surface. Therefore the frame of the openings is in harmony with the light shadows of the panels.
The floating roof and the pillars follow this bright appearance, too.
The bar counter plays a determined role in the café. It is possible to reach it from outside in the summertime.
The furnishing of the inner side of the café can meet several requirements. Besides the normal chairs the guests can have a seat on bar stools or directly around the bar counter as well. A passage divides these areas from each other. It was important to separate the toilets from the consumer space. The solution was a narrow pillar-row.
Besides the outer sun-blind roof the building is shadowed in the summertime by a motor-driven textile.
The info-centre consists of two rooms: a ticket office and a gift shop.
In the ticket office you can buy maps, prospects and are able to book tickets for periodical and permanent programmes.
The inner space of the gift shop is up-to-date. Different interactive screens can rise the experience of the guests. In addition, it is possible to charge the cell phones.
This interactive attitude can be followed outside, too. A touch screen placed on the free surface of the info-center can be helpful, including the website of the town.
The neighbourhood of the building is user-friendly following the free WIFI demands (in front of the café there is a round stone bench with free WIFI points). The interactive surfaces are energy-conscious.
