The New European Bauhaus Initiative, an international competition for innovative projects focusing on the green transition, has been launched again this year. Two projects co-funded by the EU under the Environment and Energy Efficiency Operational Programme from Hungary are taking part.
The European Commission launched the New European Bauhaus movement in 2020 to bring the European Green Deal closer to people. The initiative stands at the intersection of architecture, design, science, art, and technology. It encourages collaboration between representatives from different fields. It focuses on three values: sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusivity. Sustainability emphasizes the importance of climate protection, the circular economy, and energy efficiency, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and resource waste during construction and urban development. Aesthetics refers to the visual appeal of the investments and buildings created. It serves as an inspiration for the population. Inclusivity ensures that new architectural projects are accessible and welcoming to all social groups. The best projects and initiatives have been honored four times so far. More than 5,000 entries were submitted. The 72 winning projects received more than one and a half million euros.
In 2025, 22 awards will be given in four categories: The first is the restoration of the relationship with nature, the second is the rediscovery of the sense of belonging, the third is the highlighting of places and people in greatest need, and the fourth is the establishment of a circular industrial ecosystem and the promotion of a life cycle perspective. In each category, there are two parallel competition strands: “A” the “New European Bauhaus Champions” prize to recognize already implemented and successful projects, and “B” the “New European Bauhaus Young Talents” where talents aged 30 or younger can submit their concepts for the prize.
This year, we can cheer for two domestic projects. The development titled “Gateway to the Treasures of the Mátra” by the Bükk National Park Directorate received support from the Environmental and Energy Efficiency Operational Program (EEEOP), resulting in the construction of an ecotourism and environmental education center, known as the Woodpecker House, in Mátrafüred. The complex’s task is to provide a detailed presentation of Natura 2000 habitats and species. The 260 m² exhibition space features interactive elements such as a volcano model, a diorama, and an interactive wall that showcases the flora and fauna of the Mátra region and its conservation efforts, as well as allowing visitors to learn about the forest’s nocturnal life and underground ecosystems. The most striking element of the project is the decaying tree trunk model, which draws attention to the importance of old trees as habitats. The model serves as a unique screening room meanwhile, a mini-lab is available for those interested in conducting their experiments. The building’s energy supply is provided by 102 solar panels, contributing to the project’s commitment to sustainability. As part of the project, the Mandula educational trail leading from Sár-hegy to Gyöngyös was modernized, and the Cincér educational trail, which leads to Sás-tó, was created.
The project entitled “Modernisation of the Lake Balaton drainage system” was also implemented with the support of the EEEOP. The joint investment of the General Directorate of Water Management and the Central Transdanubian Water Directorate has made the Sió Canal and its immediate surroundings more modern, efficient, and attractive. The original sluice has been replaced by a new, more permeable system that can drain excess water faster and more flexibly. The navigation lock has also been modernized, making water transport between Lake Balaton and the Sió Canal safer. The Sió Canal’s drainage system has been renewed, eliminating inland water problems and improving the protection of agricultural land. In addition to water management, the development also served a landscape purpose: the area around the sluice was transformed from an industrial site into a community space, with landscaped areas and a lookout on top of the technical service building, making it not only a place for recreation but also for learning about the operation of the water system.
The finalists will be judged by a jury of experts who will recommend 20 winning projects and concepts. There will also be a public vote to select two public prize-winning developments in each branch.
The public vote will take place in June 2025 and the winners will be announced in July 2025.
