Ubiquitous Zsolnay and Preservation Technology

From my Canadian upbringing, the word “factory” invokes images of buildings that are bare and functional. The Zsolnay Factory looked to me more like a palace than a factory. The entire site is adorned in colourful tiles produced on site with ceramic sculptures and statues throughout. In fact, the whole city is covered in Zsolnay tile. 

Building in the Historic Centre

Zsolnay fountain in the Historic Centre

The preservation of the existing heritage buildings has been meticulous. New technology has been developed on site specifically for reproducing and repairing tiles whose production techniques are irreplaceable for various environmental reasons. 

The new cultural quarter will not only add tremendous cultural value to Pécs but has created a big commission to the factory during slow economic times.  

I saw with my own eyes an industrial operation important to the region be transformed into a dynamic public space. New contemporary architectural ideas are being thoughtfully integrated with meticulous preservation of this historic factory.