MTK – Új Hidegkuti Nándor Stadium

One of the most important aspects of architecture is its ability to foster a sense of community and bring people together. MTK (Magyar Testgyakorlók Köre) was founded in 1888, and its football division has been crowned Hungarian champions 23 times, playing a crucial role in the nation’s football history. This stadium primarily serves as a home for the team’s supporters, while also housing the club’s headquarters and offices, as well as hosting various sports and events beyond football.

The Új Hidegkuti Nándor Stadium stands on the site of the former MTK Stadium on Hungária Ring Road, in an industrial suburb of Budapest. The original athletics stadium was demolished due to its deteriorating condition and outdated design. The new pitch was built on the footprint of the old athletics track, maintaining its position below street level while aligning with modern football stadium design standards. Given the relatively low spectator capacity and the site constraints, two opposing stands were created along the western and eastern long sides of the pitch.

From this square, fans can enter directly at street level to the top of the eastern grandstand, ensuring a seamless and accessible arrival experience. The stadium’s main volume is connected to the western stand, housing VIP areas, media facilities, club offices, and spaces for other sports and events. Additionally, commercial spaces, bars, and restaurants are accessible from the adjacent Salgótarjáni Street.

Its exterior is defined by a striking, slanting concrete plate that visually divides the structure into two parts. Public areas are located beneath this plate, while the stadium roof rises above it. The roof with a membrane sheeting tensioned to a steel skeleton creates the dynamic shape of the building. This effect is further enhanced by a ribbon-like element over the main public entrance.

The sharp, folded edges of the seating bowl resemble origami, harmonizing with the stadium’s industrial environment. The two opposing stands are connected by folded concrete surfaces along the short sides of the pitch. This enclosed acoustically optimized seating bowl ensures an immersive match-day experience comparable to much larger stadiums. The “Football capsule” concept highlights the importance of innovative architectural solutions over conventional, routine designs.