• Journal of architectural history
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.7-22
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• 2007

${\ddot{O}}d{\ddot{o}}n$ Lechner has been known as an architect who incorporates Hungarian folk motifs in creating a highly original Hungarian national style. Nevertheless, his work has been surprisingly neither exposed nor familiar to Korean audiences. This article attempts to reveal the unique characteristics of Lechner's architectural thought and ideas along with his buildings in Budapest. First of all, this article presents the evolution of Lechner's architectural thought by dividing his career into four marking periods. They are in chronological order to serve as a record of his architectural career. The authors then discuss his concern on the Hungarian ethnography in architecture while turing away from orthodox classicism. Subsequently, this article analyzes Lechner's three major buildings located at Budapest. By doing so, it attempts to expose his underlying design ideas and to shed light on the most elegant works of the architect. Finally, it marks out Lechner's influences on young Hungarian architects.