Valyo’s Transformative Danube Projects Nominated for Beta Awards

In a remarkable achievement, several projects by the Valyo community in Budapest have been nominated for the prestigious Beta Awards. The Beta Awards, an event that supports and promotes quality architecture and professionals who contribute to the improvement of the built environment, has recognized Valyo’s innovative and impactful work along the Danube River.

Valyo’s Mission

Since its establishment in 2010, the City and River Association (Valyo) has been dedicated to bridging the gap between Budapest’s citizens and the Danube River. What began as a small group organizing art installations and actions on the Danube embankment has evolved into a registered association that has transformed the city’s relationship with its iconic river.

Nominated Projects

Danube Collection: The Danube Collection project, a collaboration with Vienna-based Hybrid Dessous, is a result of six months of research exploring the relationship and history of the built environment and recreational use of the river. The collection features hybrid clothes that serve as excellent urban wear on both land and water, encouraging city dwellers to embrace the Danube as a liquid public space.

RAKPART (QUAY): The RAKPART project, nominated in the “public space” category, is a testament to Valyo’s commitment to placemaking. Developed in 2023, the spatial concept and social programming for the Jane Haining Quay, located between the Chain Bridge and Elisabeth Bridge on the Pest side of Budapest, has attracted an average of 10,000 visitors a day between April and October. By removing ribbon railings, dismantling cobblestones, planting plants, and installing urban furniture, Valyo has transformed the quay into a vibrant public space that hosts a wide range of activities, from yoga classes and acoustic concerts to film screenings and community events.

Transforming the Danube

Valyo’s work has been instrumental in changing the perception of the Danube in Budapest. The association has successfully challenged the swimming ban in place since 1973, opening the first Danube beach in 2019 on the Romani bank. This demonstration led to the local municipality taking over the beach, which remains the only free Danube beach within the city limits.

Valyo’s efforts to make the Danube swimmable with minimal built environmental intervention have gained significant attention. The association’s accredited measurements, carried out in compliance with the European Bathing Directive, have shown that the Danube is of excellent water quality. Yet, the river pools in the inner city section, damaged in World War II, have not been restored by any city government since 1944.

The Importance of Liquid Public Spaces

The recent heatwave and heat island effect in European cities have highlighted the importance of liquid public spaces. The Danube not only connects but can once again become an essential site for urban everyday life. Valyo’s work in monitoring water quality at four locations in Budapest throughout the season underscores their commitment to making the river accessible and enjoyable for all.

Conclusion

The nomination of Valyo’s Danube Collection and RAKPART projects for the Beta Awards is a well-deserved recognition of their transformative work in Budapest. Through their innovative approaches to placemaking and their dedication to reconnecting the city with its river, Valyo has demonstrated the power of community-driven initiatives in shaping the built environment. As the Beta Awards 2024 approach, with a Euro-regional character encompassing Romania, Hungary, and Serbia, Valyo’s projects stand as shining examples of the potential for architecture to create positive change and foster dialogue about the future of our cities.

Image source: https://betacity.eu/