BELVAL SINTER SQUARE

AGORA
public space, industrial heritage reconversion
competition
/

in collaboration with 51N4E (be) Schroeder&Ass. (lu)

 

Duality & triplicity: 3 universes

 

A central place exploiting the future duality of the site: as much of the new city, dense, urban and cosmopolitan, as of the industrial heritage, testifying to the cradle of the prosperity of the country and the region; above and under-ground.

 

This tension will be highlighted and integrated in a harmonious way in the future urban life by a clear and lucid drawing, generating 3 universes, 

3 different atmospheres, complementing each- other synergistically, and linked barrier-free via an infinite-loop ramp.

 

1. the conform square

in direct continuity and without barriers of the axes of the masterplan, the place extends and links the ground floors.

Two circular cut-outs, in slight offset of the basins, create the shape of the square: an urban 

ergonomics is generated.

 

2. A park in the image of native forests

On the southern basin, plantations of native trees and shrubs generate an inaccessible island, 

a “jungle” overflowing the square, and eventually creating an ecosystem, a refuge for wildlife in the middle of a city built on an industrial wasteland. 

 

3a. The industrial basin with urban qualities

The northern basin, revealing the water basin, is exploited for its already urban qualities. 

 

3b. Agora, or the first covered public space in 

Luxembourg

On the northern basin, 7 meters below the ground floors, a covered public space with a ceiling height of 7 meters will allow the installation of markets and cultural events such as music festivals.. This will be the “agora” of Belval.