Hagymatikum

Hagymatikum

The onion as a symbol

Completed in 2012, the "Hagymatikum" thermal baths in the southern Hungarian spa of Makó are part of the legacy of the prominent architect Imre Makovecz who died in 2011. Sprawling across 12,000 m², the complex comprises thermal baths, a sauna landscape, spa facilities, a colourful children's area and a restaurant. Not only the exterior form of the building is reminiscent of the high-quality onions for which Makó is famous. The onion motif is also continued inside in the form of domes and arches which invariably bear the signature of the master architect. Giving rise to an exciting mix of Turkish baths, Hungarian folklore and an ultra-modern bathing culture with an expanse of water covering 800 m².

Makovecz, who was influenced by Rudolf Steiner, Antoni Gaudi, Frank Lloyd Wright and the Hungarian Art Nouveau applied by Ödön Lechner, is regarded as a representative of Hungarian organic architecture. One project involved planning the Hungarian Pavilion for the World Exhibition in Seville which led to him being made an honorary member of the Association of German Architects (BDA) in 1989. This unusual project saw Agrob Buchtal sending tiles, pool edge systems and moulded parts from the Chroma system and the swimming pool specials to Hungary. Numerous other customised products to Makovecz' specifications were also used.