Budapest Architect: Architects around 1900 - Overview

Topics: Introduction * Architects

Architects: Ödön Lechner * Emil Ágoston * Aladár Árkay * Zoltán Bálint * Sándor Baumgarten * Emil Bauer * Lipót Baumhorn * Dezső Benedek * Henrik Böhm * Sándor Fellner * Róbert Fleischl * Gyula Fodor * Dezső Freund * Kálmán Giergl * Gyula Haás(z) * Ármin Hegedűs * Miksa Himmler * Jenő Hübner * Dezső Jakab * Lajos Jambor * Béla Janszky * David Jonás * Zsigmond Jonás * Géza Aladár Kármán * Géza Kiss * József Kollár * Marcell Komor  * György Kopeczek  * Flóris Korb * Albert Kálmán Körössy * Károly Kós * Sándor Kriegler * Béla Lajta * Béla Löffler * Sándor Löffler * Béla Malnai * Ákos Márton * Franz Matuschek * Alajos Medgyes * Arthur Mellinger * ifj István Nagy * Kornel Neuschloss-Knüsli * József Porgesz * Zsigmond Quittner * Károly Rainer * Rezső Vilmos Ray * Kálmán Reichl * Sámuel Révész * Ernő Román * Miklós Román * Gyula Sándy * Lajos Schoditsch * Richard Schöntheil * Artúr Sebestyén * Frigyes Spiegel * Izidor Sterk * Gyula Ullmann * József Vágó * László Vágó * József Vermes * Emil Vidor * Fülöp Weinréb * Alfréd Wellisch * Andor Wellisch * Desző Zrumeczky

Introduction

Budapest around 1900: a city that grew into a metropolis. From about 300,000 inhabitants in 1870 to over 1,1 million in 1910, meant that in a short time a huge amount of buildings had to be designed for this grew of the population. How fast this growth went, shows the expanding of the number of citizens between 1900 and 1910 with almost 300,000 people! (Budapest and suburbs). The development of the present town began with the merger of Buda, Pest and Óbuda in 1873. This led to many expansion projects which was at its peak at the birth of the Art Nouveau period in art and architecture, and which style frequently was used in Budapest.

The architect who played a leading role was Ödön Lechner. But he was not the only and first who applied the use of Art Nouveau elements in the designs of buildings. At the same time also the architect Frigyes Spiegel was active. He designed together with Fülöp Weinréb between 1895 and 1900 at least thirty-five buildings in Budapest. Yet there are differences with Ödön Lechner, because Spiegel used the more Western European form of Art Nouveau, while Lechner developed its own form language which was implemented into the Art Nouveau style.

In Budapest hundreds of buildings can be found which are whole Art Nouveau buildings or which do have partial Art Nouveau influences. There were over 100 architects active, and several of them designed at least 25 buildings each. The majority of these architects was of Jewish origin. Not completely illogical because there was a relatively large Jewish community (cca. 20% of the population) with wealth and money, and contracts were previously awarded to Jewish citizens. From January 9, 2013 on are descriptions available from 65 architects. These will be corrected / extended as soon as new information is available. Although the image is slightly distorted, because till now not all architects have been described, it is striking that of the 65 architects at least 50 had a Jewish background. 

For many architects it is difficult to retrieve biographical data. Budapest Architect already succeeded to extend the lists of designed buildings of several architecs, this due to own research and collaboration with Zoltán Bolla. Where possible, an image is used of the slab of an architect that can be found on many buildings. Tip: If you want to read more about Budapest and the Art Nouveau era, click here

Architects

Ödön Lechner (1845-1914)

Ödön Lechner was the architect of Budapest around 1900. Founder of the Hungarian version of Art Nouveau. Lechner also was called "The Hungarian Gaudi', due to the innovative in his designs.

Many Hungarian architects after Lechner, including his pupil Bála Lajta, are indebted to this special architect who has, more than any other, put his mark on the architecture in Budapest around 1900. Hence also on the top of this alphabetical list.

Emil Ágoston (1876-1921)

In 2010 opened in the heart of the official Jewish district a new hotel. Partially housed in the former Hungária Fürdö, partly in a new building next to it. The facade of the former bathhouse was, according to the original plan, restored to its former glory. The architect of this former bathouse, built 1906-1907, was Emil Ágoston.

If he had lived longer he also in The Netherlands had designed a building. Unfortunally he died in Berlin while he was on his way to The Netherlands.

Aladár Árkay (1868-1932)

Enriched Budapest with numerous buildings, including the beautiful church on the VII. Városligeti fasor 7. His style changed from historically (Royal Palace in the Castle District), in Art Nouveau and ended in the Bauhaus style by the design of a church which, after his death in 1932, was completed by his son Bertalan. A church with undoubtly Dudok inluences.

Zoltán Bálint (1871-1939)

Spent much of his working life together with Lajos Jambor. The two buildings that they designed on the VI. Bajza utca are among the most playful of their career. The other buildings are more conservative and their body of work is relatively small.

Emil Bauer (1867-1952)

II. Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor 17-21: the Trombitás-ház, which has a beautiful door. And it is not the only building that is striking and was designed by Emil Bauer, often in collaboration with Gyula Guttmann. 

His style ranged from Art Nouveau then neo-classic and finally ended with New Objectivity buildings. Emil Bauer was one of the priviliged architects who was able to design a building on the VIII Népszinház utca.

Sándor Baumgarten (1864-1928)

Do not expect Art Nouveau villas and like of this architect in Budapest. The buildings designed by Sándor Baumgarten in Budapest are mainly schools, which are partly designed in collaboration with Zsigmond Herczegh.

Thee buildings designed by him since 1900, are typical "Lechner" buildings. The photo right show a facade ornamentation which  at least at 2 by him designed buildings can be found.

Lipót Baumhorn (1860-1932)

If you visit a synagogue in Hungary, there is a real chance that this synagoge was designed by the architect Lipót Baumhorn. On his drawing table are about 40 designs made, of which more than the half has been realised. Unfortunately, not all synagogues are still in use. In Budapest are, relatively seen, only a few designs to find made by this famous architect. But it concerns both synagogues and other buildings.

Dezső Benedek (1869-1932)

Dezső Benedek: an architect about whom little is known and, to make the confusion bigger, designed buildings in Budapest under the names Benedek and Berger. The Art Nouveau building designed by him at the XIII. Hegedűs Gyula utca 36 is of great beauty and full details. Budapest Architect uses provisionally the name "Benedek".

Henrik Böhm (1867-1936)

Together with Ármin Hegedűs, Henrik Böhm designed in a period of about 35 years many interesting buildings in and outside Budapest. Among others a synagogue, town halls and many apartments complexes. One of the most beautiful designs concerns the former Török Bank building on the V. Servita tér.

Sándor Fellner (1864-1926)

Was already as an architect active before the Art Nouveau period and throughout his career he remained designing buildings which are in particular based on neo-styles.You don't have to expect outstanding Art Nouveau buildings designed by him. Nevertheless, an architect who has achieved beautiful buildings such as the Tökölyanum on the V. Veres Palné utca.

Róbert Fleischl (1864-1926)

An architect whom in volume was responsible for approximately 17% of the houses on the Wekerle Telep. No architect renowned for his creativity. In the center of Budapest, especially the Jewish neighborhoods, you will hardly find buildings designed by him. Also no architect that you should remember when you're interested in Art Nouveau architecture.

Gyula Fodor (1872-1942)

In Budapest still can be found numerous beautiful buildings from the early 20th century designed by Gyula Fodor. E.g. the Napoleon-Udvar (1905) which contains a magnificent door (VI Hajós utca 25, just behind the Opera). Gyula Fodor was one of the most important architects during the Art Nouveau era.

Dezső Freund (1884-1960)

From 1908, a number of Art Nouveau buildings in Budapest are to find designed by Desző Freund. His style did not join those of Ödön Lechner or Károly Kós. He also designed in 1922 a part of a (defunct) Synagogue.

Kálmán Giergl (1853-1954)

Was, together with Alajos Hauszmann and Floris Korb responsible for the design of the New York Palace which was opened in 1894.

During the long cooperation with Floris Korb, he was co-architect of the design of the beautiful Zeneakademia (1904-1907), a building that, unfortunately till the end of March 2013 not accesible is for visitors due to renovation.

Gyula Haás(z) (1877-1951) 

An architect whom owes his fame due to the cooperation between 1907 and 1914 with Bela Malnái. Together they designed several notable buildings, including in district XIII. Biographical is little or nothing is known about this architect. Budapest Architect provides already more information than ever is published.

Ármin Hegedűs (1869-1945)

World famous by one hotel, the Gellért Hotel and Bath opened in 1918.

But this architect, who usually worked together with Henrik Böhm (but not for the Gellért design), designed many other (very) interesting buildings in Budapest and was active until the '30s.

Miksa Himmler (1874-1931)

No big name in the architectural history of Budapest. Although Miksa Himmler Miksa participated in many competitions / tenders, there are only few buildings in Budapest designed by him. Maybe due to this the architect commited suicide in 1931.

Jenő Hübner (1863-1929)

Hardly any building designed by Jenő Hubner is to find in Budapest, and the most unusual building attributed to him, is a late Art Nouveau building, from which Julius doubts whether the building has been designed for 100% by this architect, or that another architect was involved. It differs too much in style and Jenő Hubner was, as far known, not graduated as an architect in Budapest.

Dezső Jakab (1864-1932)

Worked most of his career with Marcell Komor. They designed beautiful buildings Including the magnificent hotel on the VIII. Rákóczi út 43 (1910 - Palace szálló). A follower of the "Lechner style".

Lajos Jambor (1869-1955)

Spent much of his working life together with Zoltán Bálint. The two buildings which they designed together on the VI. Bajza utca are among the most playful of their career. The other buildings are more conservative and their oeuvre, in terms of buildings from the Art Nouveau period, is relatively small.

Béla Janszky (1884-1945)

A smaller name in the architectural history of Budapest and till 1915 he only designed a few buildings. Was a member of the Fiatalok groep under direction of Károly Kós.

Also after the First World War he designed, at least till 1940, several buildings and partial in collaboration with Tibor Szivessy.

Dávid Jónás (1871-1955)

Worked for many years together with his younger brother Zsigmond. His designs are based on the Viennese Art Nouveau style, while the facades relatively little are decorated. Later in his career he often used bricks in the design of the buildings and his style was then more towards neo-classisime.

Zsigmond Jónás (1883-1977)

Worked during many years together with his elder brother David. David was the most creative of the two brothers while Zsigmond was more busy with the financial position of the office.

Géza Aladár Kármán (1871-1939) 

Worked most of the time together with Gyula Ullmann and was one of the earliest architects  in Budapest whom used the Viennese/Western form of Art Nouveau. Also the architect of the American embassy.

The two architects designed especially for the upper class of the Jewish population. And therefore money was not from importance for their designs. Many buildings had or still have therefore still a luxury look. Not surprisingly, his business partner was married to a woman from a wealthy Jewish family.

Géza Kiss (1878-?)

An architect who, usually in collaboration with A. Kálmán Körössy, Budapest has enriched with some important buildings. As an independent architect, he has, as far as now known, only a handful of buildings realized.

József Kollár (1869-1943)

Worked, as far known, always together with Sámuel Révész. One of their most famous creations is dating from 1912: the Modern & Breitner-ház on the V. Deák tér 3. The style of their designs is often more based on the German Jugendstil. But they also used other styles for their designs.

Marcell Komor (1868-1944)

Collaborated the biggest part of his career together with Dezső Jakab. They designed several interesting buildings such as the magnificent Palace Hotel at the VIII. Rákóczi út 43 (1910 - Palace szálló).

He has also worked on a number of  buildings designed by Ödön Lechner, including the Geological Institute. They had an office in the II. district in a very special building. Marcell Komor died due to the Holocaust.

György Kopeczek

As far as known by Julius, he designed only four buildings in Budapest. However, all four buildings are well worth and if you visit the official Jewish Quarter, you certainly will see one of the most famous buildings designed by him.

Flóris Korb (1860-1930)

Was, together with Alajos Hauszmann and Kálmán Giergl, responsible for the design of the New York Palace which was opened in 1894.

During the long cooperation with Floris Korb, he was co-architect of the design of the beautiful Zeneakademia (1904-1907), a building that, unfortunately till the end of March 2013 not accesible is for visitors due to renovation. But, they also designed numeorus other interesting buildings.

Albert Kálmán Körössy (1869-1955)

Follower of Ödön Lechner as well as many own influences and translation of the Art Nouveau style in the designs of his buildings.

On the V. Aulich utca 3, a building designed by him, has on the facade one of the most beautiful tile panels from the city. A very interesting architect who has enriched Budapest with many beautiful buildings, though you has to know that they are designed by Kálmán Körossy, because the designs differ greatly in style.

Károly Kós (1883-1977)

Influences of the architect and his ideas are to find throughout the city. Unlike Ödön Lechner, Kós was of the opinion that there was something like a Hungarian style.

Károly Kós was responsible for e.g. the design of animal houses in the Budapest Zoo and the buildings around the square in Wekerle (garden city). He was also founder of the group Fiatalok, a group of young artists and architects.

Károly Kós has only for a short period worked as an architect in Budapest, in 1914 he moved  to Sztána.

Sándor Kriegler (1874-?)

From the drawing board for Sándor Kriegler officially only a few designs are made. The presumption is that he a part of his career has worked at one of the major architectural firms. For a number of buildings his style has similarities with the style which was used by the brothers László and József Vágó and an Viennese / Western oriented Art Nouveau style.

Béla Lajta (1873-1920)

In the eyes of Julius one of the most extraordinary architects, who in a span of less than 12 years Budapest has enriched with many beautiful buildings.

Innovative, early working on new techniques and partly inspired by Finnish architecture and the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. He also designed some 35 tombs, which are the main part of the works he left after.

Béla Löffler (1880-?)

The oldest of two brothers whom, among other buildings, are responsible for the beautiful synagogue at the VII. Kazinczy utca 29-31 and the adjacent building at the VII. Dob utca 35.

But also on numerous other locations elsewhere in the city their designs can be found, with details that often recurring in their designs. Many facades of buildings designed by them are very playful and full of details. Béla emigrated around 1925 to Alexandria.

(Samu) Sándor Löffler (1877-?)

The oldest of two brothers who, among other buildings, are responsible for the beautiful synagogue at the VII. Kazinczy utca 29-31 and the adjacent building at the VII. Dob utca 35.

But also on numerous other locations elsewhere in the city their designs can be found, with details that often recurring in their designs. Many facades of buildings designed by them are very playful and full of details. Unlike his brother, he also was after 1925 active as an architect in Budapest.

Béla Malnái (1877-1941)

A very interesting architect whom Budapest has enriched with many special buildings such as on the VIII. Népszinház utca 35. He worked between 1907 and 1914 together with Gyula Haas (z). The page is online, but recently a study be received about his work and the buildings that are listed herein will now be checked whether they still exist. Once that is known, the page will be further adjusted.

Ákos Márton(1869-?)

Although Ákos Márton in Budapest only a few buildingsn has designed in Art Nouveau style, these buildings are still worth it. The rest of his career, he designed buildings that are primarily in a neo-classical style and less interesting. No big name, he designed not many buildings in Budapest.

Franz Matuschek (1874-1935)

Officially a little name in the architectural history of Budapest, because he didn't graduated in Budapest as an architect. Worked for several years on the office of Ignac Alpár and afterwards a few years as an independent architect. Almost certain is that only a few buildings are officially designed by him. Till now Budapest Architect only has knowledge of one building located on the XIV. Cházár András utca 5.

Alajos Medgyes (1873-1942)

A small name in the architectural history of Budapest and till now Julius only knows two buildings designed by this architect. One of the buildings has similarities with "Löffler" designs, in particular due to the door. The other building is built on the occasion of the social housing program an initiative of the major of Budapest: István Bárczy.

Arthur Mellinger (1875-?)

It's not a large body of work left to Budapest by this architect and it are not all very interesting buildings. But, especially the "Lung-ház", due to the beautiful etched windows in the stairwell and the building on the IX. Raday utca 14 are of architectural value.

ifj István Nagy (1873-1937?)

This architect designed buildings that vary greatly in style. Both influences of Ödön Lechner and the German Jugendstil variant identified in the buildings which he realized in Budapest. A very interesting architect with an eye for detail and a walk along his building is well worth it!

Kornel Neuschloss-Knüsli (1864-1935)

As architect best known for two masterpieces: the entrance to the Budapest Zoo and the Elephant House in the same Zoo. Also chief architect for the renovation of the Zoo during the period 1909-1912.

József Porgesz (1880-1944)

The architect of Jewish origin, József Porgesz, has enriched Budapest with some very notable buildings which are very different in style.

The most include Art Nouveau elements, but pre-modern and his latest designs that go toward New Objectivity architecture, show the evolution of the architect.

Zsigmond Quittner (1859-1918)

Most buildings in Budapest by the architect to find predate the Art Nouveau period and are therefore more classical in nature. Not the period in which Julius is principally interested. Nevertheless, there are two Art Nouveau buildings designed by him in Budapest to find, from which the Gresham-Palota (which he designed with József Vágó) is his finest creation.

Károly Rainer (1875-1951)

Károly Rainer .... his main project was probably the design of three huge buildings (shops, offices and homes) near the Erszébet tér the V. district.

Without any doubt an own style but not really playful and more towards a classical style than Art Nouveau. He was not among the absolute top of the Hungarian-Jewish architects. In one of the buildings which he designed is already for many years the British Embassy housed.

Rezső Vilmos Ray (1876-1938)

Rezső Vilmos Ray designed, among others, the visually dominant water tower on the Margit-sziget. Although he worked in the Art Nouveau period, the buildings designed by him, are in majority not regarded as such, this is partly due to the use of reinforced concrete for his designs. The logo used for this website is a part of an artwork on one of his buildings.

Kálmán Reichl (1879-1926)

Kálmán Reichl designed not so many houses in the center of Budapest, likely partly due to the fact he was non Jewish. He focused himself in particular on the design of public buildings and looked for these designs closely to the designs of Béla Lajta.

One of the most important designs of his hand concerns the former gasworks in Óbuda and the belonging but never completed, garden city next to it. The gas plant is an industrial monument of very high architectural value.

Sámuel Révész (1877-1938?)

Samuel Revesz worked (almost) always together with József Kollár. One of their most famous creations is dating from 1912: the Modern & Breitner Ház on the V. Deák tér 3. The style of various designs by them is often more based on the German Jugendstil.

Until well into the 20s and, as far known now, till the end of the 30s, they have designed buildings, although there are much unresolved riddles.

Ernő Román (1883-1959)

Ernő Román designed with his older brother Miklós especially in the period 1903-1914 many interesting buildings in Budapest. The characteristics of these buildings are: tall buildings with some quite sober facade decorations. Even after the Art Nouveau period, Ernő designed several interesting buildings in Budapest, almost always together with fellow architects.

Miklós Román (1879-1945)

The period when Miklós and his brother Ernő have put down interesting buildings in Budapest (ca. 1903-1914), is the most important period of his career as an architect. Fri tall buildings with some austere facade decorations, no exuberant Art Nouveau. The buildings designed by Miklós after this period are much less interesting, even a bit boring.

Gyula Sándy (1868-1953)

The number of buildings in Budapest designed by Gyula Sándy and with Art Nouveau influences, is very small, probably only two.

His design on the I. Szilágyi Dezső tér 3, the Budai református egyházközseg lakóháza from 1898, is a design based on the classic style however also with beautiful Art Nouveau decorations.

Lajos Schoditsch (1872-1941)

Impressive buildings .... That are most properties whom Lajos Schoditsch, usually with Béla Eberling, in Budapest has developed. At least 2 buildings are suitable for a more detailed (photo-) report in the chapter "Building of the Month" on Budapest Architect. All these buildings were designed between 1908 and 1912.

Richard Schöntheil (1874-?)

An architect about whom almost nothing is known except that he can be described as thé architect of Art Nouveau buildings in the X. district and the majority of the Art Nouveau buildings in this district were designed by him.

He also designed a beautiful (former) synagogue in this district. Elsewhere in the city, as far as known, only one other building is to find designed by him.

Artúr Sebestyén (1868-1945)

Artúr Sebestyén is an architect who's not counted among the great names in the (Art Nouveau) architecture in Budapest. Beautiful buildings but rather classic in design.

He became most famous for the co-design of the famous Gellert Hotél and thermal bath. A design that he realized together with Ármin Hegedűs and Izidor Sterk.

Frigyes Spiegel (1866-1933)

One of the first architects in Budapest, who has applied Art Nouveau ornamentations for his designs. This can be seen on the VI. Izabella utca 94.

More and more buildings be discovered designed by him and which can be characterized as very early Art Nouveau buildings. Wrongly his role in the development of Art Nouveau architecture in Budapest is barely or not mentioned.

Izidor Sterk (1867-1952)

Izidor Sterk ... who searches on Google always found as most important result his name in conjunction with the construction of the Gellért Hotel and its thermal baths. But, it was not the only important building designed by Izidor Sterk. Already from early in the Art Nouveau period he designed interesting buildings such as the Bruchsteiner-ház.

Gyula Ullmann (1872-1926)  

Worked most of the time during his career together with Géza Aladár Kármán and was one of the earliest architects  in Budapest whom used the Viennese/Western form of Art Nouveau. Also the architect of the American embassy.

The two architects mainly designed buildings for the upper class of the Jewish community. Not suprisingly, Gyula ullmann married with a daughter of Berthold Weiss a very wealthy and influential family.

József Vágó (1877-1947)

József Vágó was, together with his brother László, in the period 1902-1911 responsible for some very special buildings in Budapest, including the Árkád bázar.

But also in collaboration with other architects such as Ödön Lechner, Jószef proved to be a very important archtect. He was one of the few architects which designed "gesammt-kunstwerken". This means that the same theme of ornamentations returns on several places in a building.

After 1914 are from József's hand, hardly any designs to find in Budapest. This also because in the 20s he wasn't allowed to call him an architect, maybe due to his political ideas.

László Vágó (1875-1933)

László Vágó designed with his brother József in the period between 1902 and 1911 in Budapest (and beyond) some extraordinary Art Nouveau buildings.

Unlike his brother, László was until the '30s working as an architect and realized a few modern buildings based on Art Deco and New Objectivity. He was also one of the architects who has worked on the Bauhaus project in the II. Napraforgó utca.

József Vermes (1887-1944)

József Vermes is one of the (Jewish) architects who has designed various beautiful buildings in Budapest and about whom almost nothing is known. At least till the end of the 20s he was active as an architect and used also Art Nouveau ornamentations for the buildings which he in that era designed.

Emil Vidor (1867-1952)

For most tourists known as the architect of the in the Bédő-ház located Art Nouveau "museum". However, there are many interesting buildings from his hand to find into the city, for instance on the VIII. Népszinház utca 22.

Emil Vidor often designed for the more wealthy Jewish residents and he also designed at least two grave monuments.

Fülöp Weinréb (1863-?)

Fülöp Weinreb was, together with Frigyes Spiegel, one of the first architects who applied Art Nouveau ornamentation in the architecture of its buildings in Budapest. In fact the importance of this architect is slightly pushed into the background by the myth about Ödön Lechner. Unlike Lechner used Spiegel and Weinréb the more Western / Viennese form of Art Nouveau. Influences of Otto Wagner are also recognizable.

Alfréd Wellisch (1854-1941)

Alfred Wellisch is an architect who gained fame before the Art Nouveau period started. A period during which he became a rich man.

Because most of the buildings he designed are before the Art Nouveau period will these be disregarded in the review. In the Art Nouveau period, he also designed a number of buildings which are attributed to him, but most likely are designed by an other architect, who worked at the background.

Andor Wellisch (1887-1956)

An architect full of riddles. On the face a son who followed in his father Alfréd footsteps, and who has designed some remarkable buildings, especially in the late Art Nouveau period.

But, most likely, is that least some of the buildings, which officially were designed by father and son, are the creative work of another, a person who for 36 years managed the office. A very creative person who probably never was graduated as an architect and therefore officially no buildings can be found in Budapest which are designed by him.

Dezső Zrumeczky (1883-1917)

He was, together with Károly Kós, responsible for e.g the design of animal enclosures in the Budapest Zoo (1909-1911). Was one of the members of the Fiatalok group.

Despite his short life, he has enriched the town with a number of important works, including a school which is located in the II. district.

(Last modification: January 9, 2013)