Amidst climate change, resource scarcity, and social inequality, the “Productive City” emerges as a transformative concept for making cities more sustainable, resilient, and liveable. By seamlessly integrating living, working, and leisure spaces, this model can strengthen local economies, create jobs, and foster vibrant, inclusive communities. In 2023, CIPU focused on exploring and advancing this vision for Luxembourg, promoting and raising awareness about innovative solutions to embed productive functions within urban areas.

The Productive City

The Productive City concept addresses urban challenges by combining residential, commercial, and industrial functions in compact urban spaces, tackling issues such as long commutes, pollution and economic vulnerability. The proximity of workplaces to residential areas has the dual benefit of reducing traffic and emissions while simultaneously creating local jobs and supporting economic resilience. This model also promotes efficient land use, diverse housing, and employment opportunities, which in turn foster inclusive communities and improve quality of life. Furthermore, the concept has the potential to relieve the tense Luxembourgish housing market while simultaneously revitalising neighbourhoods through diverse uses.

A productive 2023

Throughout 2023, CIPU organised several events centred around the multifunctional and productive City. These events provided platforms for in-depth discussions, practical insights, and collaborative efforts to advance the productive city concept. These key results are described in a summarising statement by CIPU which you can access here.

Workshops

On June 27, 2023, the first CIPU workshop of the year was held at the 1535° Creative Hub in Differdange, focusing on functional mix in new and existing developments. The goal of the workshop was to explore strategies for integrating diverse functions within urban spaces to promote sustainable and vibrant communities. Key discussion points included the challenges of zoning regulations, the importance of engaging local communities, and innovative design solutions for mixed-use developments. Conclusions highlighted the need for flexible policies to facilitate functional integration, the benefits of community involvement in planning processes, and the potential for creative architectural solutions to address urban development challenges.

First workshop in Differdange (Source: Melt Studio)

The second workshop, held in October, built on the results of the first and focused on integrating productive functions in urban areas, exploring strategies to incorporate craft and production activities into residential neighbourhoods. Key discussions revolved around developing municipal strategies, addressing technical challenges, and proposing regulatory adjustments. Participants concluded that national-level coordination, flexible building designs, and clear usage guidelines are essential for successful implementation. They emphasised the need for specific zoning within urban plans and highlighted the importance of creating a central database for potential sites and businesses. The workshop underscored the necessity of integrated national and local efforts to promote the productive city model, aiming to create sustainable and vibrant urban environments in Luxembourg.

You can access further information on the workshops in previous blog posts as well as in the documentations on our currently temporary website linked below.

Second workshop in Luxembourg city (Source: Ville de Luxembourg)

Field Trip to Brussels

In August 2023, a field trip to Brussels provided participants with first-hand insights into examples of the productive city concept in action. The trip included visits to a variety of architectural and urban projects, including mixed-use housing, historic sites, new constructions, and renovation/reconversion projects. Key sites visited included the former Veterinary School in Cureghem, City Dox, CityGate, Tour & Taxis, Tivoli GreenCity, and the Greenbizz SME Park, with guided tours from ARAU and La Fonderie Brussels.

Field trip to Brussels (Source: Zeyen+Baumann)

Final Conference

The year’s activities culminated in a final conference on 8th December 2023. This event aimed to summarise the key discussions, insights, and outcomes of the year’s activities. The conference provided a platform to present the conclusions of the workshops and field trip and to outline strategic directions for the future. The event commenced with welcome addresses by the Minister for Housing and Spatial Planning Claude Meisch and the Director General of the Chambre des Métiers Luxembourg Tom Wirion. It featured insightful presentations on the functional mix of craft and production in urban areas from various perspectives. Gérard Thein (PMEsch – Handwierkerhaff by Escher Betriber x 2001 x Ville d’Esch) and Alexandre Meyer (Intencity_fr) shared the business viewpoint, Prof. Dr. Stefan Gärtner (Institut Arbeit und Technik) and Daisy Wagner (Ville d’Esch) provided insights into urban development, and Yves Biwer (AGORA Luxembourg) highlighted project development perspectives. The event concluded with an interactive networking space where participants engaged with national experts on the challenges of the productive city.

CIPU conference 2023 (Source: Emile Hengen – Ville d’Esch-sur-Alzette)

These activities have brought together experts from various fields and have enriched by their contributions and exchanges: urban planners, architects, experts and representatives from Luxembourgish municipalities and ministries agencies, real estate and public housing developers, local businesses, Chamber of Crafts (Chambre des Métiers), the Fire and Rescue Service (Corps grand-ducal d’incendie et de secours (CGDIS), the Labour and Mines Inspectorate (Inspection du travail et des mines (ITM)).

Insights and Challenges – the CIPU statement on the productive city

The discussions and activities of 2023 provided critical insights into the topic of multifunctionality in the city, with a focus on production. The productive city is an innovative approach to address critical challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and social inequality. It aims to make cities more sustainable, resilient, and liveable by mixing production and residential areas. Integrating production in urban areas strengthens the local economy, creates jobs, promotes sustainability, and contributes to a vibrant and diverse urban landscape. The functional mix also reduces social inequalities and fosters a lively urban community.

The final CIPU statement draws conclusions for the following four levels of implementation:

  • National/Regional Level: A national strategy is crucial, including defining types of crafts, creating a database of potential sites, and enhancing infrastructure for short distances. Collaboration between national and local stakeholders is essential for effective implementation.
  • Municipal Level: Municipalities should promote compact and mixed urban structures through revised zoning laws and regional cooperation. Developing local strategies based on thorough analyses of existing and needed functions is key.
  • Neighbourhood Level: Neighbourhoods should be designed with integrated uses from the outset, balancing residential, commercial, and green spaces. Planning should account for the needs and impacts of productive uses on local residents.
  • Technical Level: Flexible building designs and multi-use spaces are necessary. Synergies between different users should be leveraged, and innovative economic models should support sustainable development.

Various challenges exist at each implementation level, such as regulatory barriers, infrastructure needs, and community acceptance. Overcoming these requires coordinated efforts, innovative planning, and the willingness to experiment with new concepts tailored to local contexts. Encouraging experimentation and continuous collaboration, supportive policies, and community engagement will drive the successful integration of production into urban areas, making cities more inclusive and sustainable.

You can read more about the activities, discussions and conclusions around the productive city and its potential for Luxembourg in the CIPU statement of 2023, linked below.

Contact

CIPU: cipu@zeyenbaumann.lu

References

CIPU publications 2023: https://cipu.lu/2024/03/15/publikationen-2023/

Blog post about the CIPU Workshop 1: https://cipu.lu/2023/08/30/cipu-workshop-exploring-multifunctionality-in-urban-spaces/

Blog post about the CIPU Workshop 2: https://cipu.lu/2023/12/13/cipu-workshop-no-2-exploring-multifunctionality-in-urban-spaces/

Introducing Kuebebierg, a new urban development in Luxembourg’s Kirchberg area managed by the Fonds Kirchberg, focused on creating a sustainable and inclusive community. With an emphasis on environmental responsibility, social diversity, and economic viability, Kuebebierg aims to set a benchmark for future urban projects. From promoting alternative transportation to supporting local agriculture, Kuebebierg offers a balanced approach to urban living that prioritizes harmony with nature.

Aim

The aim of the Kuebebierg project is to create a vibrant, environmentally conscious neighbourhood that promotes sustainable living, social inclusivity, and economic vitality. Through careful planning and implementation, the project seeks to establish Kuebebierg as a model for future urban developments, both locally and internationally.

Aerial view of the planned neighbourhood (Source: Güller Güller Architecture Urbanism)

The Kirchberg quarter located on the north-eastern plateau of Luxembourg city is the vibrant business district, hosting not only banking and financial organisations but also EU institutions. The Fonds Kirchberg, established in 1961, operates under the supervision of the Minister of Mobility and Public Works and is responsible for urbanisation and development of the Kirchberg Plateau. It manages its operations and investments independently, relying on proceeds from real estate activities. Its main tasks include construction, urban development, and road infrastructure, with a current focus on building affordable housing. The Fund utilizes leasehold and other rights for land development, emphasising sustainability and community involvement in its planning processes.

The Fonds Kirchberg launched a competitive consultation process to develop an urban design charter establishing objectives for the landscape of the Kuebebierg area, a major land reserve belonging to the public organisation. The 33-ha area is located in a so-called deferred development zone (zone d’aménagement différée, or ZAD). The winning team of the consultation process presented its project in March 2022. The consortium is led by the Güller Güller Architecture Urbanism office in Rotterdam and Zurich, cooperating with Zeyen+Baumann, Atelier Alfred Peter, Etienne Ballan, Cabane Partner, RR&A, ZEFCO, Ecolor, Ville en Œuvre and Belvédère.

Illustrated plan of the Kubebierg neighbourhood (Source: Güller Güller Architecture Urbanism)

Activities

With its circular design and ecological focus, Kuebebierg aims to create a vibrant, liveable community that integrates seamlessly with its surroundings. Activities within the neighbourhood are guided by a holistic vision that embraces the area’s natural and urban characteristics, prioritising principles of sustainability and community well-being.

  1. Promoting Active Mobility: Kuebebierg prioritises diverse mobility options to reduce reliance on individual cars. Direct and secure routes for pedestrians and cyclists are integrated, along with the commissioning of a new tram line to enhance public transport accessibility.
  2. Limiting Car Circulation: With only one vehicle access point and a ratio of 0.5 cars per dwelling, Kuebebierg encourages a shift away from car-centric urban planning. Shared spaces accommodate various modes of transportation, fostering a safer and more vibrant urban environment.
  3. Creating Vibrant Public Spaces: The heart of Kuebebierg features a bustling square, reminiscent of traditional city centres, offering a diverse mix of shops, restaurants, and recreational amenities. These vibrant public spaces serve as focal points for social interaction and community engagement. A linear park and the tram line will connect public spaces, crossed by the spaces “Porte Frieden” and the “Place du Kuebebierg”.
  4. Maximising Renewable Energy Production: Kuebebierg embraces energy efficiency by prioritising renewable energy sources. From efficient building design to on-site energy production and storage, the district aims to minimise its carbon footprint while ensuring optimal living conditions for residents.
  5. Fostering Social Diversity: With a balanced mix of housing typologies and amenities, Kuebebierg promotes social inclusivity and diversity. Affordable housing options, coupled with accessible public services and recreational facilities, create an environment where people from all walks of life can thrive.
  6. Living circularity: the planned programme for the site, the architecture and the infrastructures are all aiming for a high standard regarding carbon footprint, local consumption and low energy demands, etc. In this context, the concept includes for example an urban farm and gardening.
  7. Farming in the City: The city farm project aims to maintain agricultural activity on one of the last remaining sites on the Kirchberg Plateau worked by farmers. It promotes biodiversity through more extensive green space management and offers multifunctional farming activities, including grazing, market gardening, and agro-tourism, contributing to economic, environmental, and socio-cultural services within the community.
Place du Kuebebierg (Source: Güller Güller Architecture Urbanism)

Status of Implementation

The implementation of the project started in 2022. At the western tip of the district, where the city farm and orchards are also planned, initial work began at the end of 2023 (planting trees and exploratory drilling for geothermal energy). This part of the district will also be included in the exhibition LUGA – Luxembourg Urban Garden taking place in 2025.

Onsite photo (Source: Fonds Kirchberg)

Outlook

The winning project for Kuebebierg embodies a vision of urban living in harmony with nature. By integrating topography and green spaces, creating pedestrian-friendly environments, and prioritising sustainability, Kuebebierg sets a new standard for future urban developments.

As construction progresses, Kuebebierg aims to become a living testament to the possibilities of sustainable urban planning. The aim is to achieve a district development plan for 2025, build infrastructure in 2027 and initiate the construction of housing in 2029. With its innovative approach and commitment to environmental and social well-being, Kuebebierg represents not just a neighbourhood but a vision of a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban future.

Contact

Fonds Kirchberg: info@fondskirchberg.lu

References

Fonds Kirchberg (French): https://fondskirchberg.public.lu/fr/concepts-urbains/quartiers-futur/kuebebierg.html

Communication of the Luxembourgish government (French): https://gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2022/03-mars/02-urbanisation-terrains-kuebebierg.html

Paperjam article (French): https://paperjam.lu/article/kuebebierg-quartier-tourne-ver Record of the project presentation (French): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G56wT-yC8mw&t=38s

The 3D model featured on the National Geoportal of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg provides a comprehensive and detailed representation of Luxembourg’s landscape. This digital rendering aims to serve as a robust and accessible source of geospatial data, facilitating informed decision-making for policymakers, local administrations, and private individuals. The 3D model strives to encapsulate the intricate details of the country, from individual trees and buildings to streets, offering a dynamic platform for diverse applications and insights into Luxembourg’s terrain.

3D scale model of a section of Luxembourg city (https://www.geoportail.lu/en/)

In a groundbreaking move towards comprehensive data representation, the Luxembourgish Geoportal has expanded its services from traditional two-dimensional maps to an immersive three-dimensional model. The meticulous creation of this 3D model involved the precise measurement of Luxembourg from above, capturing 82 billion reference points that define every tree, building, and street in the Grand Duchy. The extensive data collection for the 3D model included aerial imagery, ground elevation, and detailed information about buildings and vegetation.

The general dataset within Geoportail.lu forms the basis for various thematic sections, covering topics such as water management, agriculture, energy, and the recently introduced section dedicated to nature parks. The digital platform proves instrumental in the effective management of nature parks, allowing stakeholders to access pertinent information effortlessly. For instance, those engaged in agriculture can utilise the platform to streamline data retrieval, consequently reducing delays in negotiations related to the management of these critical natural areas.

3D scale model of a section of Luxembourg city with vegetation (https://www.geoportail.lu/en/)

The platform’s significance extends beyond nature conservation, reaching into the realm of spatial planning and policy advice. The Geoportal can simplify complex decision-making processes in the development and sustainability of Luxembourg’s landscape, e.g. aiding in the identification of optimal locations for tree planting, particularly crucial in mitigating the impact of rising heatwaves. With a substantial user base of around 5,000 daily visitors, Geoportail.lu is a helpful tool, catering to the diverse needs of individuals, governmental ministries, and local administrations.

Moreover, the integration of the 3D model into the Geoportal serves as a powerful tool for urbanism, offering urban planners and architects a nuanced understanding of spatial dynamics. This enhanced spatial insight aids in optimising city layouts, infrastructure development, and the creation of more sustainable and liveable urban environments. It can also act as a catalyst for fostering collaborative initiatives. Through facilitating stakeholder engagement, the model allows urban planners, policymakers, and community members to collaboratively envision and refine development projects.

Generation of a map section in STL format on Geoportail.lu (https://3dprint.geoportail.lu/commande)

For those interested in specific data details, the Digital Building Luxembourg website (see below) provides further insights into the creation process of the 3D model. Additionally, the OpenData portal of the State (see below) offers downloadable files and resources related to the 3D model, including terrain models and surface models that can be printed in 3D or utilised in professional drawing or rendering software. The Administration du Cadastre et de la Topographie (see below) offers a detailed breakdown of available formats, use cases, and specific data sources, ensuring transparency and credibility in the utilisation of 3D geospatial information. Adding to this, the act2bim.geoportail.lu, a platform where georeferenced or local 3D files in Collada, IFC, or Sketchup formats can be ordered is set to launch end of January 2024.

Preview of the ACT2BIM Website (Geoportail.lu)

The integration of the 3D model into the Geoportal not only elevates the user experience by offering a more immersive representation of Luxembourg’s landscape but also significantly enhances the platform’s utility across various sectors. This advanced spatial visualisation proves invaluable for urban planning and architectural simulations, providing a three-dimensional perspective that aids in optimising spatial development. Additionally, the 3D model enriches the Geoportal’s functionality for environmental conservation, allowing conservationists and policymakers to make more informed decisions regarding biodiversity preservation and sustainable land use. The synergistic integration of the 3D model into the Geoportal underscores its role as a dynamic and comprehensive tool, fostering improved decision-making processes and contributing to the holistic understanding of Luxembourg’s diverse terrain.

Contact

Geoportail: support@geoportail.lu

Digital Building Luxembourg: contact@crtib.lu

CIPU: cipu@zeyenbaumann.lu

References and further information

National Geoportail of the Grand-Duchy Luxembourg: https://www.geoportail.lu/en/

Digital Building Luxembourg website (FR): https://www.digitalbuilding.lu/fr/actualite/maquette-3d-du-territoire-national-luxembourgeois/

OpenData portal of the State: https://data.public.lu/

3D Print Export generation: https://3dprint.geoportail.lu/

Administration du Cadastre et de la Topographie: https://act.public.lu/fr/cartographie/export-print-3d.html

The second workshop organised by the CIPU office on the 18th of October narrowed down the annual topic of multifunctionality in the city by focusing on the integration of production and crafts in the city. The participants had the chance to delve into the concept of the Productive City from the different perspectives of municipal strategy development, the technical implementation and the regulatory framework.

The event was hosted in the former fire station barracks in Luxembourg city. The afternoon began with introductory presentations by the City of Luxembourg and the Chambre of Crafts (Chambre des Métiers). These included the Schluechthaus project in Hollerich and the development of the site around the fire station barracks and the former stadium. The focus here was on the technical conversion work on the barracks and the old Schluechthaus in order to bring the buildings up to the current safety regulations for public buildings for interim use. The third presentation dealt with the survey results of the Chambre des Métiers regarding the property requirements of craft businesses in the country.

Source: Ville de Luxembourg

The workshop began with an introductory presentation looking back on the previous thematic workshop in June and the excursion to Brussels in August facilitated by the CIPU. The tasks of the three discussion tables were then introduced. This was followed by a phase of group work in which all participants were assigned to a discussion group, each of which dealt with different aspects of the realisation of the productive city. The results of the discussions are explained in more detail in this documentation.

The first group focused on developing a comprehensive strategy for the implementation of the “Productive City” concept in municipalities. The discussion emphasized the need for both national and municipal-level actions, with the proposed national strategy serving as a guide for municipalities, linking them through centralised elements like a registry of businesses and potential mixed-use areas, as well as a crafts agency. The strategy identified the importance of clear goals, typologies in a national register, and the establishment of cross-sector working groups and a national crafts agency to ensure a multifaceted and coordinated approach. Key actors include a National Crafts Agency, municipalities, the Ministry of the Interior, the Crafts Chamber, and Luxembourg, each playing crucial roles in coordination, financial support, local implementation, and regulatory oversight.

Source: Ville de Luxembourg

The second group delved into the technical implementation of the “Productive City” concept, examining two projects within the current regulatory framework. The first project focused on a productive ground floor in an urban setting, aiming to divide 2,600 m² into flexible modules for various tenants, posing challenges related to flexibility, compatibility, and efficient building planning. The second project involved repurposing historic industrial halls for productive use, facing challenges concerning compatibility with other uses, heritage preservation, and operational concepts. The group identified challenges such as stakeholder coordination, urban integration, and flexibility of building structures, proposing solutions like national-level frameworks, internal building concepts, and zoned programming to address these concerns and make these projects feasible and adaptable over time.

The third group focused on the regulatory framework, aiming to identify obstacles and problematic provisions within existing municipal regulations (PAG/PAP QE/RBVS) related to the implementation of mixed-use areas combining residential and artisanal activities. The discussion revealed that challenges extend beyond local regulations, requiring national-level interventions. Key obstacles included the PAG zones’ strong emphasis on functional separation, parking space regulations, and the absence of a national definition for artisanal activities. Proposed solutions included national-level adjustments to the Règlement Grand-Ducal, standardised parking regulations, and clear definitions for artisanal activities to facilitate local implementation. Additionally, the group advocated for enabling densification in existing activity zones, securing existing businesses, and addressing the impact of the current real estate market on the attractiveness of various functions. The need for collaborative decision-making involving municipalities was emphasised throughout the discussion.

Source: Ville de Luxembourg

The workshop shed light on the urban challenges of blending housing and craftsmanship, emphasising the need for collaborative and holistic solutions. Group discussions pinpointed obstacles like technical requirements for buildings, zoning restrictions and parking norms, stressing the call for centralised coordination and requirement analyses. Overall, the workshop underscored the importance of a united effort to craft practical, flexible strategies for fostering dynamic, mixed-use urban spaces.

Contact

CIPU: cipu@zeyenbaumann.lu

References

CIPU website (French and German): https://site.cipu.lu/

“Luxembourg in Transition” (LiT) can be characterised as an innovative process with the aim of rethinking and reshaping the territorial transition of Luxembourg and its neighbouring regions across the border by developing visions for a desirable future until 2050. The territorial visioning approach is innovative in the sense that it goes beyond traditional planning culture and instruments in an interdisciplinary manner and the spirit of coopetition.

Aim

The main objective of this innovative process is to develop different territorial visions, based on ecological transition scenarios, strategic spatial planning solutions and demonstration projects, for a decarbonised and resilient cross-border functional region of Luxembourg until 2050. The ecological transition refers to achieving the objectives of zero carbon emission while:

  • reducing land take;
  • enhancing biodiversity, improving ecosystem quality;
  • integrating the aspects of housing, transport, energy and digitalisation;
  • creating concepts and models for a territory resilient to climate change;
  • promoting an economic development that is stable, equitable and solidarity-based; and
  • strengthening territorial and social cohesion.

The territorial visions are based on the long-term horizon of 2050. By comparing the visions with the business-as-usual scenario, it becomes possible to identify the changes required for achieving the objectives and design a roadmap.

source: Luxembourg in Transition, 2020: Logo

Partnership

The LiT process was initiated by the Department of Spatial Planning of the Ministry of Energy and Spatial Planning. The consultation was accompanied by different committees: The Scientific Committee provided expertise from research and planning practice; the Advisory Committee incorporated the interests of partner and stakeholder organisations from Luxembourg and the Greater Region; the Interministerial Committee engaged all relevant sector ministries and steered the process; and the Citizens’ Committee (Biergerkommitee Lëtzebuerg 2050) introduced the population’s perspective and addressed recommendations to political decision-makers. An external service provider was tasked with the scientific management of the process and overseeing the work of the expert teams.

Activities

The international consultation within the framework of the LiT process was designed as a three-stage cooperative competition (“coopetition”), aiming to engage international experts from various disciplines and stimulate cross-fertilisation among teams. The consultation brought together practitioners, universities and other research organisations and gathered knowledge in the fields of regional and urban development as well as architecture, environmental and social sciences. The initial ten teams started working in October 2020 and the four final teams presented their results in January 2022. The three stages of the consultation aimed to refine and concretise the so-called “transition visions” developed in each preceding phase.

Stage 1: In this stage, the expert teams were tasked with developing a quantitative approach to assess the effectiveness of measures in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The metrics needed to quantify various aspects related to land use, energy consumption, waste management, food production, water resources or biodiversity.

Stage 2: Building upon their work in Stage 1, the expert teams were required to apply their metrics to the territory and show how innovative concepts in spatial planning could be implemented. The focus was on the cross-border functional region of Luxembourg, exploring the potentials and challenges of implementing measures in a cross-border context.

Stage 3: The final stage called for the expert teams to develop concrete strategies and exemplary projects to anchor the vision both within Luxembourg and across borders. This stage emphasised topics such as energy efficiency, the protection of biodiversity, resilience and climate change adaptation, resource scarcity and food security.

University of Luxembourg et al., 2021: Representation of a converted commercial area

For instance, the team led by the University of Luxembourg presented measures for regenerating industrial parks and commercial areas through conversion, multifunctional usage, the use of local products and renaturing. The experts developed their vision using the example of the commercial area Foetz in Mondercange, Luxembourg.

Further projects and detailed information about the entire LiT process can be found on the website: https://luxembourgintransition.lu/en/

Outlook

The LiT process represents an innovative approach to shaping the future of Luxembourg. By engaging a diverse range of actors, implementing a multi-stage competition, and incorporating cross-border aspects, the process aims to develop a sustainable and resilient Luxembourg in a sustainable and resilient manner. The vision’s long-term horizon of 2050 provides a framework for setting goals, identifying necessary changes, and establishing a roadmap for this development. The next step is to shift from theory to practical implementation, which consists of pilot projects and demonstrating the ability of the functional region Luxembourg to transition towards a carbon-free territory. Additionally, the transferability and application of the LiT process in other territories – cross border or not – is illustrated in the Guidance Note “Cross-Border Spatial Planning: A vision for a cross-border functional region” which is a Pilot Action of the Territorial Agenda. It demonstrates the applied methodology and discusses the implications of decarbonisation and sustainability for spatial planning and its cross-border dimension. Find out more about the pilot action here: https://territorialagenda.eu/pilot-actions/cross-border-spatial-planning/

Contact

Luxembourg in Transition: https://luxembourgintransition.lu/en/contact-2/

References

During the first workshop organised by the CIPU office in 2023 and held on the 27th of June, the participants delved into the concept of multifunctionality in the city, focusing on different scales (building/parcel, district, city). They had the opportunity to explore various planning examples and engage in discussions about the obstacles, potentials, and instruments associated with multifunctional urban use.  

Copyright: Melt Studio, 2023

The day started off with an informative guided tour of the hosting location, the 1535° Creative Hub in the city of Differdange. The location symbolises creativity and innovation in Luxembourg. Established in 2013 by the city of Differdange, the Creative Hub got named after the melting temperature of iron at 1535°C, paying homage to the industrial heritage of the site and the whole city. Today it hosts creative and cultural start-ups, small- and medium-sized enterprises, artists, a co-working space as well as e.g. rentable music studios. More than just the physical space, the 1535° Creative Hub follows a community-driven approach, facilitating collaboration and sharing of expertise among its members. It functions as an open platform fostering synergies and networking, connecting actors from the cultural and creative industry and creating an open-minded environment for the sector.

Copyright: Melt Studio, 2023

After discovering the site, the workshop participants received input on functional mix in urban areas and its current relevance in Luxembourg. As a cross-cutting topic in the Master Programme for Spatial Planning 2023 (Programme Directeur de l’Amenagement du Territoire), it is primarily addressed under the objective of reducing soil artificialisation. In addition to that, the topic is considered under the objective of concentrating of different functions through e.g. creating Centres of development and attraction (Centres de développement et d’attraction). Furthermore, two examples developed during the Luxembourg in Transition Process (LiT) were presented, i. e. the densification strategy for the cross-border town Esch-sur-Alzette (LU) and Audun-le-Tiche (FR) as well as the plan for the commercial area Foetz to be transformed into a mixed-use zone. The local input was complemented with several examples from international multifunctional planning processes form Paris, Bern, Linz, Hamburg, Brussels and Anderlecht.

Copyright: Melt Studio, 2023

Finally, the participants delved into discussions on multifunctionality in urban spaces. The focus was on exploring the potential of integrating multiple functions within city structures on different scales (building/parcel, district, city). Through interactive sessions and planning examples, the workshop shed light on the obstacles, potentials, and instruments associated with multifunctional use in various contexts.

Working in groups, the participants explored multifunctionality in three key areas: commerce and services, production and manufacturing, and the creative sector and culture. These discussions considered the different existing scales, including the city, districts, and individual plots. The fourth group addressed the multifunctional use of housing in combination with schools, shopping centres, and industrial sites. These group sessions provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating different functions within urban structures. The results were then presented and discussed in plenum. The results of the discussions will be available on the CIPU Website soon.

Copyright: Melt Studio, 2023

By examining multifunctionality at different scales, the workshop encouraged innovative approaches to urban planning and development. The participants considered the potential of multifunctional spaces to (re-)vitalise communities, optimise resource utilisation, and promote sustainable development. The workshop held within the CIPU framework offered a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing, bringing together diverse perspectives from local and regional/national stakeholders as well as from thematic experts. It highlighted the importance of considering multifunctionality as a crucial aspect of contemporary city planning as well as which challenges need to be addressed by already existing and potential instruments.

Contact

References