The Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC) announced an open national architectural design competition this spring for the renovation of the Aranybika Hotel and the neighboring wing, and the establishment of a new education center. The design plan of TSPC received priority purchase.
According to the competition’s description the wing built in socialism, now in poor condition will be demolished and replaced by a new building wing that will be home to MCC’s education and talent development program. The MCC is planning to build a modern education center that in terms of mass and scale matches the Art Nouveau-style wing of the existing Aranybika Szálló building as well as the historical environment. Part of the design plan is the historic renovation of the original listed building of the former hotel, so the hotel will represent the patinated past of the Aranybika Szálló with its interior design solutions and facade appearance and will become a defining color spot for the city in the future.
TSPC team designed a building next to the original historical wing of the Aranybika Szálló, on the site of the demolished building, which fits the remaining building by creating a visual balance and symmetry with its mass formation and use of materials. With its facade appearance, in addition to adapting to the historical building, it becomes an iconic and defining image of downtown Debrecen.
The Aranybika Szálló is one of the most historic hostels in Debrecen. This eclectic-style building, which can still be seen today, was built in 1915 based on the plans of architect Alfréd Hajós. During the Rákosi era in Hungary, the building was nationalized. At that time, the 6-story socialist-style wing was completed, which will soon be demolished.
By renovating the original space structures and integrating the rooms into the hotel, a dynamic, renewing center of gastronomy and social life in Debrecen can be created.
TSPC’s plan shows an integrated building complex where the functional building parts can be separated by expedient operation, while the building is an organically connected multifunctional unit. An important part of the design is bringing back symmetry between the listed building part and the new wing.
On the main façade of the planned MCC education center, planting boxes combined with plant nets will ensure a uniform surface. On this façade surface, ivy can provide a uniform surface in both winter and summer. From a climatic point of view, the plant wall reduces summer overheating both in the square and inside the building.
The original façade of the Aranybika Hotel was dominated by the flower boxes on the main façade, which have now disappeared. The replanting of these balcony boxes will give the listed building a lush, green, and very elegant appearance. By interpreting these elements, this atmosphere will also be reflected in the façade of the new building.
The mass formation of the new corner tower is a copy of the original tower of Aranybika Hotel.
In the building, the different functions were placed in different blocks, which are divided by inner courtyards. Thanks to this structure a very exciting and varied spatial structure is created.
Important functions:
Library: This is an important visual part of the building. The traditional system of bookshelves can be seen in the classrooms and the lobby.
Public spaces: The conference rooms and event halls are organically connected to the MCC building. The conference room is illuminated through a large glass ceiling, so even daytime events can be comfortably held there.
Dormitory rooms: The sustainably designed rooms keep the private sphere of the residents in mind. The rooms also have a tea corner and a laundry room. The connection between the rooms of the dormitory promotes the development of active community life.
Gym: the gym and sports facilities are on the basement level of the building, which receives natural lighting thanks to the mass shaping of the building.
Parking: Taking into account the customer’s needs and the environmental features, a half-level offset underground garage provides the right opportunity for a long-desired public park to function as a green “oasis”.
With the implementation of TSPC’s design not only the Aranybika Hotel would be renovated, but the city of Debrecen could get back its most patinated listed building.
TSPC is very strongly taking part in the development of Debrecen city with feasibility studies ready to be used for further planning and implementation processes of the New Clinical Block of the University of Debrecen Clinical Centre. For TSPC, the hotel development is not new as the development of Hotel Dorothea is underway based on the company’s general design. Also, TSPC’s conceptual design for UniGreen Hotel in Debrecen received priority purchase.
Staff list
General designer: Kádár Miháy, Pálffy György – TSPC Kft.
Project manager: Szuhayné Turóczi Zita – TSPC Kft.
Architects: Aboudeif Abdelrahman, Gyovai Benjamin Tibor, Székely-Galovicz Viola, Barta Enikő – TSPC Kft.
BIM: Szente Zoltán – TSPC BIM Kft.
Visualization: Tornyi Dávid, Csörsz Judit – TSPC Kft., Vági Bence – WhiteBox Visual
Structural engineer: Jancsó László – TSPC Mérnökiroda Kft.
Mechanical engineer: Kalmár Péter – TSPC Kft.
Budgeting: Kovács Erzsébet, Péter Éva – TSPC Kft.
Green façade: Cérna Zoltán – Parkertech Kft.