The site is situated in the Karancs-Medves landscape area in North-East Hungary. Around and in the city of Salgótarján the memorials, geological and mining attractions are forming a hiking trail. Along this trail is set the “Dance floor” Recreation and Memorial Park. The site is embraced by the surrounding hills and huge hillside trees. In our architectural concept we aimed to preserve and strengthen this special character of the place. The park would function as an exhibition for the mining memorials and as a natural recreational area. The organising element in the park is a wall providing covered space. This space can be used for exhibitions and performances. Open air theatre may also function here, the covered space is used for stage and the “Dance floor” as auditorium.
The “Theme slope“ uses the potentials of the natural slope for playful elements. Climbing wall, climbing net, slides and climbing trunks are placed for active recreation. Previous to the “Dance floor” a picnic area is located with timber tables, benches and fire rings. We used local, natural building materials like basalt stone and wood.
Besides the “Dance floor” Recreation and Memorial Park, Gusztav Tunnel Entrance no. 4 reconstruction is another attraction along the hiking trail around the city of Salgótarján. The tunnel is out of use. This entrance was imploded and closed with a wall at 15 metres from the entrance. The imploded part of the tunnel is planned to be reconstructed and transformed into a tourist attraction. By the walkway to the tunnel we designed a covered exhibition and leisure space. The entrance appears only at the end of the walkway after a slight turn. We placed the information wall along the outer arch of the walkway’s turn. The information wall introduces the visitors into the basics of mining and the history of Gusztav Tunnel. The slight break of the basalt wall leads to the tunnel’s reconstructed entrance. Along and opposite to the wall seating is placed where visitors can stop and rest. The space in front of the entrance is covered with a cantilevered roof of white corrugated steel plates. The walkway leading to the tunnel entrance is covered with basalt gravel. Reaching the entrance the basalt gravel is changed to timber trunks. The entrance of the tunnel will be reconstructed similarly to its original state. The reconstructed exhibition space is the 15 metres long part of the original tunnel entrance. Visitors can see there old mining tools, machines and an ancient bogie on a railway track.
IMAGE CREDIT: SAGRA Architects
“Dance floor” Recreation and Memorial Park | Ronabanya Hungary | SAGRA Architects
Architect: SAGRA Architects
Project team: Gabor Sajtos, András Pall, Rita Samson, Peter Virag
Location: Ronabanya, Hungary
Project year: 2011
