Viktoria Vona

Budapest

Budapest in Hungary still sits at the lower end of the European house price scale for capital cities. Gentrification, however is creeping in, especially to the innermost districts of V, VI and VII. Despite revitalisation efforts, the process is struggling to gain foothold in the largely impoverished District VIII. Here, although there is plenty of suitable housing stock available, most of it still remains in bad repair. 




Photographs

Entrance to ‘Szimpla Kert’, one of Budapest’s popular ruin pubs frequented by a young, trendy clientele in District VII. The street has been tagged ‘Street of Culture’ (Kultúra utcája) as part of a revitalisation project.Entrance to ‘Szimpla Kert’, one of Budapest’s popular ruin pubs frequented by a young, trendy clientele in District VII. The street has been tagged ‘Street of Culture’ (Kultúra utcája) as part of a revitalisation project. ‘Szimpla Kert’ with its gritty eclectic retro aesthetic, and at best toilets leaving more than a little to be desired was chosen as a venue for a UNESCO meeting in March 2013. ‘Szimpla Kert’ with its gritty eclectic retro aesthetic, and at best toilets leaving more than a little to be desired was chosen as a venue for a UNESCO meeting in March 2013. Kazincy utca in District VII was given anadditional name of ‘Street of Culture’ (Kultúra utcája).Kazincy utca in District VII was given anadditional name of ‘Street of Culture’ (Kultúra utcája). Almássy Téri Cultural and Leisure Centre, built in 1983. It has been empty since 2005 with a series of unmaterialised plans such as building yet another hotel in district VII.Almássy Téri Cultural and Leisure Centre, built in 1983. It has been empty since 2005 with a series of unmaterialised plans such as building yet another hotel in district VII. The street directly adjacent to Almássy Tér, in District VII. has seen more vibrant days. The Centre wasl in cultural life throughout the 1980’s and 1990s.The street directly adjacent to Almássy Tér, in District VII. has seen more vibrant days. The Centre wasl in cultural life throughout the 1980’s and 1990s. New developments in ‘Corvin Negyed’, the new name disassociates from the less than ideal public image of District VIII.New developments in ‘Corvin Negyed’, the new name disassociates from the less than ideal public image of District VIII. ‘Corvin Negyed’ - the first cultural quarter by name - appears in Budapest in 2011. ‘Corvin Negyed’ - the first cultural quarter by name - appears in Budapest in 2011. Futureal office developments. Futureal office developments. Developments underway in ‘Corvin Negyed’.Developments underway in ‘Corvin Negyed’. New development looming over traditional housing stock. New development looming over traditional housing stock. Vajdahunyad utca in Józsefváros, District VIII.Vajdahunyad utca in Józsefváros, District VIII. General disinvestment is widespread in District VIII. General disinvestment is widespread in District VIII.

 Bullet holes from the 1956 Uprising still visible on the walls of many buildings in District VIII. Bullet holes from the 1956 Uprising still visible on the walls of many buildings in District VIII. Bullet holes from 1956.Bullet holes from 1956. Large part of the housing stock in the District VIII is in bad repair.Large part of the housing stock in the District VIII is in bad repair. Low rise housing in Práter utca, District VIII.Low rise housing in Práter utca, District VIII. Housing estate in ‘Szigony utca’. Housing estate in ‘Szigony utca’. The housing estate in ‘Szigony utca’ is a short walk away from Corvin Quarter’s new developments.The housing estate in ‘Szigony utca’ is a short walk away from Corvin Quarter’s new developments. Empty lots are abundant in Disrict VIII.Empty lots are abundant in Disrict VIII. Some empty lots are temporarily used as car parks.Some empty lots are temporarily used as car parks. Empty lot between buildings in District VIII.Empty lot between buildings in District VIII.