Hungarian trade outlet Turizmus.com reports that the renovation of the former Átrium Hyatt, latterly Sofitel Chain Bridge, on Széchenyi István Square has reached a milestone. The scaffolding has been removed and most of the new facade is now visible on the Danube embankment, at the foot of the Chain Bridge opposite Buda Castle.
The article notes that the facade concept, developed with Bánáti + Hartvig Építész Iroda as architect of record, is calibrated to the proportions and golden-section rhythms of the original building by Lajos Zalaváry. In the spirit of the hotel’s French-Hungarian lineage, the facade’s optical ornament reads as a reference to the op-art of Victor Vasarely, producing a different visual effect from different vantage points.
The developer SOF-11 SB OperatingCo Kft. states that the facade’s effect on the cityscape was tested with a built mock-up section and reviewed through extensive consultation with city authorities. The tower crane is scheduled for removal by the end of autumn 2025, with the hotel set to open under the SO/ brand (part of Ennismore) in autumn 2026.
Read the full article at turizmus.com (in Hungarian).