The National emergency organisation plan (Plan National d’Organisation des Secours – PNOS) introduced under Luxembourg’s revised Civil Security Law of 27 March 2018, is an important initiative to enhance the country’s emergency response capabilities. By outlining clear objectives for the Luxembourg Fire and Rescue Corps (Corps grand-ducal d’incendie et de secours – CGDIS), the PNOS provides a structured approach to assessing risks, planning responses, and improving operations.

Objectives

The PNOS aims to systematically assess risks across Luxembourg and to define intervention objectives for the CGDIS. Its objectives include setting clear expectations for emergency services to meet the needs of residents and visitors, planning the development of the CGDIS through 2025 with a focus on adapting to changing risk scenarios, and shaping the organisational structure of CGDIS to ensure efficient recruitment, training, and resource allocation. These elements work together to ensure that emergency services remain effective and responsive to evolving challenges.

Background

Luxembourg’s socio-economic growth, characterised by urbanisation, population increase, and technological change, highlighted the need for a more proactive approach to civil security. The Civil Security Law of 2018 laid the foundation for the PNOS to address gaps in emergency planning and response. Between March and June 2021, municipalities were consulted to align local, regional, and national priorities. This collaborative approach also considered emerging challenges, including climate change and industrial risks.

What’s inside?

The PNOS is built upon a detailed understanding of Luxembourg’s structural characteristics, such as its geography, demographics, transport infrastructure, and economic activities. These elements were key to identifying and addressing the diverse risks. The PNOS focuses on three main types of risks (see figure 1):

• Daily Risks: These are frequent but relatively minor incidents, such as medical emergencies (SAP), fires, or traffic accidents, which form the bulk of rescue operations.
• Specific Risks: These are less frequent but potentially severe incidents, such as floods, landslides, storms, or accidents involving hazardous industrial facilities, including SEVESO-classified sites.
• Exceptional Risks: These include rare or unpredictable events, such as earthquakes, terrorist attacks, or hostile actions targeting critical institutions, including NATO and EU agencies in Luxembourg.

Figure 1 – Classification of risks and threats (translated from the original source in French: Ministry of Home Affairs: https://maint.gouvernement.lu/en/dossiers/2021/PNOS.html)

To address these risks, the PNOS sets out five key strategic functions that underpin CGDIS operations: prevention, operational forecasting, planning, intervention, and assessment (see figure 2). While the intervention function ensures direct emergency responses, the other four focus on organising and improving the CGDIS’ operational structure at national, zonal, and local levels.

This comprehensive approach also reveals the need for further organisational efforts to develop prevention measures, improve operational forecasts, and enhance planning and evaluation processes. Currently, CGDIS operates with 100 fire and rescue centres (CIS) equipped for daily risks and ten specialised intervention units (GIS) ready to address more complex emergencies. A significant number of rescue operations already achieve response times of under 15 minutes.

Figure 2 – Analysis steps of the operational coverage of identified risks (translated from the original source in French: Ministry of Home Affairs: https://maint.gouvernement.lu/en/dossiers/2021/PNOS.html)

 

Implementation

Building on the analysis of risks, the PNOS outlines a range of measures designed to address diverse civil security needs. These measures focus on improving emergency response efficiency, expanding operational capacity, and enhancing of prevention and preparedness across the country. The PNOS targets the following areas, aiming to build a more resilient and responsive system for all emergency scenarios.

• Risk Management: Addresses common emergencies, which account for over 75% of CGDIS operations, while also preparing for specific and more exceptional risks.
• Response Times: Aims to achieve response times under 15 minutes for 90–95% of incidents.
• Building Capacity: Bringing the total number of professional firefighters to 1,100 by 2025, including roles in operations, prevention, planning, and management.
• Upgrading Infrastructure and Equipment: Includes modernising rescue centres, communication systems, and specialised equipment for various risks.
• Promoting Prevention and Training: Encourages risk awareness through public campaigns and professional training programs.

 

Conclusion and Outlook

Looking towards 2025, the PNOS outlines two key priorities:

• Operational Readiness: Luxembourg’s growing population and evolving risk landscape require an increase and diversification of rescue operations. This includes addressing climate-related risks such as extreme storms, heatwaves, droughts, and new health or safety challenges arising from technological and industrial developments.
• Organisational Strengthening: Developing and implementing missing concepts will enable CGDIS to perform rescue operations efficiently and without constraints.

The PNOS represents a significant step forward for Luxembourg’s civil security. It addresses immediate challenges while preparing the country for future uncertainties. As the plan is implemented, the CGDIS will continue to improve its efficiency and resilience, ensuring the safety of residents and visitors. Ongoing evaluation and collaboration with stakeholders will help the PNOS adapt to new risks and maintain its effectiveness in protecting the nation.

 

Contact:

Directorate General for Civil Security: dgsc@mai.etat.lu

 

References

Ministry of Home Affairs (English, French, German, Luxembourgish): https://maint.gouvernement.lu/en/dossiers/2021/PNOS.html

Corps grand-ducal d’incendie et de secours: (French): https://112.public.lu/fr/organisation/PNOS.html

 

On 9 October 2024, the second workshop in this year’s CIPU series built on the outcomes of the first workshop to further explore “The Climate-Resilient City”. Held in the city Dudelange, the workshop brought together 30 participants from Luxembourg’s municipalities and other stakeholders to explore strategies for enhancing urban resilience to climate change.

The workshop aimed to develop tools for municipalities for the development and adoption of climate resilience strategies. It continued discussions initiated in the previous CIPU workshop in June 2024 (see blog post here) and was closely tied to Luxembourg’s overarching efforts to integrate resilience into urban planning. Participants addressed the central question: “What can municipalities do to become more climate-resilient?”

As part of the CIPU’s mission, the event contributed to fostering exchange between municipalities and aligning local efforts with national and international frameworks. The workshop opened with a recap of insights from the first event and a presentation by Patricia Vilar from the Ministry of Internal Affairs Luxembourg. She provided an overview of national efforts to support municipal resilience, including the national platform for disaster risk reduction and the working group on resilient municipalities. Highlighting the importance of fostering collaboration and building networks, she connected local efforts with international frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Presentation by Patricia Vilar from the Ministry of Internal Affairs Luxembourg (source: Zeyen+Baumann)

With this inspiring input, the participants were then divided into four groups, each tasked with addressing three of four specific aspects of establishing a climate resilience strategy. Each group developed their own results, which were later aggregated into overarching trends and outcomes.

1) How can a climate resilience strategy be developed? Participants worked on outlining a framework for creating a municipal climate resilience strategy. Each group explored the essential steps, including initiating the process, collecting and analysing data, setting priorities, and planning implementation. A key outcome was a seven-phase process to guide municipalities: from defining responsibilities and gathering data to monitoring progress and involving stakeholders through communication and participation. The discussions highlighted that municipalities with prior experience in managing climate events could rely on existing data, while those less experienced needed to focus on risk assessment. Political commitment and sufficient funding were identified as critical to success, alongside a flexible and cyclical approach that allows for adjustments as circumstances evolve.

2) How should municipalities act during a crisis? Participants addressed municipal responses to two extreme weather scenarios (severe drought and heavy rain fall), focusing on three phases: preparation, response, and recovery. Key measures in the preparation phase included assessing local needs through surveys, developing emergency plans, and creating communication strategies. Specific actions involved identifying cooling zones for heatwaves and upgrading wastewater systems for heavy rainfall. During the response phase, the focus was on effective crisis management, such as issuing warnings, ensuring access to cooling centres or evacuation zones, and maintaining critical infrastructure. Temporary measures like water fountains or sandbags were also proposed. In the recovery phase, learning from events was prioritised, with measures such as enhancing cooling zones and adapting infrastructure to prevent future risks. The results highlighted that a structured, three-phase approach helps municipalities proactively address extreme weather impacts while strengthening long-term resilience.

Group work on how to develop a climate resilience strategy (source: Zeyen+Baumann)

3) How can urban areas adapt to specific climate risks? Participants addressed how to make an existing neighbourhood more resilient to the two fictive scenarios of a heatwave (2025) and heavy rainfall (2026). The discussions centred on three goals: creating resilient public spaces and infrastructure, ensuring resilient buildings, and protecting residents’ health and safety. Proposed measures for public spaces included identifying and enhancing “cool spots” through greening and reducing impermeable surfaces, while converting vulnerable “hot spots” into green or water-retention areas. Pathways between green spaces and neighbourhoods were prioritised to improve airflow and reduce heat. For buildings, the focus was on green roofs and facades, rainwater retention systems, and enhanced thermal insulation to mitigate heat and flood risks. Financial incentives and regulations were suggested to encourage private adoption of these measures. To protect health and safety, ideas included “heat plans” and “flood plans,” clear communication systems, and providing public cooling and evacuation centres. Participants also highlighted the need to balance resilience with urban density, noting that compact urban forms often increase vulnerability. Integrating resilience into early planning stages was deemed essential for long-term success.

4) What internal structures are needed to implement resilience strategies? Participants explored the organisational structures needed to integrate climate resilience strategies into municipal administrations. Groups developed models reflecting their size, resources, and specific climate risks. Two primary approaches emerged which can be adopted simultaneously:

• Hierarchy-based structure: This approach included a central resilience coordinator and task force involving key departments, such as technical services, environment, urban planning, and communication. These departments collaborate to develop, implement, and monitor strategies, supported by specialised commissions or external advisors.
• Risk-based structure: This flexible approach tailored responsibilities to the scale and type of climate risks. Smaller measures, like flood barriers, could be handled by individual departments, while larger initiatives, such as city-wide greening projects, required broader collaboration across multiple teams and governance levels.

Both models emphasised the importance of cross-departmental communication, adaptable structures, and, for smaller municipalities, inter-municipal cooperation to pool resources. Regular review and adaptation of the strategy were highlighted as essential to ensure continuous improvement and preparedness for future climate challenges.

 

Group work phase (source: Zeyen+Baumann)

The workshop concluded with a plenary session where participants shared their findings. Emphasis was placed on the cyclical nature of climate resilience planning, the need for robust data and stakeholder engagement, and the importance of integrating resilience into all stages of urban development. The participants developed a seven-phase approach as a structured framework to guide municipalities, covering steps from initiation and risk assessment to implementation, monitoring, and continuous communication. However, it was also noted that resilience planning must be flexible and adaptable to the size, structure, and resources of each municipality. Smaller municipalities may benefit from inter-municipal cooperation, while larger ones need clearly defined roles and cross-departmental collaboration.

Following the workshop sequence, the participants had the chance to visit Dudelange’s newly built multipurpose hall (Hall Polyvalent). Constructed with sustainable materials and designed for easy disassembly and relocation, the building exemplifies the principles of circular economy. It highlights how climate-resilient infrastructure can simultaneously support sustainability and urban adaptability.

If you are interested in a more detailed description of the workshop and the results of the group discussions, you can access the documentation here: https://cipu.lu/. The insights from this workshop informed the annual CIPU conference that took place on 18 November 2024 and will additionally be incorporated in a strategic statement on climate resilient cities synthesising the events and discussions from the CIPU year 2024. It is foreseen to be published beginning of 2025.

 

Contact

CIPU: cipu@zeyenbaumann.lu

 

References

Workshop documentation – available online (German): https://cipu.lu/

 

 

On June 10, 2024, the Cellule d’information pour la politique urbaine (CIPU) hosted its first workshop of the year, focusing on the crucial topic of climate-resilient urban development. The event took place at the Ellergronn Nature Reserve in Esch-sur-Alzette, where participants gathered to explore strategies that could help Luxembourg’s cities and municipalities adapt to the growing challenges posed by climate change.

The workshop commenced with a guided tour of the « Transition NOW » exhibition at the Ellergronn Nature Reserve. This exhibition highlighted how human activities affect the environment and the climate, underscoring the urgent need for cities to adapt to changing conditions. Following the tour, participants received a thematic introduction to key concepts such as resilience, climate resilience, and climate adaptation. Jeannot Behm, representing the city of Esch-sur-Alzette, presented the city’s ongoing activities related to climate change, resilience, and public awareness.

Following the introductory presentations, participants engaged in a collaborative group work phase that focused on key thematic areas related to climate-resilient urban development. Firstly, everyone moved through different groups to identify priorities and gather ideas across the four central themes: Urban and District Planning, Built Environment, Emergency Management and Crisis Communication, and Supply and Disposal Systems. These discussions were recorded on thematic posters to capture diverse perspectives and insights. In the subsequent phase, participants were divided into set groups, each focusing on one of the specific themes. They delved deeper into the identified priorities, discussing challenges, exploring potential solutions, and outlining concrete actions to enhance resilience in their respective areas.

Urban and District Planning: The discussions on urban and district planning focused on the importance of incorporating nature-based solutions to increase the resilience of cities. Participants explored the potential of the « sponge city » concept, which involves creating green spaces and water retention areas to manage stormwater and reduce urban heat islands. There was a strong emphasis on maintaining a balance between built environments and natural areas, implementing cooling strategies through tree planting and shaded public spaces, and promoting the « 15-minute city » model to enhance local accessibility. Key messages included the need for comprehensive risk assessments, thoughtful urban design that prioritises sustainability, and the development of policies that encourage resilient urban planning practices.

Built Environment: In the group of the built environment, participants discussed strategies for designing and retrofitting buildings to withstand the impacts of climate change, such as heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and storms. The conversation highlighted the importance of using sustainable building materials and promoting low-tech, resource-efficient construction methods. Participants called for the development of clear legal frameworks and financial incentives to support climate-resilient architecture. Public sector building projects were seen as critical for demonstrating best practices and leading by example. The discussions concluded that a coordinated effort involving policymakers, architects, and builders is necessary to mainstream climate-resilient building practices.

Emergency Management and Crisis Communication: This group focused on the development of robust emergency management strategies and clear communication plans to ensure preparedness for extreme weather events. Participants stressed the importance of early warning systems, clearly defined action plans, and regular simulation exercises to enhance readiness. Community engagement emerged as a key theme, with discussions emphasising the need to educate the public about potential risks and appropriate responses. The session highlighted the necessity of strong coordination and the establishment of dedicated units composed of citizens and technical experts to oversee emergency management efforts.

Supply and Disposal Systems: The final group discussed sustainable approaches to managing water, energy, and waste in urban environments. Participants examined strategies for improving water quality, promoting water recycling, and implementing rainwater harvesting systems to reduce reliance on fresh water. The concept of the circular economy was central to discussions on waste management, with a focus on reusing materials and reducing overall waste production. The group also emphasised the importance of local renewable energy production and storage to ensure energy security and reduce carbon footprints. Key outcomes included the need for integrated planning that incorporates circular economy principles, local sourcing, and the exploitation of synergies between different urban systems.

After the vivid group discussions, the participants gathered in a final plenary session to reflect on the developed results. The guided tour through the exhibition “Transition Now” as well as the presentations emphasised the necessity of adapting urban spaces to the challenges imposed by climate change. The workshop highlighted the often-blurred lines between climate adaptation and climate resilience, revealing a need for clearer understanding and practical knowledge in these areas. Political support, resource allocation, public awareness, and effective collaboration among stakeholders were recognised as essential for the successful implementation of these strategies. Clear political and legal frameworks, both at the national and local level, were also deemed critical to support these efforts.

Building on these outcomes, the second CIPU workshop, which will take place on October 9, 2024, will focus on developing key elements of a climate resilience strategy at municipal level to strengthen Luxembourg’s urban areas. The goal is to identify starting points to actionable solutions that can be quickly implemented and contribute to long-term sustainable urban development, further sharpening the approaches discussed in this workshop.

If you are interested in a more detailed description of the workshop and the results of the group discussions, you can access the documentation soon here: https://cipu.lu/

Contact

• CIPU: cipu@zeyenbaumann.lu

References

• Workshop documentation – available online soon (German): https://cipu.lu/
• Resilience plan Esch-sur-Alzette: https://administration.esch.lu/2023/01/27/esch-pionniere-presente-son-plan-de-resilience/
• The title image has been created with ChatGPT (DALL-E)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

In October 2020, a significant milestone was achieved in the southern Luxembourg region, as 11 municipalities under the PRO-SUD syndicate joined the UNESCO Biosphere network, a label renowned as educational hubs for sustainable development. This move accelerates a series of initiatives aimed at actively fostering sustainable development.

One of the key initiatives that followed was the collaborative formulation of a “territorial vision” for the region, harmonised with the objectives outlined in the Luxembourgish National Territorial Development Plan (PDAT). The “territorial vision” strategy is taking shape with the Mission Zero Carbon – 11 municipalities for the ecological transition launched in April 2023 and marked by the signing of a Letter of Intent by PRO-SUD’s 11 municipalities, the Minister of Spatial Planning, and the Minister of Environment.

Aim

The primary goal of Mission Zero Carbone is to foster regional collaboration towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, in alignment with the Luxembourgish national territorial development plan (PDAT). To realize this ambition, a range of strategies has been identified, encompassing:

• Reducing energy consumption: Advocating for energy-saving practices and technologies across public sectors.
• Increasing renewable energy usage: Promoting the adoption and integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels.
• Enhancing energy efficiency through regional energy planning.
• Promoting sustainable mobility: Advocating for active transportation modes like cycling and walking and enhancing public transport infrastructure.
• Safeguarding and restoring natural habitats: Ensuring the preservation of existing ecosystems and rejuvenating degraded areas to amplify their carbon sequestration potential.
• Educational programs engage students, teachers, and cultural associations in the ecological transition, fostering active participation and awareness to drive sustainable change.

A first concrete project of this regional approach is the bioclimatic map launched in partnership with the Luxembourg Institute of Sciences and Technology (LIST) and Geonet by acquiring vital data and conducting precise analyses on the urban bio-climate of the region.

Concurrently, the Bioclimatic Mapping Project is committed to assessing the urban bio-climate in the southern Luxembourg region. The recommendations derived from this mapping effort will be closely associated with PRO-SUD’s involvement in the Cool Neighbourhood Interreg Northwest programme, which is designed to address urban heat challenges. This initiative marks a significant advancement in fostering the development of sustainable and resilient cities through meticulous data collection and analysis. The results will be publicly available towards the end of 2024.

Genesis and Composition

After the Luxembourg UNESCO Commission began discussing the first biosphere reserve in the Grand-Duchy in 2016 and followed by 4 years of multidisciplinary work to complete the application, the Minett region was officially recognized as such in October 2020, making Luxembourg part of the scientific Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme. This programme promotes the conservation of biodiversity by engaging inhabitants, educating, researching, and supporting regional initiatives for sustainable development. The Minett Biosphere presents a fascinating juxtaposition: abandoned mines transformed into biodiversity havens, alongside ongoing human activity within dedicated transition zones. The Minett biosphere encompasses a region significantly impacted by iron ore extraction, leaving behind a distinct industrial legacy evident in its topography and cultural heritage.

PRO-SUD coordinated the application process and organized citizen consultations. Founded in 2003, the syndicate is a regional development union comprising 11 municipalities in southern Luxembourg. PRO-SUD, with the support of the Spatial Planning Department, is committed to promoting sustainable development in the region through various projects encompassing economic development, environmental protection, and social well-being.

Activities

The Minett UNESCO Biosphere advocates for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, engaging citizens in educational efforts and research. It offers logistical assistance to projects focused on environmental education, multidisciplinary, regional and cross border collaboration with a commitment to fostering socio-culturally and environmentally sustainable economic and human development.

The post-industrial landscape of the region highlights the potential for ecological resilience, with diverse flora and fauna now flourishing in former mining sites. However, managing the delicate balance between environmental protection and ongoing growing human activity remains a huge challenge. To address this, the biosphere employs a strategic zoning system comprised of:

• Core areas (zone centrale): Dedicated to research and conservation, strictly limiting human intervention.
• Buffer zones (zone tampon): Surrounding core areas, these zones aim to minimize the impact of human activities.
• Transition areas (zone de transition): Allow responsible human activities like agriculture and development.

The territorial vision delineates a comprehensive developmental blueprint for the Minett region, encapsulating six pivotal objectives to ensure project alignment with overarching sustainable development objectives:

1. Sustainable development: Pursuing a holistic approach that integrates environmental, economic, and social dimensions.
2. Territorial cohesion: Mitigating socio-economic disparities across the region.
3. Attractiveness and vibrancy: Augmenting the quality of life of residents and businesses.
4. Ecological transition: Attaining climate neutrality and safeguarding biodiversity.
5. Governance and participation: Advocating for participatory decision-making processes and citizen involvement.
6. Resilience and adaptability: Anticipating and preparing for future challenges to ensure sustained regional viability.

The collaborative initiative, Mission Zero Carbone, epitomizes this vision, rallying the 11 municipalities within the Minett Biosphere towards achieving regional carbon neutrality by 2050. Each municipality formulates its action plan in alignment with the mission’s overarching objectives, addressing localized challenges and opportunities. Collaborative endeavours facilitate knowledge exchange, resource consolidation, and joint implementation of impactful projects across the region.

An initial project under this framework is the Bioclimatic Mapping initiative, generating pivotal data and analyses on the urban bio-climate of the Minett Biosphere. Initiated in response to a municipality architect’s request for more precise bioclimatic data to inform sustainable urban development strategies, this mapping project employs climate scenarios—specifically the RCP4.5 scenario—to project climatic conditions. Utilizing the 25th and 75th percentiles of temperature distribution (17.5°C and 19.5°C, respectively) instead of mean values, it offers a nuanced understanding of potential climate impacts.

PRO-SUD has commissioned the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) to spearhead this project, leveraging diverse methodologies such as remote sensing, on-site measurements, and citizen science initiatives over an 18-month duration until the project’s conclusion in late 2024. The resultant data will inform the development of a comprehensive climate model for the region, guiding decision-makers in formulating effective emissions reduction strategies.

Outlook

Mission Zero Carbone represents a significant challenge, yet it is pivotal for the Minett Biosphere to attain its climate goals and contribute to the Territorial Vision.  he Bioclimatic Map, furnishing invaluable data and analysis, plays a crucial role in guiding strategic actions and ensuring the first mission’s success to develop regional collaboration between the 11 municipalities. For those interested in the UNESCO Biosphere in southern Luxembourg, the website provides insights into its initiatives for achieving climate neutrality and other impactful projects. Further information can be found on the Minett Biosphere’s website.

Contact

Gaëlle Tavernier: prosud@prosud.lu

References

Minett Biosphere: (English, French and German): https://minett-biosphere.com/en/

Mission Zero Carbone: (English): https://minett-biosphere.com/en/news/mission-zero-carbone-kick-off-meeting-3/

Vision territorial (French): https://minett-biosphere.com/lu/projects/vision-territoriale-3/

Project ClimProSud (English and French): https://www.list.lu/fr/recherche/projet/climprosud/?no_cache=1&tx_listprojects_listprojectdisplay%5Barchive%5D=&cHash=ac5bde4a60223253a34e3f5ad42ffb87 Analysing the Urban Bioclimate of the South (Project ClimProSud (English, French, German, Luxembourgish): https://minett-biosphere.com/en/news/analysing-the-urban-bioclimate-of-the-south/

The Master Programme for Spatial Planning in Luxembourg, known as « Programme directeur d’aménagement du territoire » (PDAT) 2023, is the central element of the country’s spatial planning policy. Serving as a framework for a sustainable development of the national territory and for enhancing the quality of life of all citizens, the PDAT defines an integrated strategy for sectorial policies with a territorial impact and defines guidelines, objectives and measures for the government and municipalities. The newly adopted PDAT (21 June 2023), which was prepared by the Department of Spatial Planning in cooperation with an interministerial working group, builds upon a large public participation process in 2018 and the international consultation “Luxembourg in Transition” in 2020—2022.

Structure and objectives

In order to frame the strategy, objectives and measures, the PDAT was developed in accordance with the following four guiding principles:

• Increasing the resilience of the territory
• Safeguarding territorial, social and economic cohesion
• Ensuring a sustainable management of natural resources
• Accelerating the transition of the territory to carbon neutrality

Based on those guiding principles, three policy objectives and a cross-cutting objective have been identified, addressing the development issues highlighted in the spatial analysis as well as the challenges imposed by climate, environmental, geopolitical and health crises:

1. Concentration of development in the most suitable places: Central to the PDAT’s mission is guiding sector policies and supporting municipalities in locating essential functions and services in the most suitable places. This aims to facilitate access to services, anticipate and reduce mobility needs as well as plan for critical infrastructure.

By guiding future development, the PDAT enables efficient infrastructure planning and a cost-effective implementation of sector policies. The territorial strategy encompasses an urban hierarchy based on Central Places (centres de développement et d’attraction, CDA), which is supposed to steer the spatial distribution of population (i.e. development) and employment growth (i.e. attraction) in a sustainable manner.

2. Reducing land take: The PDAT focuses on limiting the process of converting natural, agricultural or forest land into built-up areas. Decreasing land take offers several benefits, including mitigating the effects of climate change, preserving natural and semi-natural areas, minimising flood risks, protecting biodiversity, and fostering carbon sequestration. The goal is to gradually reduce land take from by 2035 and tend towards no net land take (zéro artificialisation nette du sol) by 2050.

To achieve this, the PDAT puts forward a planning culture that promotes urban regeneration, multifunctionality and efficient land management.

3. Cross-border spatial planning: Taking into account the functional linkages between Luxembourg and its cross-border functional region, the PDAT recognises the need for a concerted territorial development in the Greater Region (Grande Région). To address ecological and climate transition challenges, the Master Programme promotes territorial development strategies for cross-border functional areas, consultation with neighbouring regions in the framework of planning processes, and cross-border resource management.

4. Collaborative Governance as a cross-cutting objective: In the PDAT, governance is considered to be a cross-cutting objective, emphasising the coordination required for effective spatial planning. This is meant to happen horizontally across sector policies, vertically between the State and municipalities, as well as through public participation.

Time Horizon

The PDAT2023 is meant to unfold in two phases: 2023-2035 and 2035-2050. The first period until 2035 will act as a transition phase, which contributes to reversing the current development trends. Actions will focus on identifying and adopting instruments for the implementation of the Master Programme as well as initiating pilot projects and stakeholder connections.

The second phase, from 2035 to 2050, will ensure a steady transition and reverse the trends in question by the implementation of the strategies, while monitoring the developments as well as adapting approaches as needed.

Implementation

In order to achieve the above-mentioned policy objectives in the given timeframes, two territorial strategies have been developed at different scales. First, the national territorial development strategy « Leitbild 2050 » envisions a carbon-neutral and resilient territory, emphasising green, yellow and blue networks, the concentration of development in accordance with the urban hierarchy, and a sustainable mobility. This national territorial development strategy has also been broken down to so-called action areas (espaces d’action) at a functional-regional level. In this context, territorial visions for the three urban agglomerations have also been developed. Second, the territorial development strategy at the level of the Greater Region promotes cooperation in cross-border action areas, in accordance with the Interreg VI Greater Region programme. This cooperation fosters integrated territorial development in cross-border functional areas, complementing previous approaches by addressing challenges linked to the environment and natural resources. The implementation of strategies will be fostered through the adaptation of existing regulatory instruments and the potential creation of new ones.

Conclusion

The Master Programme for Spatial Planning in Luxembourg sets a forward-looking and ambitious territorial vision. By addressing climate change, resource preservation and sustainable growth, the PDAT paves the way for the ecological transition of the territory. Through clear strategic objectives and cross-sectoral coordination, Luxembourg is taking a further step towards sustainable development and enhancing citizens’ quality of life.

References

Master Programme for Spatial Planning in Luxembourg – « Programme directeur d’aménagement du territoire » (PDAT) 2023 (French): https://amenagement-territoire.public.lu/content/dam/amenagement_territoire/pdat-programme-directeur-damnagement-du-territoire-4072023.pdf

Spatial planning portal (French): https://amenagement-territoire.public.lu/fr/strategies-territoriales/programme-directeur.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.

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.

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.

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.

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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