Imagining the “future” of Metzeschmelz
On 5 July, the Youth Forum transformed the Metzeschmelz industrial site into a veritable breeding ground for ideas. More than just a visit, this event invited the younger generation to take ownership of this future district for a few hours. Organised by AGORA, the aim of the event was to gather fresh, innovative ideas from the young participants, while raising their awareness of the challenges of sustainable urban planning and gathering feedback from the various stakeholders. “For me, it’s all about getting young people interested and involved in the development of the future Metzeschmelz district,” says François Dorland, Director of AGORA.
A collaborative event in the heart of Metzeschmelz
At the heart of this vibrant day is an exemplary collaboration between various entities. AGORA, with the support of the town of Esch-sur-Alzette and the municipality of Schifflange, has brought together a host of partners to bring this event to life. Among them, FerroForum and UpFoundation play an essential role.
FerroForum is committed to preserving and promoting Metzeschmelz’s rich industrial heritage. Their mission? To transform these remnants of the past into a dynamic educational and cultural resource.. “For me, it’s crucial to showcase historic places and demonstrate how these spaces can be reborn,” explains Misch Feinen of FerroForum. With exciting guided tours and immersive workshops, FerroForum helps young people understand the importance of preserving our history while reinventing it for the future.
On the other hand, UpFoundation is making a name for itself with the recently inaugurated PIPPILOTTA project. This innovative project, dedicated to children aged 0 to 6, aims to raise public awareness of the importance of the first years of life and to identify the priority needs for children’s development in Luxembourg.
This synergy between partners is also evident in the contributions of Hariko, Haus vum Velo, Transition Minett, the Jugendhaus in Esch and Schifflange, as well as the Museum of the Iron and Steel Industry (Schefflenger Schmelzaarbechter) and the Diables Rouges scouts. Artists such as Chiara Dahlem are also adding their creative touch, enriching the event with their unique perspective. “For me, it’s essential to work with the new generation, because they’re the ones who are going to live in this district and perpetuate art in these transformed spaces,” stresses multidisciplinary artist Chiara Dahlem.
First impressions
From 8.30am, the central square in Metzeschmelz resounded with the enthusiastic voices of the school classes who had turned out for the event. Among the guests was Minister Claude Meisch, responsible for Education, Children and Youth, as well as Housing and Spatial Planning. His enthusiasm was palpable as he exchanged views with the partners and young people, emphasising the importance of their involvement in this transformative project.
Discovering and learning
The morning guided tours allow schoolchildren to immerse themselves in the industrial history of Metzeschmelz, with passionate explanations from FerroForum’s Misch Feinen in particular. “For me, understanding the importance of our heritage helps us to better plan our future,” he explains. The pupils also take part in the escape game run by Les Diables Rouges scouts. “The pupils are captivated by the vintage charm of the site, and their curiosity is genuinely aroused,” observes Frédéric, 27, a trainee German teacher at Diekirch’s Lycée Classique.
“For me, it’s essential to introduce young people to historic places so that they understand how these spaces can be reborn and integrated into a sustainable future.”
– Misch Feinen, FerroForum
One of the key attractions is a behind-the-scenes tour of FerroForum. This plunge into the industrial past, enriched by passionate explanations, gives young people a better understanding of the importance of preserving this heritage while adapting it to current and future needs.
During this day of discovery and exchange, the younger generation make the site their own by immersing themselves in artistic rehabilitation workshops led by Chiara Dahlem. They take part in interactive games, explore the impressive giant wooden animals and discover the ‘monsters’ of the Monsters@Metzeschmelz project, initiated by Hariko.
“For me, it’s incredible to see how old buildings, once considered ruins, can be reintegrated into a modern society,” enthuses Mike, 17, a student at the Lycée des Arts et Métiers in Luxembourg.
“For me, seeing these buildings brought back to life breathes new life into our history.”
– Mike, 17, Lycée des Arts et Métiers de Luxembourg.
The activities are not just about discovery: they are designed to stimulate the creativity and innovation of the participants. From urban art to ecological planning, each workshop encourages young people to envisage a future where the past and future come together in harmony. Chiara Dahlem, multidisciplinary artist, explains: “For me, bringing children here is an essential educational tool. It’s the new generation who are really going to make this district their own. I love working with them to inspire them to take over.”
“For me, this is an incredible opportunity for students to see how history and innovation can combine to create a sustainable future.”
– Sally, history teacher at Lycée Nic Biever in Dudelange
Meetings and exchanges
Exchanges between young people, experts and partners are at the heart of the day. “For me, this event is a key initiative in attracting young people to the site. The collaboration with AGORA is going very well and is essential for the development of the site,” stresses Do Demuth of FerroForum. “It’s vital that young people understand the importance of their role in this project. Their ideas and energy are vital to the future of Metzeschmelz,” she adds.
“For me, this event is a key initiative in attracting a young population to the site.”
– Do Demuth, FerroForum
François Dorland highlights the importance of young people’s contributions. “Our aim is to create a neighbourhood that truly meets the expectations of future generations. The ideas gathered at this forum will be analysed by our team of experts and incorporated into the development plans,” he explains.
“For me, the involvement of young people in this project is crucial if we are to meet the expectations of future generations”
– François Dorland, AGORA
The young participants express bold and inspired visions for Metzeschmelz. “For me, it’s fascinating to see how old factories can be transformed into a modern, sustainable neighbourhood. I can see myself living here in ten or twenty years’ time,” says Hugo, 17, a student at the Lycée Nic Biever in Dudelange. Young people’s ideas, such as multi-functional green spaces and interactive art installations, are all sources of inspiration for AGORA.
“For me, this is a unique opportunity to be able to influence the future of Metzeschmelz and contribute our vision for a greener, more sustainable neighbourhood.”
– Hugo, 17, student at the Lycée Nic Biever in Dudelange
A festive close and a look to the future
The day ended with an electrifying concert by Luxembourg rapper MAZ, marking the end of a day rich in exchange and creativity. AGORA plans to incorporate these innovative ideas into future projects and invites young people to continue to play an active part in the transformation of Metzeschmelz.
Join us in building the future of Metzeschmelz
By actively participating in events such as the Youth Forum, the younger generation can take ownership of their future neighbourhood and contribute to its development. The Metzeschmelz Youth Forum is a fine example of co-creation and citizen participation, where every voice counts in shaping the future. “For me, citizen involvement and dialogue are essential for designing sustainable and innovative urban spaces,” concludes François Dorland.
