Central European University is a new model for international education. It is a centre for the study of contemporary economic, social and political challenges, and a source of support for building open and democratic societies that respect human rights and human dignity. FCBStudios were one of two finalists in an invited competition to redesign CEU’s existing Budapest Campus in the historic heart of the city to better reflect and deliver this vision.

The existing Campus is made up of five virtually separate buildings close to Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our scheme sought to bring these together as a single, accessible site and to create spaces that would provide an integrated and dynamic environment for cross-disciplinary learning. 

The FCBStudios proposals centred on three main aspects:

In uniting and opening up the whole of the Nádor utca frontage to the public, a main entrance and identity for CEU would be formed, to welcome staff, students and the public alike, and promote the University’s outreach role.

Increased connectivity and clarity of route across the site to result in increased interaction and collaboration between departments. An internal street that links a series of courtyards and major communal spaces would give a clear organisational spine to the whole site. Each with its own character, the courtyards would provide a visual and social focus for the University.

An accessible green roof garden would act as ‘college green’ providing a major social space for the university as well as a spectacular visual connection with the city.

A proposed new deep-floorplate building at the rear of the site would allow more flexible teaching spaces than the existing historic buildings are able and add 15-20% of floor area to the campus.

Our intentions for the newly defined campus would provide the space and flexibility required for the University to continue into its next phase, whilst respecting the history, architecture and international contribution of the CEU in Budapest.