2006 - competition university building "cité des sciences" - belval - luxembourg

Info

Losing this competition (this entry won second prize) was a painful experience. The task: a university was to be erected on a historical industrial site that is a listed landmark with the remnants of three blast furnaces. The idea: a striking, unmistakeable building structure that unfolds sculpturally above a plinth building. The design was intended not merely to fulfil specific functions but also to place a clear sign. After all, this university is still in the process of being established and does not yet have an international reputation. The buildings are articulated in height according to their importance. The main building contains the lecture halls and all the infrastructure facilities of the complex. The library is integrated in the existing mass of the base of one of the furnaces. The building containing the rector’s offices is clearly distinguished from it. The complexity of the system is enriched by free-standing building elements (various auditoria) that are slotted into the overall structure, and by a system of paths, stairs, ramps and lifts that offers a wealth of spatial experiences. The area used during breaks and the restaurants are at the very top with a fantastic view across the entire site. A further advantage of this project: the way it is integrated in the immediate context in terms of urban planning, traffic and transport.

Back