The National Athletics Centre in Budapest has achieved international acclaim, winning two public choice awards at the 13th Architizer A+Awards, one of the world’s most prestigious architecture competitions.
The facility triumphed in both the Stadium and Arena and Sustainable Sports and Recreational Facilities categories, following its earlier selection as a top-five finalist by the professional jury. In both categories, the final winners were decided by public vote, underscoring the design’s broad popular appeal.
Lead architect Marcel Ferencz, of NAPUR Architect, expressed gratitude and pride over the dual recognition, calling it a powerful validation not just from industry experts but from the public itself. ‘For any architect, there’s no higher honour than to see a building embraced by both professionals and everyday people,’ he said.
The awards also highlight the vision behind the stadium’s development: to create a vibrant, open, and inclusive public space beyond its original function as a sports arena. After hosting the 2023 World Athletics Championships, the stadium underwent a unique transformation—the upper stands were replaced by a nearly 15,000 square meter panoramic park, freely accessible to all visitors.
‘The awards also highlight the vision behind the stadium’s development: to create a vibrant, open, and inclusive public space beyond its original function’
This innovative adaptation made the facility the world’s first ‘open arena’, where major event infrastructure is repurposed to serve community and recreational needs. According to the announcement, this sustainable, people-first approach was a key factor in the project’s international recognition.
As Budapest continues to gain global visibility for its architectural innovation, the National Athletics Centre stands out not only as a landmark of sports infrastructure but also as a model for future-proof urban design rooted in community engagement and environmental consciousness.
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Author: Ádám Bráder
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