Hortobágy Puszta Observatory Pavilion

Each site around the world is significant for its special characteristics such as history, context, and culture. In order to create buildings that fit in these sites, it is crucial to consider these characteristics when designing different types of places, no matter what the function it is. Moreover, sometimes we concentrate on one of these points to start our design concept, a point that we can find so interesting and can fit amazingly in a specific site. In sites such as Hortobágyi National Park in Hungary, first, it is popularly known for being a huge, protected area in Western Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999 with its large plain area. Secondly, it is known for its rich folklore and cultural history that it is important to pay attention to. The idea of the design started from the ancient traditional huts that Hortobágyi National Park used to have in the past and continue working these days as they are open to visitors as well. With its rich colors and sustainable materials that fit friendly and in a fantastic way with nature, make a good point to start from. To create modern and comfortable observatory pavilions in Hortobágyi National Park, the design was inspired by the sustainable materials and its colors, and the overall form of these huts. Some modifications were used such as rotation, subtraction, and addition relating to many purposes and needs of the design such as the use of a wide transparent area to gaze to the starry sky, the need to have some privacy as a family, or single person, and comfortable cozy spaces. Each observatory pavilion is lifted from the ground to protect the amazing nature and not harm it.

 The small observatory pavilions were distributed in a way that help to gain privacy and a special view for each one of them, due to their rotation and their specific position.

 The material selection was based on the history, sustainability, and how much it can bear the load. Chosen materials were wood, straw, glass, and white-colored mud. The design consists of two platforms, the first one functions as a gathering family area around the fireplace beside the bathroom and the kitchenette. The stair leads to the upper platform that resembles the sleeping area and is a great place to gaze at the stars from. The colors were chosen – whether used in interior or exterior – were inspired by the colors of the Hortobágyi National Park huts that are concentrated basically on two main colors: white and dark brown. These colors make a great combination between the built area and the surrounding nature. The overall process was chosen and implemented to create harmony between the ancient huts and the new ones so the visitors will not see a huge contrast when visiting the national park but a continuous circle between the past and the present.

 In conclusion, visitors can find a cozy and comfortable place and at the same time enjoy gazing at the starry sky at night. An experience that is worth trying!