masterwork
Mycelium Knowledge Center in the Brick Factory-Valley
"The topic of my masterwork is the brick factory located in the Óváros (old town) area of Százhalombatta, which used to be one of Hungary's most successful plants but has become obsolete and disused due to the lack of technological development. The issue of the abandoned brick factory building forms the basis of my masterwork, in which I aim to achieve the functional transformation and utilisation of the Téglagyári-völgy (Brick Factory Valley). On the ground floor of the facility, there is a Hoffmann kiln used for brick firing, which greatly determines the potential for its new use. The vaulted, circular channel divided into chambers provides excellent conditions for cultivating fungi that thrive in dark and cool environments. Hence I envision the repurposing of the brick kiln building with the establishment of a knowledge centre that experiments with mycelium biocomposites. With its significant spatial requirements, this centre can fully utilise the vast areas of the industrial facility. I have divided the two levels above the brick kiln into three sections based on their intended level of functional accessibility: public, semi-private, and private functions. The nearby Bronze Age earthworks and Iron Age fortification in the Téglagyári-völgy hold unique archaeological value, not to mention the presence of highly protected plant and animal species in the area. Accordingly, I only intend to implement extensive land use on the site of the former brick factory buildings. I plan to replace the old outdoor brick drying structures with land to grow substrate for the fungi. Furthermore, I will designate a nature trail to explore the treasures of the Sánc-hegy, drawing attention to the protected species and nature conservation areas. This will help encourage the local community to once again bring life to the valley. The direct connection to the Danube River offers an alternative mode of access to the site. I plan to design a pier in place of the former brick freight pier, which will be suitable for both passenger and cargo transportation purposes. This will further increase tourism and add an interesting transportation highlight in the area."
thesis
Value Preservation
The potential uses of the Százhalombatta brick factory and its surroundings
The topic of my thesis is the brick factory located in the Óváros (old town) area of Százhalombatta, which used to be one of Hungary's most successful plants but has become outdated due to the lack of technological development. All of this has led to the shutdown of production and has rendered the factory useless. My theoretical research also serves as the foundation for my masterwork, in which I aim to explore how our disused industrial heritage can be repurposed. The objective of my thesis is to explore the architectural value of the brick factory and to examine the transformation of the natural environment caused by clay mining. The aim of the research is to find a solution for reintegrating the Óváros neighbourhood through an analysis of its urban structure, and to explore the potential role of a repurposed brick factory in the revitalisation effort. I consider it important for the local past to be reflected in the newly created function, so in order to establish the best future use, I examine how domestic and international brick factories have been repurposed. My thesis concludes with a summary of the most important findings of my research, based on which I will formulate the topic of my masterwork.
