Perceptions. The Unbuilt Synagogue in Buda through Controversial Architectural Tenders (1912–1914)

Éva Lovra

doi:10.3390/arts8040149

Abstract

The unbuilt synagogue in Buda is an almost forgotten chapter in Hungarian architectural history which drew great attention between 1911 and 1914. It was discussed extensively by the contemporary press in the early 20th century and by architects in the Hungarian capital of Austria–Hungary. Between 1912 and 1914 three tenders for the design of the synagogue of Buda were announced, with the participation of well-known (synagogue) architects of Hungary, who represented the diverse architectural styles of the period. The efforts to build the synagogue, including the three failed tenders, the 30 competition designs and the opinions of contemporaries raised, and continue to raise, many provocative questions. The present study is based on the analysis of the designs submitted and criticisms published in official architecture magazines between 1912 and 1914, but not yet studied and published elsewhere. Through these, the study showcases the controversial architectural decisions that could have changed the appearance of a neighbourhood but failed to do so. The study puts the townscape of Széll Kálmán Square in Buda in a new context, revealing another layer of architecture, urban design and architectural-sociology and perception of the capital’s synagogue on the eve of World War I and the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Highlights

The largest synagogue in Buda would have towered over Széll Kálmán Square, and dominated the view of the Buda side of the Hungarian capital, Budapest.The author’s personal interest in the history of the Postal Palace1, the Eclectic-Art Nouveau building that nowadays defines the square at the foot of theBuda Castle hill, pointed to an almost forgotten chapter in Hungarian architectural history which gained great attention between 1911 and 1914
Only Hungarian-resident architects could participate in national design competitions
This is why the invitation of an architect from Frankfurt to participate in the design competition for the Buda synagogue caused such outrage at the beginning of the 20th century

Summary

Introduction

The largest synagogue in Buda would have towered over Széll Kálmán Square, and dominated the view of the Buda side of the Hungarian capital, Budapest.The author’s personal interest in the history of the Postal Palace (architect: Gyula Sándy, built1924–1926), the Eclectic-Art Nouveau building that nowadays defines the square at the foot of theBuda Castle hill, pointed to an almost forgotten chapter in Hungarian architectural history which gained great attention between 1911 and 1914. The author’s personal interest in the history of the Postal Palace 1924–1926), the Eclectic-Art Nouveau building that nowadays defines the square at the foot of the. The Postal Palace was built on a vacant lot that had been planned for non-secular functions in the early 20th century, namely for the greatest synagogue on the Buda side of the capital of Hungary. The planning process and the controversial competitions were discussed extensively by the contemporary press in the early 20th century and by architects in the capital. The Eclectic-Art Nouveau building became a focus of interest in 2018 when it was bought by the National Bank of Hungary and its renovation and conversion was launched. In addition to renovating monuments, he designed buildings including numerous Lutheran churches in Budapest and Pest county (e.g., the Reformed Church in Nagykőrös), schools and community institutions, like the postal palaces in Budapest and Zagreb

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