Project Description and Personal Role

This project is located in Komárom, a historic border city between Hungary and Slovakia. The site is an abandoned castle complex with significant historical and architectural value that is currently not in active use. The design proposal focuses on adaptive reuse, transforming the unused basement level of the castle into a contemporary commercial space.

The concept introduces a modern restaurant and café-bakery within the existing historic structure. The design approach is based on a clear contrast between old and new: the original stone walls and vaulted spaces are preserved, while new interventions are expressed through modern materials and clean geometries. Glass, steel, and minimalist architectural elements are used to create a contemporary identity that respects and highlights the historic fabric rather than imitating it.

The basement is reimagined as an active public and social space, bringing new life to the monument and integrating it into the everyday urban life of Komárom. The spatial organization supports all key restaurant functions, including dining areas, kitchen, and service spaces, while carefully adapting to the existing structural constraints of the castle. Lighting design plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere and emphasizing the texture and depth of the historic masonry.

My Role

I was responsible for the full architectural concept and design development of the project. My role included site analysis, functional zoning, spatial planning, and the development of the adaptive reuse strategy. I designed the architectural concept focused on integrating a contemporary commercial function into a protected historic structure, as well as producing concept diagrams, plans, sections, and visual representations. The project was developed as an academic design proposal with a strong emphasis on heritage preservation, modern intervention, and urban activation.