Budapest Summer School on Classical Architecture

Budapest Summer School on Classical Architecture

Hosted by the Mathias Corvinus Collegium Foundation and procured by the Classic Planning Institute at the Ludovika University of Public Service

The Classical Architecture Summer School in Budapest is a two week intensive academic program for students seeking a rigorous introduction to classical architecture as a design tool in current day architecture. Organized by the Mathias Corvinus Collegium, procured by the Classic Planning Institute, and presented by Professor Pablo Álvarez Funes, RIBA, the Summer School brings together distinguished international faculty, studio based instruction, and direct engagement with one of Europe’s most significant historic cities.

The program is designed for students who wish to understand the classical method not only as a historical legacy but as a living knowledge base capable of shaping contemporary urban environments.

About the program

The Summer School hosts approximately 25 students for a concentrated two week curriculum that combines lectures, hands on studio work, guided site visits, and collaborative design review.

Academic instruction focuses on the principles of classical and traditional architecture, including the tracing of the orders, proportion, composition, ornament, urban form, and the pursuit of architectural beauty. Each day integrates hands on design workshops with lectures and site visits. These place classical principles within the context of Hungary’s architectural traditions, enabling students to explore how classical design has shaped the nation’s built environment. [Link to the program]

A central component of the program is the final design project. Students will develop a proposal for a classical façade for an urban site in Budapest. The program concludes with a public presentation and jury evaluation, with selected projects presented to a wider audience and shared through Hungarian media.

Faculty and Teaching Approach

Introduced by Dr. Nir Buras, founder of the Classic Planning Institute and author of The Art of Classic Planning, the program will be led by Professor Pablo Alvarez Funes, Director of Education at the Classic Planning Institute. Prof. Funes will be assisted by Hungarian-Brazilian Architect Alexander Kiss, and will feature contributions from leading Hungarian and international lecturers. 

Teaching is studio centered and mentorship driven. Students work closely with faculty through design exercises, critiques, and discussions that emphasize both technical skill and architectural judgment.

Site Visits and Architectural Exploration

Throughout the Summer School, Budapest will serve as its extended classroom. The program includes guided site visits to some of the city’s most important architectural landmarks, offering students the opportunity to study firsthand classical composition, urban hierarchy, and civic symbolism.

Planned visits include
• Buda Castle
• Hungarian Parliament Building
• Major historic squares, avenues, and civic spaces in central Budapest
• Additional significant monuments and urban ensembles illustrating Hungary’s architectural heritage

These visits are integrated into the academic curriculum and directly inform studio work and design discussions.

Location and Facilities

Studio spaces and student accommodation are provided through the University of Public Service. This setting offers a focused academic environment while remaining closely connected to Budapest’s historic districts and architectural sites.

Tuition and Scholarships

The total cost of participation, including room and board but not travel to and from the Summer School, is 750 euros.

To ensure accessibility, scholarships are available for students who require financial assistance. Applicants may request financial aid during the application process, and awards will be made based on demonstrated need.

Further details regarding tuition payment and scholarship applications will be provided to selected participants.

Why Apply

This Summer School is well suited to students of architecture, urbanism, and related disciplines who are interested in alternatives to exclusively modernist design approaches and who wish to explore how classical architecture can be practiced today.

Participants will
• receive structured instruction in the classical method as a contemporary design tool. 
• work closely with internationally respected architects and educators
• engage directly with Budapest’s architectural heritage through site visits
• complete a comprehensive design project with public presentation
• join an international academic and professional community dedicated to traditional architecture

The program represents a significant step toward renewing classical and traditional architecture in Hungary and contributing to a broader international conversation on tradition, beauty, and the future of the built environment.

Practical Information

Dates: August 17 to August 29
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Format: Full time, in person
Language of instruction: English

Applications

Interested students are encouraged to apply early as admissions will be made on a rolling basis. 

Preliminary Schedule(Subject to Change)

For any questions, please email Stephen Sholl, Head of International Partnerships, at sholl.stephen@mcc.hu.