Magyar Villamos Művek headquarters new building

MVM Headquarters on Szentendrei Street was originally built based on our plans in 2008. Even back then, the idea of a potential future expansion arose, which led to the acquisition of the adjacent plot on the other side of Anikó Street, which was for sale at the time. Over the past 15 years, we have made several proposals to MVM regarding the placement of a new building at various locations. Specifically, the design process for a new building that would accommodate the subsidiary companies began with an invitation-only competition launched in spring 2019, and we were fortunate to win it. As a result, the design phase took place in 2022-23, and currently, MVM has a valid permit plan and an executable construction plan ready to commence. However, due to recent changes in management, the start of construction has not yet been possible.

The new building, connected to the headquarters and encompassing the subsidiary companies, is designed to resemble a commercial office building designed for friends who make joint decisions on various matters, with their common superiors being the lessors. They also operate independently and make individual decisions. We aimed to express this close connection and yet maintain their independent existence through architectural means. The analogy of the neural network, previously applied in the T-Com headquarters competition, was employed here as well. It consists of wings of equal value and distance from a central core, forming the building. The number of wings is nearly arbitrary (in this case, six), the contours are rounded, there are no dark corners inside, and the legs seamlessly merge into each other. The central atrium space, the core of the neural network, organizes the layout and can be opened in any direction on the ground floor.

From a technical standpoint, the layout is ideal, as all networks can be centrally controlled, and the radii of the arcs are over eight meters constructed from straight elements. The design staircase running through the central space acts as a unifying element between the levels, and because there are few levels, it is also functional. The galleries offer perfect areas for relaxation, breakout spaces, as well as mobile workstations. Parking is entirely located in the basement levels, following the hexagonal contour adjusted to the structural geometry. The mechanical systems are optimally positioned within the central area, with some areas spanning multiple levels. Energy-wise, geothermal and solar panels complement the operation.

The materials and structures are simple, and the architectural expression emphasizes the horizontal nature derived from the basic design, which includes an external shading system. Each of the six internal courtyards between the neural network’s legs has a distinct atmosphere and function, with innovative and forward-thinking landscaping concepts. The goal was to create entrances, relaxation areas, educational spaces, and even an eco-garden that includes a small pond.