Ferkai András: Housing Estates - Our Budapest (Budapest, 2005)

Housing Estates after 1945

Development plan of the Kápoóztáómegyer Housing Development, Stage II

ical classification of identical and unchangeable units into uniform block-divi- sions-a more pleasing arrangement of masses became feasible. The corner section once again allowed for a framed design. The number of floors was reduced- three and five-storey buildings, and even two-floor terraced houses, were included in the new plans. The reappearance of architectural details (such as projections, gables, tympani and tiled broach-roofs) enabled the designers to achieve a richer effect of masses and facades.

And the architects seized the opportunity: they did all they could-and a bit more perhaps-to give a pleasing shape to their material. They did everything in their power to placate a public angry with Modernism in general and modern housing estates in particular. And yet, in spite of their best efforts, Káposztás- megyer has failed to become a real city. Hardly had it been completed before its deterioration into something scarcely more than a slum began. It is in form, rather than essence, that this postmodern "imitation city” differs from the "monument city” of Újpalota. Both of them are units closed in on themselves, only connected to the city proper by a thin "umbilical cord". Újpalota has at least an expresses service to rely on, whereas Káposztásmegyer, with the subway connection scrapped, has been turned into a ghetto, devoid of all quality enter75