Faurest, Kristin: Ten spaces - Our Budapest (Budapest, 2010)
Ferenc tér
What’s happened to this area in recent years is a mixed blessing. The area has gained a great deal in terms of quality public and common (courtyard) green spaces, thanks to the more recent renovation programs. Reduction of traffic, pedestrian-friendly streets and large green courtyards with flowers and playgrounds all have added significantly to the area's liveability. Still, in looking at old images of Ferenc tér and its environs, and comparing them with the neighbourhood's clean and spacious but sterile and generic new buildings, it is impossible not to mourn the irreplaceable loss of the original architecture and character of the neighbourhood. The argument for razing places like these to make way for multi-story mixed-use buildings with parking facilities is often that the buildings are impractical and unsuitable in size and arrangement, their condition unsanitary, the neighbourhood blighted. Let's then for a moment think about ■ Ferenc ter's renewal brought it distinctive new features but still preserved iti mature trees 55
