The Urbanist: Tall Stories 481 – Hengermalom, Budapest

Date: October 20, 2025
Host: Andrew Tuck (Monocle)
Story by: Alexey Korolyov
Main Guests: Daniel Girfi (Architect & member of VAYO NGO), Tama Shabraham (Epitez Studio), Gergo Papai (Filmmaker/Journalist)

Episode Overview

This episode explores the transformation of Hengermalom, a historic flour mill on the banks of Budapest's Danube, from a decaying industrial site into a vibrant cultural hub. The narrative traces the mill’s architectural legacy, its central role in Budapest's industrial history, and its emerging status as a cherished "third place" for the local community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Historical Significance of Hengermalom

• Roller-milling Revolution

  • Roller milling, replacing stone grinding, was a 19th-century technological breakthrough allowing finer, longer-lasting flour.
  • Championing this technology in Hungary was István Széchenyi, who built one of Budapest's first roller mills in the 1840s.

    “We like to say that the predecessor of this mill was the first of its kind in the whole region, actually the whole monarchy.” – Daniel Girfi (01:57)

• Site Relocation & Architectural Innovation

  • The original site, next to what is now Budapest’s Parliament, was moved further downstream in the early 1900s; the current Hengermalom site opened in 1911.
  • The buildings are significant, being among Budapest’s first made from reinforced concrete.

    "These buildings are really valuable because they were one of the first concrete buildings built in Budapest... not only an industrial heritage, but also an architectural heritage." – Daniel Girfi (02:23)

2. The Redevelopment Vision

• Architectural Conservation and Community Use

  • VAYO NGO aims to safeguard the site’s legacy, commissioned by a dedicated owner with a vision for inclusive redevelopment.

    "He's not one of these big Developers around us... all these new buildings are just looking the same, like steel and glass architecture, very cheap one, actually, without any sense of, you know, localness... they are really grateful that they have a place that's a third place..." – Daniel Girfi (03:00)

  • Intended as a "third place"—neither home nor work, but a shared social and cultural venue.

• Unique Context and Local Engagement

  • The architectural firm Epitez oversees the project. Tama Shabraham, a team member and nearby resident, provides a personal connection to the development.

    "Because the task is unique, the situation is unique." – Tama Shabraham (03:43)

3. Context in Today’s Budapest

• Surrounding Growth and Contrasts

  • Extensive new development around the site, including Hungary’s tallest building (MOL Tower), a rail line, and a recently completed stadium.

    "Around here, everywhere there are new office buildings. But if you look out on the other side of the Danube, there are still these industrial areas." – Daniel Girfi (04:20)

  • Some industrial heritage sites remain active, such as the city’s water filtration plant.

• Potential for Future Activation

  • There’s consideration of rooftop developments, currently used by “highliners” walking between buildings.

    "That's our plan in the future. For now, people who use this space are the highliners who just walk from one building to another every weekend. And it's very spectacular to see them." – Daniel Girfi (05:25)

4. Cultural Programming and Local Creatives

• Event Calendar
  • Since May, the site has hosted exhibitions, flea markets, and guided tours every weekend.
• Featuring Slow Films & Liminal Experiences
  • Gergo Papai, journalist and “slow film” documentarian, shares his perspective.

    "I'm searching for liminal spaces, those huge areas, the highways, the railways, the electric grids. I'm flying mostly with my drone. It's familiar, but you haven't seen it in this way, I guess." – Gergo Papai (06:18)

  • On the emotions invoked by capturing post-industrial landscapes:

    "Sometimes it's anger. Sometimes it's what you feel when you see something dying or have the feeling that something had been taken away from you." – Gergo Papai (06:36)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:49] Host introduction and episode overview
• [01:34] Emergence of roller milling and historical context
• [02:06–02:49] Move to new site, significance of reinforced concrete structure, and VAYO’s involvement
• [03:00–03:43] Daniel Girfi on the mill's value and intentions for the site
• [03:43–04:04] Tama Shabraham on local connection
• [04:09–05:21] Construction in the neighborhood; future plans for rooftop activities
• [05:49–06:53] Programming at Hengermalom and Gergo Papai’s artistic perspective
• [07:04] Girfi on creating a lasting community landmark

Memorable Quotes

• Daniel Girfi:

  • "We like to say that the predecessor of this mill was the first of its kind in the whole region, actually the whole monarchy." (01:57)
  • "These buildings are really valuable because they were one of the first concrete buildings built in Budapest... not only an industrial heritage, but also an architectural heritage." (02:23)
  • "This is really valuable. They are really grateful that they have a place that's a third place that they can go around. It's not only workplaces or homes." (03:00)
  • "I think it's also important to create a good example of a process like this because usually these third places in Budapest are there for maybe three or four years and then something completely different gets built there. I think that's what we're working on to create something that's a permanent thing." (07:04)

• Tama Shabraham:

  • "Because the task is unique, the situation is unique." (03:43)

• Gergo Papai:

  • "I'm searching for liminal spaces... It's familiar, but you haven't seen it in this way, I guess." (06:18)
  • "Sometimes it's anger. Sometimes it's what you feel when you see something dying or have the feeling that something had been taken away from you." (06:36)

Overall Tone & Takeaway

“Hengermalom, Budapest” intertwines the city’s industrial past with forward-looking placemaking. The speakers are passionate, candid, and deeply invested—both professionally and personally—in forging a model of sustainable, community-oriented urban regeneration. Their hope: that Hengermalom endures as Budapest’s rare, lasting "third place," celebrating both heritage and revitalization.