CONTEXT OF THE TENDER 

The “Nei Hollerich Ouest” site occupies a central position in the “Nei Hollerich” district. In addition, a new transport hub will be built in the immediate proximity of the site, improving public transport interconnections with the creation of new tramway lines and their stops at the new square. In the future, the site will be of strategic importance in the local, regional and national public transport network and will manage significant traffic flows.

The FDC and the City of Luxembourg wish to develop their lots in order to achieve the objectives they have jointly set themselves in a dense urban context. They are looking for innovative ideas in the context of high architectural and urban quality, rational building design and a high level of environmental protection.

On a total area of almost 1.80 hectares, a maximum of 59,650 m² will be developed, spread over 4 lots. The aim is to design an attractive and harmonious urban complex, offering a varied range of housing, offices, services and other functions where appropriate, with a maximum of activity and interaction with the public space at ground floor level.

The built surfaces specified in the special development plan "Nouveau Quartier" (PAP NQ) could be distributed freely over these lots with a view to defining a pertinent urban and architectural concept, a coherent disposal of the volumes and an adequate location of the emergences.

Given the complexity of the assignment, the contracting authorities opted for a tender procedure organised in two phases. After an initial submission, the teams worked together in a co-creation workshop, which provided an opportunity to discuss the various approaches and refine the detailed programme submitted during phase 2 of the tender. Following this innovative procedure, based on a cooperative approach and exchanges, several winners were chosen.

LOTS 1.1 AND 1.2 OF THE FDC: PROJECT TEAM A

The selection committee was particularly impressed by the project submitted by Team A - Assar / Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects / 1:1 Landskab / Sweco Belgium / Sensbox for the following reasons:

• Location of the new building in relation to the transport hub and set back from the Route d'Esch, as well as the volumetric configuration of the lots.

• Management of flows relating to the transport hub and creation of well-proportioned, lively squares at the entrance of the station and at the heart of the lots.

• A volumetric layout that complements the public spaces to create a high quality, green and peaceful residential area at the heart of the site.

• Proposed distribution of the programme, with a mix of uses throughout the lot, but with office, service and retail spaces on one side and residential units on the other, organised around two separate areas with distinct characteristics.

• A pavilion at the heart of the site, creating an interface between the office, service and retail part on one side and the residential units on the other, with the potential to act as a social catalyst.

LOT 2.1 OF THE FDC: PROJECT TEAM C

The selection committee was persuaded by the proposal from Team C - Baumschlager Eberle Architectes / PetitdidierPrioux Architectes / Belvedere Architecture / MOZ Paysage / LSC Engineering Group on the basis of the considerations listed below:

• Integration into the existing urban context through its location and size, with a structure in continuity with the existing buildings on Rue de l'Aciérie.

• Architectural proposal inspired by the history of the site, while at the same time offering a contemporary design.

• Creation of a generous food court with plenty of windows on the ground floor, which will contribute to the liveliness of the square.

LOT 3.1 OF THE FDC: PROJECT TEAM D

The selection committee was impressed by the project submitted by team D - BFF... / Fabeck Architectes / Greenbox / AuCarré / Felgen & Associés Engineering in view of the following elements:

• Location of the new building at the entrance of the "Nei Hollerich" district, as well as its volumetric layout and the design of the silhouette along the tramway line.

• Design of the layout of the buildings in the context of the curvature of the Boulevard de Hollerich.

• Overall functioning and urban and architectural coherence with the project proposed for lot 3.2 of the City of Luxembourg and development of a generous and attractive inner block with landscape continuity between the two lots.

LOT 3.2 OF THE CITY OF LUXEMBOURG: PROJECT TEAM D

The selection committee has decided to select the project proposed by team D - BFF... / Fabeck Architectes / Greenbox / AuCarré / Felgen & Associés Engineering for the lot belonging to the City of Luxembourg, on the basis of the arguments set out below:

• Layout of the volumes along the tramway route.

• Creation of a generous and attractive inner block with a good ratio of open ground and landscape continuity with the adjacent lot 3.1 of the FDC.

• Design and internal functioning of the children's nursery, transposing its function to the architecture and integrating it into the site.

• Functioning as a whole, urban and architectural coherence with the project proposed for the adjacent lot 3.1 of the FDC.