For Wildlife, For Future Generations

The construction of the new headquarters of the BirdLife Hungary (MME) began in September 2024 in the nature-adjacent Mocsárosdűlő area of Budapest’s 3rd district, and by August 2025 the works were completed. The centre bears the name of Egon Schmidt, Kossuth Prize-winning ornithologist, writer, founding member and honorary president of MME, paying tribute to his lifelong contribution. It functions as a professional hub, an educational and outreach venue, and a community space, bringing the message of nature conservation closer to a wide urban audience.
The project was financed primarily from the EU LIFE programme, complemented by MME’s own reserves and private donations.

Realiscon supported the development through project management and technical supervision, consistently ensuring that sustainability and conservation principles were applied from design to completion. In order to minimise risks for birds, the building has no external façade insulation; instead, compliance with thermal standards was achieved by increasing the thickness of the masonry structure and carefully selecting materials.
Landscape design was a central element: alongside the landscape architect, a water management expert contributed to the plans. As a result, the courtyard now functions as a small-scale wetland habitat, where rainwater collection and reuse have created shallow pools that provide a home for birds, insects, and plants, while also improving the microclimate.

The MME leadership sees the new centre as a way to both honour and continue the organisation’s first 50 years of achievements, and to deliver the message of nature conservation to future generations.