Situated on Obuda Island in the Danube river just north of Budapest city center this historic shipbuilding yard was zoned for preservation and renovation after more than 60 years of decline. The twelve historic buildings are a collection of mid 19th century industrial brick and steel structures. These long 3-4 story structures have a diverse variety of spaces ranging  from one level to multi story  gambrel and vaulted spaces with skylights. Re-purposing, preserving and renovating these historic buildings into a modern shopping and entertainment district that will include shops, restaurant, cafes, galleries and high-end boutiques represents the first phase of the mixed use resort project. The design aims to create a unifying element woven between these distinct and individual buildings by introducing a series of glass canopies and bridges that would connect the buildings at ground and first floor level. Delicate glass canopies and bridges allow activity year round and enable visitors to continuously move through the district while still benefiting from views of the historic structures and Danube beyond. 



2010 / Budapest, Hungary / Commerical retail district- 40,000 sm / 100 million USD

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Moshe Safdie Architect