In April 2025, INTBAU Austria—together with INTBAU Hungary—convened a professional study visit in Budapest, conceived to stimulate rigorous dialogue, facilitate expert exchange, and strengthen our shared community. The focal inquiry of the day—“Revivalism or a New Traditional Architecture?”—invited participants to engage critically with the evolving built environment of the Buda Castle District.
The summit’s centrepiece was an exclusive site inspection of the Archduke Joseph Palace, currently under reconstruction as part of Hungary’s National Hauszmann Program. Originally erected in the late eighteenth century as the Teleki Palace, the structure was re-envisioned in 1906 by Archduke Joseph Karl—son of Palatine Joseph—through the historicist vision of architects Flóris Korb and Kálmán Giergl. Although the palace emerged as a landmark of Neo-Renaissance refinement, it sustained catastrophic damage during the Second World War.
After touring the palace proper, participants proceeded to the recently restored stables, an essential component of the historic ensemble. The day concluded with a convivial dinner at a traditional Hungarian restaurant, where delegates savoured regional specialties amid spirited conversation, mutual inspiration, and collective reflection. The study visit achieved its aim: every moment proved both enjoyable and intellectually enriching.
This first visit served as a meaningful and inspiring occasion for both INTBAU Hungary and INTBAU Austria, reinforcing the ties between the two Chapters and highlighting the value of direct professional exchange. Motivated by the success of this programme, the two Chapters are already planning future initiatives and will share updates with the network in due course.
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The INTBAU Austria Summer School: Low-tech Architecture – Durable, Meaningful, and Future-Proof
