What might the ideal 15-minute city in Luxembourg look like? On 19 May 2025, around 30 participants gathered in the Centre Sportif in Niederkorn for the first CIPU workshop of the year to creatively explore this question. Instead of working within today’s limitations, they took a leap into the future – into the fictional city of Duffereschbourg in the year 2045. With maps, markers, and a dose of imagination, they envisioned a city where all daily needs are close by, urban life is vibrant, and people live, work, and move in balance with each other and the environment.

This workshop depicted the second phase in the CIPU’s 2025 process toward urban proximity and everyday urbanity, inspired by the concept of the 15-minute city. More than just collecting ideas, the workshop’s aim was to engage participants in a strategic process to open perspectives and build shared visions that will inform concrete actions in the coming months.

A Workshop Framed by Fiction – Duffereschbourg 2045

The day began with a deep breath and a guided thought experiment. Participants were invited to close their eyes and walk – mentally – through the streets of Duffereschbourg, a fictional city set between Differdange, Dudelange, Esch and Luxembourg City, located along the Alzette River. Once a steel town, Duffereschbourg had evolved into a diverse, green, and tech-driven urban hub.

Groups developing the vision for Duffereschbourg 2045 (Source: Zeyen+Baumann)

This imagined future initiated the development of a vision – a compass to explore the values, qualities, and experiences that could shape Luxembourgish cities in 20 years. The method allowed participants to step beyond everyday constraints and think long-term: What kind of city do we want to live in? What does “urban proximity” feel like, e.g. when accessing locations of our daily needs? And how can mobility, public space, local economy, and social participation be reimagined on a neighbourhood scale?

Phase A: Strategic Visioning through Creative Materials

In the first working phase, participants developed “flyers from the future” – fictive promotional materials showcasing life in Duffereschbourg in 2045. Each group chose at least three themes – mobility, local economy, green infrastructure, social participation, or digital communities – and imagined what their future city stands for in that thematic field.

The flyers included slogans, potential visualisation, citizen or visitor testimonials, and mottos. While encouraging creative thinking, the exercise highlighted common priorities across the groups: accessible local services, a strong community feeling, high-quality public space, and active, sustainable mobility.

Phase B: From Vision to Spatial Translation

With these visions in mind, the participants moved into the second phase: urban spatialisation. Using a blank city map of Duffereschbourg, each group began designing a city where the 15-minute principle could come to life.

Transferring the vision onto a map of Duffereschbourg 2045 (Source: Zeyen+Baumann)

The task required translating their abstract ideas into spatial structures: Where should schools be located? How close are services to residential areas? Where are mobility hubs or green corridors? Again, the group work made visible the tensions and synergies between different priorities – compactness versus greenery, density versus comfort, or innovation versus identity. It revealed how the concept of the 15-minute city, while simple in its promise, becomes complex and context-specific when applied spatially.

A Process, Not a Product

Rather than seeking ready-made solutions, this first workshop was designed for exploration. The CIPU chose to start with fiction after developing a common understanding of the concept with the online lecture series – to loosen constraints, encourage participation, and identify common values. They depict the foundation for the next stages of the CIPU programme, shifting to the application in real cities, testing the measures and dissemination. The entire sequence of events in 2025 follows a successive process (see figure below).

Sequence of CIPU events 2025 (Source: CIPU)

What Comes Next?

The results of Workshop 1 will soon be available on the CIPU website and will feed into Workshop 2 in June. Participants will work with real locations and translate the imagined into the actionable.

As Luxembourg’s municipalities face increasing complexity and changing demand, the idea of the 15-minute city can serve as a shared instrument. It must be contextualised, adapted, and co-created – as this workshop clearly showed. A vision of the ideal 15-minute-city in the future gives orientation for the further steps.

Contact and further information

CIPU – Cellule Nationale d’Information pour la Politique Urbaine: cipu@zeyenbaumann.lu

The documentation of the results will be published soon on www.cipu.lu

 

On 27 June 2024, the new mobility plan (« Mobilitéitsplang ») of the City of Luxembourg was presented to the public. Its aim is to reorganise the capital’s transport system to respond to the corresponding challenges of 2035. This strategic plan addresses the challenges of population growth, environmental concerns and urban accessibility, while promoting sustainable, innovative and integrated mobility solutions.

Aim

The central goal of the Luxembourg Mobility Plan is to create a more sustainable and accessible urban transport system. It intends to prioritise public transport and active transport modes such as walking and cycling, while private motorised transport remains at the current level (2020 level). By 2035, the plan aims to achieve a modal share of 51% for public and active transport, with individual car use limited to 49%.

To achieve this, the plan is structured around five main objectives:

1. Regional and Cross-Regional Accessibility: The plan aims to improve public transport connections both within the city and with neighbouring regions. It focuses on optimising transport hubs and the city’s cycle path network, ensuring a seamless transition between regional and urban transport options.
2. Ensuring Development Perspectives: The goal is to support the urban development of Luxembourg by improving public transport and soft mobility options. This includes improving road infrastructure where possible, ensuring that all neighbourhoods have accessible transport, and facilitating connectivity between different transport modes.
3. Mobility for All: The plan places a strong emphasis on inclusivity, ensuring access to transport for all residents regardless of age, social status, or income. This includes expanding public spaces for people with reduced mobility and optimising existing multi-user transport options.
4. Preserving and Improving Quality of Life: A key objective is to reduce traffic in residential areas in order to improve public spaces and promote sustainable mobility. This includes the design of new neighbourhoods with innovative mobility concepts, such as car-free residential zones.
5. Environmental Protection and Sustainability: The plan aims to promote low-emission and zero-emission modes of transport, with a focus on improving road safety and reducing the negative health impacts of pollution. It also aims to optimise the use of urban space by promoting alternative modes of transport.

Background and Development

The « Mobilitéitsplang » was launched in response to Luxembourg City’s rapidly growing population and the increasing demands on its mobility infrastructure. By 2035, the city expects a 46% increase in population and a 30% increase in employment, putting immense pressure on the existing transport system. Additionally, environmental concerns and the need for equitable access to mobility prompted the development of this comprehensive plan. Aligned with national strategies such as the National Mobility Plan (“Plan National de Mobilité” (PNM 2035)), the plan seeks to create a sustainable and accessible transport network.

Work began in 2021 and followed four phases. Phase 1: Preparation and Analysis included a detailed assessment of the current transport infrastructure, identifying key weaknesses such as road congestion and gaps in the cycling network. Phase 2: Mission Statement and Scenarios set out specific goals to guide future development, including reducing car dependency and improving public and active transport. In Phase 3: Strategies and Actions defined specific measures to improve urban mobility such as expanding the tram network and introducing bike-only lanes. Phase 4: Roadmap and Evaluation outlined the steps for implementation and created a framework for monitoring progress.

Citizen engagement was essential throughout the process, including a public launch event, an interim presentation of the study and objectives as well as an outreach event in the city centre in 2022. Latter allowed citizens to interact with city authorities, share ideas, and contribute to shaping future transportation strategies. The final mobility plan was presented on 27 June 2024, followed by a discussion between politicians, mobility experts and the public.

Measures and Actions

The « Mobilitéitsplang » is based on a thorough analysis of the current transport system of the city of Luxembourg, identifying challenges such as road congestion, close the gaps in the cycle network , and the need to improve public transport connections. Based on this assessment, several future transport scenarios were developed to anticipate the impact of population growth and increased travel demand up to 2035. These scenarios explore how different measures – such as expanding the tram and bus networks, building dedicated bike lanes, and improving pedestrian infrastructure – will shape the city’s mobility landscape. This includes three base scenarios, one “Planning Scenario” showcasing the impact of improving public transport in a sustainable manner and a “Preferential/Target Scenario for 2035”.

The analysis and the scenarios pointed out the future mobility needs of the city of Luxembourg. Accordingly, six action areas were identified:

• Active/soft mobility (walking and cycling) focuses on strategies for cyclists and pedestrians. While concrete initiatives will promote cycling through infrastructure development, pedestrian mobility will be approached more strategically, with specific initiatives to be developed and implemented over time.
• Public transport (local/regional) is a key element of the plan. Public transport needs to be expanded to meet the growing demand for mobility. Key initiatives include making the city’s public transport networks more efficient, optimising coordination between different systems and providers, and ensuring a high quality of service for passengers. The tram will form the backbone of urban public transport on the main axes and the city’s AVL buses will take over the fine distribution in and between the neighbourhoods.
• Motor traffic addresses road traffic and parking management. The focus is on developing a functional core road network, managing traffic flows in residential areas, and using parking regulations as a tool to manage motor traffic, making efficient use of public space.
• Innovative mobility emphasises mixed modalities and innovative solutions to minimise car journeys and maximise space efficiency. It promotes the introduction of sharing services and ensures the provision of charging infrastructure for e-mobility.
• Commerce/ Economy assesses whether the mobility needs of businesses and industry are sufficiently met by other action areas, and exploring additional strategies to ensure the smooth operation of commercial activities.
• Transport system and mobility management addresses two objectives: ensuring efficient use of infrastructure through traffic management, particularly during disruptions, and influencing individual mobility behaviour through targeted information campaigns and awareness-raising to encourage more sustainable travel choices.

To ensure the successful implementation of the action areas, the Mobility Plan outlines a monitoring and evaluation system. Regular assessments using mobility data indicators will ensure that public transport, cycling, and pedestrian strategies are effectively implemented and adapted to new challenges. Looking ahead to 2050, the plan also includes long-term development perspectives, focusing on sustained investment in sustainable transport and the integration of innovative mobility solutions to meet future demands.

Outlook

Luxembourg’s « Mobilitéitsplang » lays a solid foundation for tackling the city’s mobility challenges by 2035, but its scope extends beyond this timeline, preparing for continued growth until 2050. The need for sustainable mobility solutions will become even more important as the population and employment are expected to increase significantly, particularly in Luxembourg City and its surrounding areas. The plan anticipates denser urban development, an increasing demand for green spaces, and the need to minimise car traffic. Strategies such as expanding public transport, promoting active travel, and discouraging unnecessary commuting will be key to managing future traffic congestion. In addition, innovative solutions, such as co-working spaces and new tram connections, will ensure that Luxembourg’s transport network can accommodate growing demand, making it a resilient and adaptable city in the long term.

Contact

City of Luxembourg: mobiliteitsplang@vdl.lu

References

City of Luxembourg – Our Mobility Plan for Tomorrow (English, French, German): https://www.vdl.lu/en/getting-around/our-mobility-plan-tomorrow

Interactive brochure and download of the Mobility Plan (English, French, German): https://www.vdl.lu/en/getting-around/notre-plan-de-mobilite-pour-demain/mobility-plan

Record of the final presentation of the Mobility Plan (English interpretation): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOR44Ozms5s

In the dynamic and pressured landscape of Luxembourg’s housing market, innovative solutions are essential to address the growing challenges of affordability and community integration. One promising approach is the housing cooperative model, which offers an alternative to traditional homeownership and renting. These cooperatives emphasise communal living, ecological responsibility, and affordability, providing a sustainable and inclusive solution to the housing crisis. Cedric Metz, the president of Adhoc, Luxembourg’s first non-profit housing cooperative, offers valuable insights into the value of housing cooperatives, their role in Luxembourg’s housing market, and the future prospects for such initiatives in the country.

What are housing cooperatives and what is their added value?

Housing cooperatives are organisations that create and manage housing collectively, based on principles of self-help and self-responsibility. Members of a cooperative actively participate in the planning and design of their living spaces and social interactions. The primary value of these living arrangements lies in fostering community and social cohesion. Additionally, the housing is often constructed with ecological considerations and provides affordable accommodation below market rates, contributing to social stability and promoting sustainable living. Housing cooperatives are one form of community housing, next to co-living, rental house syndicates, and communities of owners. People who wish to live together join forces and jointly operate a building in whose flats they are granted the right to live. If economic profits are excluded, the co-operative operates on a non-profit basis.

What is the state of the housing market in Luxembourg and what role do housing cooperatives play?

The housing market in Luxembourg is characterised by high prices and a shortage of affordable housing. Demand far outstrips supply, leading to increasing rents and property prices. Housing cooperatives offer a valuable alternative in this context. They could create affordable housing and promote new forms of communal living, and like Adhoc can promote and raise awareness about the relevance of members not only receiving housing but also participating in the planning and design of their living environments. This potentially fosters a high level of social integration and mutual support.

What challenges do housing cooperatives and alternative housing models face in Luxembourg?

Housing cooperatives and alternative housing models are facing several hindrances in Luxembourg. One major issue is financing. Since these projects are often non-profit, accessing traditional funding sources can be difficult. Additionally, there is a significant need for political support. The housing market is heavily dominated by economic interests, making it challenging to implement socially oriented housing projects. Directly linked to that, the finding and acquisition of land depicts a significant challenge for implementing alternative forms of housing initiated by housing cooperatives due to low land availability, zoning restrictions and limited financing models. It is important to raise awareness among the public and decision-makers about the benefits of these housing models, and to provide them with adequate tools and competences to guide and support such projects from finding a site over adequate financing to facilitating the integration in the existing neighbourhood.

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How does Adhoc operate?

Adhoc is a non-profit housing cooperative dedicated to promoting new housing forms and developing cohousing projects. In general, the cooperative provides members with housing that is ecologically built and socially oriented. Members actively participate in the planning of their homes and the structuring of their communal living. A recent pilot project of community housing in Luxembourg’s business district Kirchberg in cooperation with the public developer Fonds Kirchberg was shut down in beginning of 2021. Fonds Kirchberg established of conditions for the site Réimerwee that Ad-Hoc, as a non-profit cooperative, could not meet, such as selling the apartments and selecting residents based on social status. Thus, Adhoc decided not to participate in the tender and will instead focus on promoting social and ecological housing projects. Additionally, the housing cooperative advises those interested in setting up cohousing projects and informs the public and policymakers about the benefits of communal living. Currently, Adhoc is working on a collaborative housing project in Weiler-la-Tour.

What support do you see from local authorities and the government?

Political support is essential for the successful implementation of housing projects like those of Adhoc. Municipalities and the government should provide financial resources and establish legal frameworks that facilitate the creation and operation of housing cooperatives. Recognising and promoting the benefits of communal living models is crucial as well as encouraging non-profit organisations as relevant actors on the housing market. This does not only include financial support but also the provision of land, the adaptation of building regulations and adapted public procurement such as concept awarding. Additionally, capacity building regarding technical and regulatory expertise within the municipalities could support housing cooperatives, e.g. through counselling centres for those interested in the foundation process.

What is the future outlook for housing cooperatives in Luxembourg?

The future outlook for housing cooperatives in Luxembourg is promising but also challenging. If the demand on the housing market and political will for communal living is not increasing, it will remain difficult to implement alternative forms of housing. Rising housing costs and a desire for sustainable and socially integrated living contribute to increasing interest in alternative housing models. Adhoc is pursuing an alternative way, demonstrating that communal living is not only possible but also desirable. However, it is important that political frameworks continue to improve to provide sustainable support for these housing models.

Contact

Adhoc: info@adhoc.lu

References

Interview by CIPU with Cedric Metz, 24^th May 2024

Adhoc (English, French, German): https://www.adhoc.lu/

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“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.

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.

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

• LiT website (English and French): https://luxembourgintransition.lu/en/
• The Luxembourg Government (English): https://gouvernement.lu/en/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2022/05-mai/19-turmes-luxembourg-in-transition.html
• ESPON (English): https://territoriall.espon.eu/articles/222384?article=38-1&index=3
• University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, Centre for Ecological Learning Luxembourg, Institute for Organic Agriculture Luxembourg, & Office for Landscape Morphology. (2021). Luxembourg 2050 – A Guide on Repairing Commercial Zones – Report Phase 3.
• Ministry of Energy and Spatial Planning. (2023). TA2030 Pilot Action – Cross-Border Spatial Planning: A vision for a zero-carbon cross-border functional region – Guidance Note – For the application of the process „Luxembourg in Transition“ in other territories. URL: https://territorialagenda.eu/wp-content/uploads/TA2030-Pilot-Action-Cross-Border-Spatial-Planning-GUIDANCE-NOTE-June-2023.pdf

The European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) Alzette Belval plays a vital role in fostering collaboration between the French and Luxembourgish communities in the Alzette-Belval region. By facilitating cross-border projects and initiatives, the EGTC promotes sustainable development and positions Alzette-Belval as a transnational agglomeration.

Aim

Imagine a world where geographical borders do not limit collaboration between regions but facilitate it. That’s the objective of the EGTC Alzette Belval. By establishing a sustainable framework for cooperation and joint projects, it aims to bridge the administrative borders between Luxembourg and France to develop a shared vision for the future of Alzette Belval and stabilise the cross-border relationship. Additionally, the EGTC enables the transferring of local findings and perspectives to higher administrative levels and informs according regional, national or European institutions about the cross-border challenges.

Genesis and Composition

After first selective collaborative approaches between the French and Luxembourgish communities in the 1990s the need for a more effective and solid legal framework emerged. Therefore, the EGTC was established on March 8, 2013, with the support of the French and Luxembourgish governments and local authorities. It operates within the regulatory framework of the European Union, specifically the EGTC Regulation (No 1082/2006), which makes it a legal body.

The EGTC is compiled of a Luxembourgish delegation consisting of representatives from the state Luxembourg as well as from the four municipalities Esch-surAlzette, Mondercrange, Sanem and Schifflange. From the French side, representatives from the national level and Communauté de Communes du Pays-Haut Val d’Alzette, Région Grand Est, Conseil départemental de Meurthe-et-Moselle and Conseil départemental de la Moselle are involved.

Activities, Measures, and Current Strategy (2021-2027)

A strategy is an essential instrument for an institutional body to function sustainably and effectively. The EGTC Alzette Belval developed a first strategy in 2014 for the timeframe until 2016. It was updated for the second phase 2017-2020 and the current version accounts for 2021-2027. It builds upon its previous successes and focuses on the following key areas:

• Health
• Mobility
• Everyday life without borders and limitations
• Alzette Belval: Maintenance and use of green landscapes
• Alzette Belval: Shared and resilient future
• Alzette Belval: Laboratory for education
• Alzette Belval: Symbolic space of French-Luxembourgish collaboration

The EGTC Alzette Belval undertakes various measures and assumes roles to strengthen cross-border collaboration:

• Information hub: The EGTC serves as a valuable information resource, providing updates on transborder initiatives, projects, and opportunities to the residents and institutions in the region.
• Local link: Operating independently, the EGTC effectively represents the local interests of the Alzette-Belval community.
• Facilitator: The EGTC facilitates exchange between stakeholders in the region, strengthening the cross-border network.
• Project initiator: The EGTC takes the lead in developing and implementing transborder projects, often financed by European funds, e.g. through the Interreg Greater Region programme. These projects contribute to the region’s development and enhance cooperation between neighbouring communities.

A standout project within the EGTC’s portfolio is « Alzette Belval, vivons ensemble! », which ran from 2014-2020. This initiative was developed to promote the concept of a cross-border agglomeration, aiming to cultivate a sense of belonging and regional identity. Through collaborations with several authorities from France and Luxembourg, the project facilitated cross-border projects in domains like sports, tourism, culture, and agriculture.

Outlook

The EGTC Alzette Belval is dedicated to cross-border collaboration and sustainable development. By facilitating cooperation, implementing joint projects, and engaging local stakeholders, the EGTC strives to create a dynamic, interconnected, and resilient Alzette Belval that benefits residents, businesses, and institutions. Looking ahead to 2021-2027, the EGTC focuses on integrating cross-border projects and fostering a harmonious cross-border agglomeration. This strategy underscores the transformative power of collaboration, envisioning a future where borders no longer limit progress but instead facilitate collective development.

Contact

EGTC Alzette Belval: contact@gectalzettebelval.eu

References

• EGTC Alzette Belval website (French): https://gectalzettebelval.eu/
• Greater Region website (English, French and German): https://www.grossregion.net/Institutionen/Weitere-Akteure/Weitere-Akteure/GECT-Alzette-Belval
• Zillmer, S., Hans, S., Lüer, C. Montan, A., Hsuing, C., Le Moglie, P., Gnetti, V. (2018): EGTC Good Practice Booklet (English). Brussels: Committee of the Regions.

 

During the first workshop organised by the CIPU office in 2023 and held on the 27^th 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.  

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.

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.

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.

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

• CIPU: cipu@zeyenbaumann.lu

References

• CIPU website (French and German): https://site.cipu.lu/
• PDAT 2023 (French): https://amenagement-territoire.public.lu/fr/strategies-territoriales/programme-directeur.html

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Esch-sur-Alzette is the second largest city of Luxembourg and has a rich industrial heritage. Not least because of this heritage, the city is currently undergoing a significant transformation. At the forefront of this process is the visionary project Rout Lëns. Aimed at revitalising a former industrial site, Rout Lëns is set to become a sustainable and socially vibrant neighbourhood.

Aim

Population projections estimate that by 2050, the city of Esch will almost double to 220,000 inhabitants. To meet this growing demand, new infrastructure is needed. Rout Lëns fits this dynamic perfectly. The project will revitalise a disused industrial site of 10.5 h and transform it into a sustainable and liveable neighbourhood. The overall objective is to create a harmonious balance between urban development, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. The project seeks to develop a vibrant, inclusive, and environmentally conscious space where residents can live and work. In addition, the neighbourhood is being developed in the sign of social and intergenerational diversity. The visionary approach pursues the following objectives and aims to create:

• A strong territorial identity: building a strong community aligned with the industrial heritage and rehabilitating it.
• A simple and fluid daily life: enabling a dynamic and convenient life for residents through technological innovation, soft mobility and logistics.
• A territorial, human and cultural link: encouraging initiative by connecting people and different users of the space such as residents, visitors, employees, shop owners and neighbours.
• A resilient neighbourhood: creating a sustainable community and space with high adaptability to challenges and changes.

Partnership

The Rout Lëns project is driven by the collaboration of various stakeholders and in close cooperation with the municipality. IKO Real Estate leads the project, supported by the architecture-urbanism agency Reichen et Robert & Associés, along with the landscaper Agency Phytolab. For the first two buildings Tatiana Fabeck and Carta Reichen and Robert & associés were contracted. The participatory process is guided by CityTools, an agency specialised in sociological and urban planning projects that incorporate local community input. This partnership ensures that the development of Rout Lëns remains aligned with the needs and wishes of its future inhabitants. Furthermore, the project is aligned with the Luxembourg government’s sector plan for housing, and the city of Esch-sur-Alzette has acquired almost 300 housing units, ensuring that 30% of the housing in the new district will be affordable housing.

Activities

The implementation of the project follows four founding pillars:

• The urban structure – Industrial Culture Alley: The “Allée de la Culture Industrielle » will be a pedestrian route linking the five industrial heritage facilities which have become user-friendly, multifunctional places (Magasin TT, Halle des Turbines, Halle des Soufflantes, Portique de la Mollereï et Poste d’Aiguillage).
• The built form – A stratified neighbourhood: a variation of building height will give multifunctionality to each stratum and diversity of uses such as hanging gardens, urban gardening, terraces, unobstructed views and a different atmosphere at each level of altitude.
• The place of nature – A vegetal feeling: The masterplan of Rout Lëns prioritises well-being and nature in the real-estate project by e.g. planting almost 700 trees in the district.
• A sustainable & innovative neighbourhood: the district will be adjusted towards innovation in terms of sustainable mobility, architecture, urban development, and energy supply consumption including waste management, urban farming and circular economy approaches.

The development of Rout Lëns is a participatory process that actively involves the local community. Through surveys, workshops, and consultations, residents and stakeholders had the opportunity to contribute their insights, ideas, and concerns during the first phases and will continue during its further implementation. This inclusive approach empowers the community to shape the future of their neighbourhood, fostering a sense of ownership and local identity.

The project includes housing of all sizes, from studios to flats with 1 to 4 bedrooms, including low-cost accommodations. The integration of affordable housing supports the project’s aim of creating a high degree of social mix within the neighbourhood. Although 81% of the area is dedicated to housing, it will not be only a residential neighbourhood since other uses will be included, such as schools, community and public services, shops and private services as well as offices and shared workspaces.

The Well Community certification guarantees that all buildings developed in Rout Lëns meet high-quality standards, focusing on the well-being of the residents. The certification prioritises air and water quality, natural light sources, and overall physical and psychological comfort. The incorporation of green spaces, including an urban forest, flower-filled meadows, and small habitats, will enhance biodiversity and provide pleasant environment with high quality of stay.

Soft mobility solutions will be prioritised to encourage sustainable transportation options, such as walking, cycling, and public transportation. A comprehensive network of shared mobility services, cycle paths, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and a high-speed tram line will ensure convenient accessibility to and within the neighbourhood. The connectivity and spatial planning are designed to align the new neighbourhood with surrounding residential areas and extend the city centre instead of depicting any competition for the rest of the city. In addition to that, the district is planned to be carbon-footprint-neutral and will try to recover grey water (wastewater from showers and sinks) and it will be supplied with geothermal energy. You can learn more about the energetic concept of the project in the first session of the CIPU lecture series from May 2023. You can find the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G88Gm22oHy4

The district will be constructed in three phases. The Eastern part will be constructed from 2024-2029, followed by a transition phase in 2028 resulting in construction phase 2 and 3 from 2030-2033. This way, certain sectors will be functional and habitable before the whole neighbourhood will be finished in 2035.

Outlook

Rout Lëns is a transformative project that envisions a sustainable, resilient, and socially inclusive neighbourhood in Esch-sur-Alzette. By combining innovative design, community engagement, and environmental management, Rout Lëns is set to revitalise the former industrial site into a liveable urban space. The project’s commitment to open-mindedness, innovation, inclusion and heritage is reflected in the four pillars of its vision. The realisation of Rout Lëns as is good practice of revitalising an industrial site and creating a sustainable and innovative urban space aligned with its heritage.

If you want further information and get a glimpse at how the district is going to look like, you can find more information, maps and visual material on the official website where you can also subscribe to the newsletter.

Contact

Rout Lëns: info@routlens.lu

IKO Real Estate: communication@ikorealestate.eu

References

• Rout Lëns website (English, French and German): https://www.routlens.lu/
• IKO real estate (English and French): https://www.ikorealestate.eu/fr/projet/rout-lens/
• Digital view of the district: https://iko.virtualbuilding.fr/iko-routlens-en/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://iko.virtualbuilding.fr/iko-routlens/le-quartier

Public participation has become an essential part of any public planning endeavour. Many citizens actively seek to be involved in planning processes, to remain informed, provide their knowledge. or to advocate their interests.

To facilitate future public participation, the Luxembourg government has published an online participation portal and the ‘National Portal for Public Inquiries’ can be used free of charge by Luxembourg public institutions.

Rationale for action

Participation is important to increase acceptance of projects. Citizens can be involved at an early stage, enabling mediation and information. So, participation has become an integral part of planning and for many processes it is even required by law.

Participation however is often costly for project implementors as no one solution fits all. Procedures need to be developed from scratch for each endeavour, the scope of participation must also be defined, participants invited, workshops held and results incorporated in the planning process. Participation is sometimes also seen as a risk with unexpected results or even resulting in deadlock.

The unique demographics of Luxembourg also require a special approach to guarantee the democratic legitimacy of public participation. About half the population are not Luxembourg citizens and spoken languages include Luxembourgish, Portuguese, French, German and English among others. Local participation is often organised in Luxembourgish and hence can be exclusive. The spoken language and sometimes also the timing of participation workshops in the evening exclude a large number of citizens.

Objective

Digital approaches to public participation can address this. Informing citizens is easier and feedback in different languages can be sent at any time. Digital platforms can cover larger target groups, potentially increasing the number of informed citizens and the amount of feedback.

To be successful, a digital approach needs to respect citizen involvement. So, the user-perspective needs to be at the very centre. A simple layout, streamlined processes, clear indications for why feedback is required and information on processing the data are key.

A new approach was required to address the weaknesses and to harness the strengths of current participative procedures. To simplify public services and offer more digital services to citizens, the online platform ‘National Portal for Public Inquiries’ was created.

Time frame

The idea for the platform came up in 2018. Since then, it has been developed in close cooperation between two government institutions.

Key players

Development of the portal was entrusted to the Ministry of Digitalisation, CFUE (“Cellule de facilitation urbanisme et environnement”, French for ‘Urban Planning and Environment Facilitation Unit’). This unit supports exchange and coordination in planning projects between stakeholders. CFUE was created in 2013 and integrated into the Ministry of Digitalisation at the end of 2018.  The portal is also refined continuously by CFUE and is also hosted by the Government IT Centre (CTIE – Centre for information technology of the Luxembourg State).

Implementation steps and processes

The idea came from CFUE. The benefits and added value of a digital participation platform became apparent during its coordination of many planning projects.

Since 2018, the layout and structure of the platform has been developed by CFUE, involving important players from different government institutions. As the idea matured, it became more and more important to design the portal around citizens’ needs. The portal design and processes are modular to enable players from different levels and institutions to post and host participation procedures and notices.

After the design was concluded, the platform was implemented together with CTIE. Since its launch in early 2021, the portal has been an official government service.

Required resources

The resources used to create the portal are not known, but came entirely from CFUE and CTIE.

Results

Since its launch in 2021, the portal has been accessible to the Luxembourg public. In addition to public participation procedures that can be launched and organised through the portal, it informs citizens on planning endeavours through public notices, enables information meetings to be scheduled and held and provides guidance on implementing participation procedures, complying with the applicable laws. 

The portal provides factsheets on different procedures, along with the regulatory background and required public participation delays, which ensures standardised procedures. The portal also offers guidance documents.

A unique feature is that individuals can register for a territorial newsletter and an E-mail is automatically sent notifying any participation procedure in a selected municipality

Experiences, success factors, risks

Right from its official launch, the portal is already widely used with more than 200 procedures registered in November 2021. Most of these are environmental participation processes, which in Luxembourg are complex and difficult to run. So, the portal already brings administrative simplification for authorities and citizens.

CFUE is a neutral coordinator in planning projects, connecting with a large network of local and national planning experts and decision makers. The neutrality and connectedness of the institution ensure impartiality and proper use of the portal.

Conclusions

With the ‘National Portal for Public Inquiries’, the Government has developed a new instrument that facilitates public participation. The portal is easy to understand, and the modular design enables inclusion of participation procedures from all fields and levels in spatial planning.

The possibility to quickly locate planning projects, the customisable newsletter, an ability to switch languages and to easily submit an opinion showcase that the user-dimension has been successfully integrated into the design of the portal.

Contact

A contact form is accessible on: https://enquetes.public.lu/en/support/contact.html

References

Luxembourg Government 2021: National Portal for Public Inquiries: https://enquetes.public.lu/en.html

Luxembourg Ministry of Digitalisation, 2021: Press dossier on the National Portal for Public Inquiries (in French): https://gouvernement.lu/dam-assets/documents/actualites/2021/01-janvier/07-enquetes-publiques.pdf