Búzaszem School, Alsógöd

The Búzaszem School was founded as a result of a voluntary, independent civic initiative by parents, through a collaboration between the local parish priest and young families. From an idea conceived nearly twenty years ago, and the actions that followed, a new model of schooling has now emerged. Búzaszem is a Christian Hungarian family community and school.

The draft plan shows that there are several buildings on the site, which surround the inner courtyard with a semi-enclosed colonnade. The primary school pupils are accommodated in two smaller buildings, with two classes in each; the smaller units create a more sheltered environment for the children. The older pupils are housed in the main building, which contains the specialist classrooms, the staff room and the assembly hall, and which faces the wider community, the village and the street. The classroom units are identical in every building: Two rooms make up an ‘apartment’, comprising the living-dining room – which also serves as a dining area – and a small kitchen adjoining it. The layout follows the traditional Hungarian farmhouse design, centred around the hearth and kitchen; here too, the tiled stove (the hearth) and the kitchen are situated in the centre of the living room.

The other buildings surrounding the courtyard include the gymnasium and dining hall wing, which can be accessed separately and is therefore suitable for events, as well as the chapel situated in the centre of the courtyard. Of the original concept, the main building was the first to be realised, and it stands as a fine symbol of community spirit.

Salamin Krisztina (orszagepito.net, details)

Photo: Dénes György, Búzaszem Foundation