Budapest’s iconic sports facility, the National Athletics Centre, has made it to the finals of one of the world’s most prestigious architectural competitions, the Architizer A+Awards – in not just one, but two categories: Stadiums and Arenas, as well as Sustainable Sports & Recreation Facilities. This means the Hungarian building ranks among the world’s top five in both categories, and whether it wins the public vote-based Popular Choice Award now depends on you.
The Budapest-based National Athletics Centre has earned major international architectural recognition: the international jury of the Architizer A+Awards selected it as one of the top five entries worldwide in two categories. This prestigious acknowledgment is further proof that the venue, which hosted the highly successful 2023 World Athletics Championships, is not only of historic sporting importance but also an architectural world-class achievement.
The role of bim.GROUP included preparing the technological and manufacturing designs for the steel and cable structures, supporting production, assembly, and geodetic processes throughout implementation, and coordinating the work of all specialist designers involved. Additional group companies and strategic partners also contributed to the project, including KÉSZ Metaltech Kft., KÉSZ Ipari Gyártó Kft., Baumetall Design Kft., and Geolink3D.
Public voting is now open!
Voting runs from Monday, May 5, 2025, at 3:00 PM until Saturday, May 17, 9:00 AM (CET). To cast your vote, simply register or log in for free on the Architizer website. You can vote once per day in both categories.
Please support the National Athletics Centre with your votes in both categories via the following links:
- Stadiums and Arenas category: https://tinyurl.com/34xfrkca
- Sustainable Sports & Recreation Facilities category: https://tinyurl.com/bdcwa37n
A Unique Crown for the Queen of Sports in Budapest
Commissioned by the Hungarian State and designed by NAPUR Architect Kft. (lead architect: Marcel Ferencz, DLA), the National Athletics Centre was constructed by the ZÁÉV Zrt. – Magyar Építő Zrt. consortium. The project transformed a former industrial area into a sustainable development.
With a design symbolizing the “crown of the queen of sports” (a reference to athletics), the unmistakable structure was completed for the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest and accommodates up to 35,000 spectators. The event, hailed by World Athletics President Sebastian Coe as “the greatest World Championships of all time,” was a tremendous success.
World’s First “Open Arena” – A New Life After the Championships
After the championship, the stadium underwent a transformation unique in the world: the temporary upper stands were removed, making way for a nearly 15,000-square-meter, publicly accessible, free, covered, and illuminated panoramic leisure park, complete with running tracks and outdoor fitness areas – all with a breathtaking view. Thus, the National Athletics Centre became the world’s first “Open Arena” to be repurposed for year-round recreational use following a major sports event.
Sustainability was a key focus in both design and operation: the building has a minimal heated floor area (around 5–10%) and is powered entirely by renewable geothermal energy. The development also positively impacted its broader surroundings, contributing to the revitalization of the Danube riverbank with new promenades, cycle paths, and green spaces – creating an attractive recreational urban area.