The METTRIN Event Center received its final name only after its completion. During the planning process, it was referred to by several names, including artistic center and event hall. In reality, it is a privately financed cultural house, understanding culture in its noblest sense. This is not a coincidence, as the client is none other than the visionary and organizer of Louis Armstrong International Jazz Festival in Bánk, which has been in existence for over 20 years and is currently in a Sleeping Beauty slumber. Hopefully, with this realized dream, we can awaken the festival from its dormancy: dream by dream.
Success was preceded by a long struggle: initially, we planned to cover the seating area of the nearby water stage, but it couldn't be realized. Then, we drew a Festival Center on the neighboring plot, but it fell through, swept away by unpredictable inflation.
Local Context: Birth of a Landmark
The waterside location of the construction site gives special emphasis to the event center: nothing will ever be built in front of it, and the reflective effect of the water enhances its appearance when viewed from the opposite side of Lake Bánk. Therefore, a memorable yet landscape-fitting house is suitable for this location. While not in the town center, it is the center of culture. The quality of the built environment must match the level of music resonating within the building.
The newly completed Bánki lakeside event hall is a stunning and modern creation that captivates visitors from the moment they approach it. The building stands on pillars by the lake, and the connection with nature becomes palpable at first glance. The openness of the lower level allows the event venue to be under the open sky, while the covered area ensures the smooth conduct of events, even in spite of the whims of the weather. The main hall, with a capacity of 280 seats, can be divided into two equal sections with soundproof mobile walls. On the hillside, service facilities such as storage rooms, dressing rooms, and sanitary blocks are arranged.
The roof shape of the building is unique and creative, adding a distinctive and instantly recognizable feature to the structure. The fan or butterfly shape is not only visually stunning but can also be metaphorically interpreted, symbolizing architectural creativity, diversity, and freedom, associating freely soaring with the wings of jazz. Comments likening it to a bat, butterfly, or airplane add further interest to the interpretation of the building and open up the possibility of personal interpretation for the viewers, although no formalistic considerations played a role in the design process. In the forest environment, the house may resemble a kind of living creature.
The harmony of organic and modern elements is breathtaking. Organic elements suggest harmonious integration with the environment, while modern lines and shapes emphasize the progressiveness and durability of the building. The layout and design of the building ensure optimal space utilization while creating an ideal environment for any event with panoramic views.