The Anthill

The site is located in the 4th district of Budapest, where suburban, residential, and industrial zones are closely intertwined. The warehouse, which has been vacant for thirty years is a typical post-industrial scar in the urban fabric. The lack of third places in this area is striking. The quality and quantity of public spaces, or the extent of our involvement in their planning can trigger significant social changes and contribute to the strengthening of local communities. Therefore architectural interventions that serve as a catalyst for creating a cooperative neighborhood are indispensable.

The core principles of commoning - such as treating knowledge as an inexhaustible resource, sharing reproductive labor, and recognizing the significance of transitional spaces - served as the foundation for the repurposing strategy. Based on the site analysis, I found that the most appropriate solution would be to create a mixed-use building that functions as a gastronomic and recreational center. This includes food-related production, consumption, and associated educational activities. Additionally, the building can host various cultural and community events, which are currently lacking for the residents of the area. The program mix includes a canteen, which also provides food for the neighboring retirement home, a café, and a cooperative-owned grocery store. The middle floors feature two multi-functional event spaces of different sizes and three community workshops. The upper floors house a cheese manufactory and a vertical farm, which also function as knowledge-sharing centers. There are multiple routes to explore the building. The terraces on each floor are connected by an external staircase on the facade, which create an urban hiking trail. This trail can be incorporated into a 2x45-minute class, allowing local schoolchildren and kindergarteners to learn about the building’s operations without having to enter the production areas. At the end of the trail, a communal rooftop terrace offers a space where anyone can enjoy the panoramic view of the city or have a barbecue without the pressure of consumption. This is just one potential vision for utilizing the building, addressing the current shortcomings in the area. The seven-seven story reinforced concrete structure allows the functions to evolve over time in response to changing needs.