The new Metzeschmelz quarter, a territory of citizen participation
Metzeschmelz: this is the name of the new quarter on the border of Esch-sur-Alzette and Schifflange on the site of the former steelworks. The name was thought up by a citizen after a competition open to all. A powerful symbol of the importance of citizen involvement in the development of…
Once upon a time there was Esch-Schifflange and its new quarter “Metzeschmelz”
Ideally located between Esch-sur-Alzette and Schifflange, about one kilometre from each town centre, this industrial wasteland shows enormous redevelopment potential as part of the “Metzeschmelz” project. Designed and managed by AGORA, this new quarter will be unique in Luxembourg with a totally innovative urban planning approach that puts people at…
Architecture at the service of an avant-garde Belval for cycling and driving.
Jim Clemes and Nico Thurm have designed an impressive cycle bridge to link Belval to Esch-sur-Alzette, as well as sections of the new Micheville link between France and Luxembourg.
Rockhal: When art interacts with knowledge in Belval.
In the beginning of Belval, there was the Rockhal. And since its beginnings, this founding cultural space of the quarter has contributed to defining its identity. Because culture and the research and innovation sectors have much to share, according to Olivier Toth.
“Making public space a destination for all”
In this respect, Belval is a unique laboratory where, day after day, a quarter is being built for everyone. The urban planner Henri Bava, founder of Agence TER, a long-time partner of AGORA in Belval tells us about this wonderful adventure.
Quality of life for all: AGORA’s winning bet
There are the students we see cycling past, riding on the cycle track on their own lane, to arrive on time for lectures. And the employees picnicking at lunchtime in the park a stone's throw from their offices. There are the residents shopping just outside their apartment block, and the…
When art interacts with urban vision
Art and the city are old friends. They have rubbed shoulders for thousands of years. In Pompeii, which was buries 2000 years ago, were found on the walls... almost 11,000 graffiti. As for the modern city, it too does not escape the enthusiasm of the artists. Whether it is street…
Belval: the city as a territory of technological experimentation or “urban testbed”
“When I show foreign company executives around Belval, they can’t believe the impressive ecosystem that has been created here and are amazed to discover this secret, little known quarter that serves as a teeming laboratory.” These are the words of Laurent Probst, Partner, Economic Development, Digital transformation and Innovation at…
Christine Muller, the architect engaging with the city
Author of one of the first masterplans of Belval, when the quarter was still in the study phase, the Luxembourg architect and urban planner Christine Muller has always disregarded the divisions between urban planning and architecture, in order to bring a singular vision of building in the city. Based on…
METZESCHMELZ : building the new from the old or the StadtFabrik vision
The future Alzette Quarter is based on the vision of the Danish architects Cobe and Urban Agency, chosen by AGORA after an international competition. To create a dialogue between the industrial history of the site and its new uses, they propose to be guided by the “Stadtfabrik “ concept of…