Emke

BUDAPEST - 6. 9. 2010

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Experience of cooperation - construction of EMKE office building

Memories of Mr. István Kruppa, chief architect (the article was published in the "Hungarian Architecture" journal in 1994, unfortunately the architect already died)

When encountering new tasks it is always great delight to cooperate with colleagues whose experience, professional expertise, ability to tackle unexpected occurrences and problems are exceptional. During the planning and construction of EMKE office building I had the pleasure of working together with the experts of BOUYGUES.

In this world of 'variety' it is much more customary to cooperate with German or Austrian partners. A French company is a novelty and BOUYGUES is even more unique among the French, as it is the largest and apart from approximately 20-25,000 flats a year, it is also credited with the execution of such public buildings as LE ARCA of Paris, the entry halls on the court of the Louvre covered with a glass pyramid or the intensive participation in the construction of the La Manche tunnel. Furthermore it was exciting to work together with investor architect Xavier Gonzalez, as through him I was able to become familiar with the professional skills and architectural imagination of the current generation of architects in their 40s.

The French public and notabilities alike know and respect architecture to the highest degree. This could be felt in all stages of the work. Much more effort is put into the artistic aspects of this profession, French architects are more interested in creating visual effects and novel forms as well as being less concerned with structural issues and the respect for potential pitfalls of technical implementation. (It was extremely interesting for me that in contrast with the Hungarian education of architects concentrating on 'structure', the design of structural elements was put in the background in favor of functional or aesthetic reasons.) In the less certain world of architects at the turn of the century I was invigorated by the faith and devotion of French architects to modern architecture.

Along with the investor and the main contractor we, the architects, also imagined a modern building representing the end of the 20th century, competing with the elegance of international trade centers, meeting current requirements. What we undertook was not easily carried out at the peak of aggressively fashionable "neo-neo eclectics" in 1992, at the height of Hungarian post-modern becoming victim of provincialism.

Nevertheless, the basic concept remained the same. The interior yard of a semi-arch leaning inward similarly to a cone represents the kaleidoscope of childhood. Its excellent ratios and the ever-fluctuating effects of light and shade present a new aspect of the building in any moment. Another unique feature of the building can be found next to the staircases; the cluster of elevators meets both functional and aesthetic elements perfectly.

In addition an original concept of forming the surface of the roof with shading laminates can be seen, which I am convinced in unique and never before used in Budapest. As well as providing the excellent unity of shapes and forms with neighboring buildings, it also made it possible to create further three floors of office space in levels moving back from the street facade of the building.

Apart from recalling memories connected to professional experience regarding classic architecture I have to mention the four levels of car parks below the street surface. It might sound to be an excellent idea to be pioneers in certain fields but it was extremely tough both in terms of the necessary permits by authorities and the technical aspects to construct the first four-story car park in Budapest.

According to the original concept of the French main contractor mostly Hungarian construction firms were to participate in the building phase of the office building. I was delighted to experience all through the construction procedure that Hungarian experts were eager to accept and solve even the most arduous tasks. The 'world record' set by MK International Kft. during structure building can probably be called the most significant effort.

All the time lost during the foundation construction work had to be made up for while preparing the structure of the building itself. This unique task requiring exceptional mental, organizational, professional and physical skills was carried out by MKI with flying colors drawing respect and appreciation from both the French investor and main contractor.

The best measure of work completed in a building is the level or existence of any excitement or tranquility felt during the procedure of technical handover-takeover. The high level and quality of all those involved in the execution of the plans in the building is complimented by the fact that handover went smoothly and the first lessees occupied the office building without any difficulties. Budapest was provided with a building of high quality without any unnecessary publicity. I am glad to have participated in the work.