Dezeen School Shows: a children’s centre featuring a playground and learning spaces is included in Dezeen’s latest school show by the University of Pécs.
Also included is mixed-use complex with moveable features and a project exploring weaving within architecture as a sustainable pracitce.
Institution: University of Pécs
School: Faculty of Engieering and IT, Institute of Architecture
Course: Interior and Spatial Design MA
Tutors: Prof Dr Ágnes Borsos DLA habil, Prof Dr Gabriella Medvegy DLA habil, Dr Donát Rétfalvi DLA habil, Sarolta Jurdik DLA, Nicolas Ramos Gonzalez DLA, Tamás Rácz DLA, Nicolas Ramos Gonzalez DLA and David Ojo
School statement:
“This programme creates interior design artists who, in liaison with architects and other design professionals, are capable of solving issues regarding aesthetic, functional and psychological aspects of a given space or spaces and in the course of forming architectural space, are capable of preserving the conceptual unity of interior elements and furnishings.
“Those graduating the programme will be instilled with essential technical knowledge and artistic talent, have an understanding and thorough knowledge of creativity and the design process.
Graduates will acquire an advanced sense of aesthetic and critical talents, developed aesthetic taste, have an exhaustive knowledge of interior design terminology, traditional and innovative materials as well as the technology and tools utilised in their production.
“Students will be taught primary manufacturing and production processes and their conditions, and taking into consideration the physical, biological and cultural aspects, will be capable of conscious treatment of space and sense of space.
“They become conscious of the context of complex creative processes; not only will they receive the requisite knowledge for coordination of different disciplines but will also gain experience with the properties and techniques of processing specific materials.
“Using their acquired capacity for shaping space in a systematic manner integral to the design, they are able to react to new challenges in situations requiring complex and collective solutions.
“Qualified interior design artists are expected to be able to be aware of multifaceted professional issues, develop their own individual design and creative programmes and conduct their work autonomously, as well as to employ the necessary tools, methods, procedures and technologies proficiently and in novel ways in the creation of their own concepts and designs.”
Up Science and Innovation Park by Dalma, Lovig, Sarolta and Jurdik
“A key aspect of the design of the PTE Science and Innovation Park was to support interaction from the initial design phase through to the ongoing use of the spaces created.
“The task was to create innovative workspaces for ten different working groups in two existing buildings.
“The result is a complex of buildings that provides a suitable backdrop for research, knowledge exchange and innovation on campus.”
Students: Dalma, Lovig, Sarolta and Jurdik
Course: Interior and Spatial Design MA
Tutors: Prof Dr Ágnes Borsos DLA habil, Prof Dr Gabriella Medvegy DLA habil, Prof Dr Bálint Bachmann DLA habil and Dr Balázs Kokas DLA
Emails: lovig.dalma[at]mik.pte.hu and jurdik.sarolta[at]mik.pte.hu
Willow Weave Creation, Atelier Shop by Ezgi Su Demirci
“The Roma population in eastern Europe represents a diverse and resilient community with a rich cultural heritage, but one that continues to face significant social, economic and political challenges throughout the years; Romani people have been exposed to discrimination and social exclusion and become a controversial topic specifically after the fall of communism.
“Besides that, this segregation in society generates urban gentrification on the Romani people’s right to the city across. This urban problem can also lead to a lack of educational opportunities among Romani communities.
“The purpose of this study is to examine the practice of willow weaving, an old traditional cultural craft that belongs to the Romani people, exploring its potential future applications within both urban and architectural contexts; research questions revolve around the sustainability of materials used in willow weaving for its cost-effectiveness and the potential for its contribution to increasing employment rates where Romani communities are in the majority.
During my research and experiences in different areas, I have seen how indigenous communities, including the Romani, are often marginalised in culture, urban living and lifestyle. I believe architecture is a powerful tool for socio-political change; this fellowship offers a vital chance to engage deeply with the Romani, respecting their cultural craft through basket weaving.
“I aim to use this interaction to create impactful solutions that improve the lives of marginalised communities.”
Student: Ezgi Su Demirci
Course: Interior and Spatial Design MA
Tutors: Prof Dr Ágnes Borsos DLA habil, Dr Donát Rétfalvi DLA habil and Dr Tamás Rácz DLA
Email: ezgisu.demirci[at]hotmail.com
The Cube by Ezgi Su Demirci, Fariha Afzal and Antonella Giulia Masanotti
Maximising productivity while supporting health levels are two prominent issues that occupy designers in office design. Throughout history we have seen a constant evolution of ideal office space; what started as a 5.9 square metre area cubicle into an open layout to tackle employees’ health and social needs.
“While the social aspect was met, it gave way to other issues such as noise, concentration, privacy and the feeling of being watched.
“Productivity has always been a core element of office design; the social and health welfare of the employees is important to be balanced for optimum productivity. Cubicles were an attempt by the designers to put the soul back in the corporate world, and while the evolution of the concept did not make it through, what if we take the cube and look at it from a different perspective?
“For this competition, we will take a standard cubicle size of 2.5 metres by 2.5 metres and explore the depth of this single cube; a typical cubicle holds one person and their work environment.
“In this cube, they are isolated from the office with no way of connecting to others except through the exit point. However, by breaking the cube apart we can explore different ways that it can serve its purpose in an office function; how it can create an open layout and keep privacy intact; how it promotes the idea of socialisation between colleagues creating more holistic, interactive and healthy environment.”
Students: Ezgi Su Demirci, Fariha Afzal and Antonella Giulia Masanotti
Course: Interior and Spatial Design MA
Tutor: Prof Dr Ágnes Borsos DLA habil
Email: ezgisu.demirci[at]hotmail.com
Jazz Garden by Fanni Júlia Török
“Pécs is proud to have been awarded the title of European Capital of Culture in 2010, but I think that jazz, as one of the most noble genres of musical culture, deserves its own unit where jazz musicians of Pécs can develop in a place.
The concept is based on three pillars: the specificity and nature of the building, the nature of my parents’ jazz club and jazz as a function.
It is important that the interior of the building is in some way in keeping with the exterior of the building; the façade of the building is overall classicist, with some art nouveau motifs which are arranged in a coherent scheme by functionalism. For the sake of overall harmony, it is fortunate that this is reflected in some form in the interior.
“Nevertheless, nature can be introduced into interior design in a number of ways. It can be done through soft shapes, reinforced curves, the direct use of biophilia and the use of suitable materials. Of course, you can also use abstract interior design tools to incorporate almost any element from nature.
“I am more interested in the idea of jazz as a genre and in the freedom, sophistication, complexity and harmony in the dissonances, whilst incorporating characteristics of my parents’ jazz club that I would like to carry forward; a starry sky, dressed in some kind of stylised, abstract robe, in a way that would be in harmony with the stage, using visual methods to create the motto ‘the place where the stars are not only seen but also heard’.”
Student: Fanni Júlia Török
Course: Interior and Spatial Design MA
Tutor: Prof Dr Ágnes Borsos DLA habil
Email: torok.fannyi[at]gmail.com
Shoemaking and Visual Workshop by Konrád Varga
Nowadays, footwear is mass-produced and often feels disposable, a consequence of the so-called ‘fast fashion‘; this phenomenon entails the rapid buying and disposal of mass-produced clothing and footwear, characterised by a wide range of affordable prices and short product life cycles, coupled with a high value placed on the customer’s impression. This results in significant waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Generation Y is identified as the primary consumer group, often criticised for not being as environmentally conscious, leading to frequent discarding of shoes and clothes eliminating possibilities of reuse. Clothes and shoes derived from fast fashion are seldom durable and typically discarded before their warranty expires, leading individuals to seek replacements.
“The easiest and least costly method is often to replace shoes under warranty, but when not feasible, new purchases are made. However, damaged shoes can be repaired by shoemakers or sewists, which is usually more affordable than buying new products and demonstrates the utility of various materials and products, thereby aiding the environment.
“Through repair, both shoe owners and local shoemakers benefit; by utilising services and products available in a given community, we contribute to its development. Purchasing local products and services can improve a neighbourhood over the long term and in specific contexts like Hungary, buying raw materials or products locally can reduce our ecological footprint since the desired product does not need to travel thousands of kilometres to reach us.
“By prioritising purchasing high-quality domestic products, we can support local industries as effectively as abroad; not least, we fulfil someone’s dream by patronising their service or product and supporting their livelihood.”
Student: Konrád Varga
Course: Interior and Spatial Design MA
Tutors: Prof Dr Ágnes Borsos DLA habil, Dr Donát Rétfalvi DLA habil and Dr Tamás Rácz DLA
Email: koni.varga[at]gmail.com
Mimosa, personal comfort parameter measuring device by Konrád Varga and Mahmoud Osman
“In the research conducted under the ‘parameterised comfort in physical space’ research group, a thermal comfort device is being developed to measure basic human comfort parameters in an office environment; the device measures four essential indoor environmental quality (IEQ) parameters, influenced by employees’ overall comfort and wellbeing.
“It is acknowledged that employee satisfaction plays a significant role in productivity and morale. Based on a microcontroller with several sensors, the comfort measuring device collects data and displays it on a server and mobile application.
“Inspired by the susceptible plant known as mimosa, the enclosure design allows the device to move like the plant to signal specific parameters.
“The relationship between the shape of the design and the overall comfort offers an easy-to-interpret indication of the surrounding atmosphere for the employees.
“The main goal of this endeavour is not merely to develop a process but to provide a comprehensive solution to each office environment. This involves conducting background research, developing hardware and software and designing an innovative product.”
Students: Konrád Varga and Mahmoud Osman
Course: Interior and Spatial Design MA
Tutor: Prof Dr Ágnes Borsos DLA habil
Email: [email protected] and [email protected]
Mas Apartment Complex by Sara Ardalan Hussien, Gantumur Bujin Lkham and Lujain Ahmad Mohamadamen
“MAS Apartment complex is a project developed by students of the University of Pécs for the affordable housing project competition in Las Vegas, which got an honourable mention by Buildner – ‘Architecture Competitions’.
“The concept was developed by choosing a target user, which are people between (18 to 28) in age, who are beginning their independent life in Las Vegas.
“The aim in this project is to provide an affordable, efficient, functional space for the users and the name MAS is derivative of modular, affordable and sustainable apartment complex.
“The result of the development was to create a module that could be repeated and stacked according to the demand. The module is divided to two sections (studio, two bedroom apartment) both apartments are furnished with the same modular furnitures that bring flexibility and adjustability to the space.
“The design of both apartments consists of a main long cabinet which accommodates the entrances seating, a shoe cabinet, cloth hanger and washing machine. It extends to the storage and kitchen cabinet, with all bedrooms featuring a flexible working desk, that could be hidden to maximise the space.”
Students: Sara Ardalan Hussien, Gantumur Bujin Lkham and Lujain Ahmad Mohamadamen
Course: Interior and Spatial Design MA
Tutors: Prof Dr Ágnes Borsos DLA habil and Dr Tamás Rácz DLA
Emails: sarabarzinjee[at]gmail.com, bujinlkham11[at]yahoo.com and luedlibi[at]gmail.com
Natural Cosmetic Manufactory by Zsófia Bittnier
“In the historic heart of Pécs, the Natural Cosmetic Manufactory pays tribute to the city’s craftsmanship legacy, intertwining health and naturalness.
“Emphasising the use of herbs and conscious skincare over artificial additives, the initiative promotes the broader use of natural cosmetics . Locally made products are sold, advocating for a better standard of living.
“The design concept merges the production, distribution and usage of natural cosmetics into one unit; it lets customers see the production process in a combined shopping and showroom area where personalised products are crafted, with the aim of educating and engaging customers, while the adjacent medical spa offers personalised luxury treatments enhancing health and life quality.
“The design ensures connectivity between the separate units through a layout of increasingly private spaces from the entrance, marked by arched windows and curved walls that guide visitor movement; this thoughtful use of space, materials and textures reflects the emphasis on small-scale, intimate customer interaction.
“Strongly linked to Pécs, the manufactory draws inspiration from the regional rosehip, with limestone and natural oak from the Mecsek hills dominating the interior, highlighting local resources and traditions.”
Student: Zsófia Bittnier
Course: Interior and Spatial Design MA
Tutors: Prof Dr Ágnes Borsos DLA habil, Dr Donát Rétfalvi DLA habil and Dr Tamás Rácz DLA
Email: bittnerzsofia[at]gmail.com
Childcare Centre by Lujain Ahmad Mohamadamen
“This childcare centre is designed to be a comprehensive support system for families, working parents, new parents and mothers experiencing depression or a lack of childcare experience, whilst also supporting the social, mental and physical development of children, operating a dual-shift system to meet the diverse needs of the community.
“In the morning shift, children aged three months to three years benefit from a nurturing and flexible environment akin to a babysitting service, with additional classes for parents to enhance their communication skills with their children and to promote self-care. Empowering parents with knowledge and resources, strengthening family bonds offering emotional support by connecting them to others who share similar experiences.
“Conversely, the evening shift focuses on delivering enriching experiences to children across various age groups. By engaging in recreational activities, this shift fosters children’s social, emotional, physical and mental development via play-based learning, creative exploration and interactive experiences tailored to their developmental stages.
“Flexibility and modularity are the key aspects of this project, ensuring smooth transitions between shifts and adaptable programming to cater to the dynamic needs of families. The space is designed with these principles in mind, divided into four zones that function as a cycle, ensuring each zone is easily accessible from the main entrance.
“The two main zones, the activity zone and calm zone, are convertible to serve different purposes during both shifts. The activity zone includes an activity hall, designed to be mutli-functional as a public or private hall, connecting to the playground with a ball pool, while the calm zone is designed with versatile furniture that supports different functions throughout the day. During the daytime, it serves as a sleeping area for babies, providing a quiet and restful environment and in the evening, it transforms into a reading area for older children, featuring Montessori-inspired walls that support mental development and interactive learning.”
Student: Lujain Ahmad Mohamadamen
Course: Interior and Spatial Design MA
Tutors: Prof Dr Ágnes Borsos DLA habil and Dr Donát Rétfalvi DLA habil
Email: luedlibi[at]gmail.com
ModuLA by Natalia Zoe and Zambrano Bravo
“ModuLA prioritises adaptability and flexibility through versatile modules catering three key scenarios: addressing urgent needs for people living in vehicles providing services, maximising shared resources and ensuring sustainability, swift assembly and easy mobility in a housing system through a phased construction approach.
“It provides modules accommodating diverse arrangements to suit different types of residents, common areas and community spaces.
“The project includes shared community spaces for residents to be engaged with outdoor activities and commercial spaces to help generate additional income, enhance liveability and create a mixed-use environment connecting the residents with the surrounding area.
“Each housing unit features movable panels, allowing residents to dynamically customise their living spaces.
“Furthermore, the furniture within each module is designed as interchangeable units, offering residents the freedom to choose and arrange furniture according to their preferences and needs in an incremental way.”
Students: Natalia Zoe and Zambrano Bravo
Course: Interior and Spatial Design MA
Tutor: Prof Dr Ágnes Borsos DLA habil
Email: nz.zb[at]hotmail.com
Partnership content
This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and the University of Pécs. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.
