Celebrating 100-yr-old buildings

Visiting some of the locations in Budapest's 100-year-old buildings event, on Sunday, inspired me to look again – but more intently – at the architectural environment in which I daily walk.

It is only now I realise that much of the remarkable architecture that abounds in Budapest (beyond the considerable neo-classical) is a product of the Art Nouveau movement, which flourished in Europe around the turn of the 19th century.

On the one hand, I am disappointed to learn that Budapest's style is not entirely unique. On the other hand, the Hungarian manifestation of the movement is, indeed, wholly original. It owes its form as much – or rather more – to indigenous cultural influences (including those adopted from invaders) than to the refined artistic salons of Paris.

Unlike the delicacy of Lalique or Liberty designs, Hungarian architecture of this period is rugged, strong and earthy, yet presents a natural and human beauty that is, frankly, almost without words to describe.

The concept of Art Nouveau was to employ, and interpret, natural forms and structures. While some artists of the movement focused on the excessive beauty of their work, Hungarian buildings from this time excel in expressing what seems effortlessly natural, yet can have been achieved only through arduous attention to shape, form and detail.

The result is an environment that arises and blends with nature in a way wholly in keeping with the magic of Hungary, where nature expresses itself in almost metaphysical ways.

Hungarians, especially Budapestis, are rightly proud of their city and fully aware of the appeal it has for visitors. But Hungarians, instinctively, are neither boastful nor aggressive in marketing their culture (a consequence of centuries of foreign oppressors, no doubt).

So, to fully appreciate the Budapest experience one needs, quite simply, to "be there"– an attitude of mind that also seems to arise naturally in Budapestis.

Some photos taken of local buildings