The goal of TÁJTÉKA is to initiate dialogue regarding the intelligent landscape use of the Veszprém-Balaton Uplands region, connecting and supporting local entrepreneurs and residents who are interested, newcomers, and visitors.
By intelligent landscape use, we mean sustainable lifestyles and farming practices, the adaptive changes and maintenance of traditions, an experimental attitude, and collaborations that span generations.
We researched and made visible the characteristics of landscape use in the region, exemplary practices, and the role of communities. We worked with local communities and developed model projects based on shared experiences. We created practical suggestions and a toolkit for residents, newcomers, and visitors. Our aim was to showcase and provide ideas on how to connect with a historical landscape today, while also developing sustainable and renewing lifestyles and community landscape use practices.
Our Collaborators
Active local participants – Active cultural figures from EKF participating settlements, innovative entrepreneurs, locals with good practice and replicable stories in conscious landscape use.
Temporary local participants – Seasonal residents and potential relocators.
Visitors – Occasional landscape users, visitors of the Balaton Uplands, EKF audience.
Professional community – Participants from scientific and professional fields such as tourism, rural development, agri-innovation, and cultural heritage.
Decision makers – Local mayors, council members.
Results
3-volume publication series
The Vision for the Balaton Uplands - Summary, methodology, and lessons from TÁJTÉKA research (Volume I)
Welcome to the Balaton Uplands - User guide for residents, newcomers, and visitors (Volume II)
The Toolkit of a Region - Learn from the Balaton Uplands! (Volume III)
The publications were introduced to interested audiences at book launch roundtable discussions and Pecha Kucha nights organized in the region. During the latter, dynamic and concise presentations were shared by leaders of exciting projects in the Balaton Uplands, community organizers, innovative entrepreneurs, and the experts and partners of the TÁJTÉKA project, sharing their experiences and valuable insights. The publications are also available online in the KÉK Knowledge Base.
Experience Circle in the Balaton Uplands - TÁJTÉKA Mentor Program with 10 training sessions
The workshop series aimed to promote the development of tourism services showcasing the cultural and natural values of the Balaton Uplands, aiding collaboration, joint thinking, and the transfer of their region's heritage and values among local tourism stakeholders.
Landscape Users in the Balaton Uplands - 9 session open professional forum series
The monthly gatherings organized in different municipalities of the Balaton Uplands aimed to confront different professional roles, interests, and perspectives in order to bring closer the viewpoints of the region's professionals and create a nuanced common vision for the landscape's future.
Events Organized for Local Communities and by Local Communities
SéTapolca - Walking Festival in the Tapolca Basin
During the weekend, over two hundred people explored Tapolca and the surrounding smaller communities and hiking trails. Working together with local walking and hiking guides, the festival assembled a program that duly showcases the rich built and landscape environment of the Tapolca Basin. Eleven walks took place over two days, offering participants the chance to learn about various topics, from modern architecture to the hidden volcanoes of the Balaton Uplands.
Félszigeti Explorations - Our Heritage Through the Eyes of Children
The children's day organized in Tihany sought answers on how children might connect with their natural surroundings and built heritage through experimental and creative processes, engaging in local history walks and interactive exhibitions. Facilitating the organization of the program also supported the collaboration of local cultural life participants, encouraging the transmission of the Balaton Uplands' heritage and values.
TÉR_KÉPZŐ Building Camp in the Vázsonyi Basin
In one week, common-use spaces were renovated, and public furniture was created across four municipalities based on semester plans by students of the BME Urban Planning Department, following research into local architectural heritage and community needs assessments.
Pomerium - Nostalgia Days in Balatonalmádi
In the holiday resort city by Lake Balaton, we celebrated local communities and built heritage with a 3-day event inspired by the Europa Nostra award-winning Budapest100. Local civic organizations, local historians, walking guides, and cultural organizers were invited to participate in organizing the architectural-cultural festival, which started with city walks and included tours in 30 open houses, crafts workshops, concerts, exhibitions, and children's events.
The methodological foundation of the events was provided by KÉK's several years of successful programs, including KÉK City Walks, ArchiKids Budapest - City Dreamers, TÉR_KÉPZŐ Building Camp, and Budapest100.
Project Legacy
The project was realized between 2021 and 2023 across numerous sites in the region, involving local participants and residents. A key goal of the project was to establish the sustainability of the programs and collaborations so that the processes initiated continue beyond the project's conclusion. The three-part publication series serves as a toolkit and methodological collection usable by all. The results and methodologies of the events are public – available in the KÉK Knowledge Base – and transparent, aiding their continuation and adoption.
Among the showcase results are many materials and documents, exemplifying and adaptable for future EKF cities.
The program was created with the support of the Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture program.
