Grapevine inspired the plans for the school in Inselszentmiklós

In the spring of 2024, the Dunamelléki Reformed Church District announced an architectural design competition for the construction of a new 16-classroom primary and art school in the Bucka district of Szigetszentmiklós , according to the church district's website.

The design competition attracted considerable interest, with a large number of outstanding entries submitted, according to the announcement made at the awards ceremony held in the ceremonial hall of the Ráday House in Budapest on 5 March 2025. First prize was awarded to the design studio Ártér Építész Műterem Kft..

The Bucka area of Szigetszentmiklós consists mostly of twin and terraced houses, with no pavements and no asphalt in many places. Because cars can only move slowly, the children who live here play football outside in the street," said Ákos Morva, pastor of the church that built the school in Inselszentmiklós-New Town. The pastor said they had known for a long time that a school was needed here.

Innovative and creative entries

43 entries, including outstanding works, were received for the design competition announced by the diocese - reported Sándor Veres, the vicar-general of the Danube district, member of the jury.

The Dunamelléki Reformed Church District purchased 12 entries, and five more were awarded prizes. The archdeacon praised the designs, which, despite the unfavourable terrain, presented many creative solutions, made the exterior look attractive and the interior design strived for homeliness.

Regő Lánszki, Secretary of State, National Chief Architect and Chairman of the Jury, said that the rapid growth of the agglomeration has led to neglected infrastructure, lack of schools, doctors' surgeries and public spaces. This is why the new school in Inselszentmiklós can become the heart of the community.

The land needed for the construction of the school in Inselszentmiklós is now almost completely available, Deputy State Secretary Zoltán Fürjes reported.

Architect Zoltán Páricsy, member of the jury, added: the applicants gave many good answers to the questions raised in a variety of styles. The two pillars of architecture, moderation and appropriateness, were also met.

Community spaces also have a pedagogical role

The professional evaluation of the winning entry states that it translates the basis of the design competition, the vine and bunch of grapes metaphor, into the language of architecture as a spatial system: its most important value is to go beyond the traditional spatial framework of pedagogy, the flexible design and bath-like installation of classrooms, the creation of a homely, attractive atmosphere, and the implementation of acoustic aspects.

Common spaces, passageways, courtyards, terraces become as important pedagogical spaces in the entry as classrooms. Linked to the central community core are decentralised teaching units with their own small sub-centres, which can be used from the outside, including the gym, the chapel, the restaurant.