foster + partners breaks ground on ICÔNE office complex in luxembourg

foster + partners has broken ground on ICÔNE, a 18,800 square meter office complex in belval — a neighborhood in south-western luxembourg. the project has been designed to be as flexible as possible so that it is able to adapt to future changes in the working environment. ‘the project is designed to have open, flexible workspaces that respond to the emerging models of work today,’ explains darron haylock, partner, foster + partners.

all images © foster + partners

filled with light and greenery, the office configuration seeks to encourage a spirit of co-creation and collaboration. ‘the atrium is a green light-filled space that is very much the social heart of the project, providing visual connectivity and a dynamic atmosphere for both work and play,’ continues haylock. ‘biophilia, the green landscaping, natural ventilation and visual connectivity all promoting collaboration and healthy wellbeing.’

in collaboration with local practice beiler francois fritsch, foster + partners designed ICÔNE to respond to its immediate context as part of a wider masterplan. for example, entrances are articulated differently in response to the urban street and civic plaza. the building edge along porte de france contains shops, while place de l’académie is complemented by cafés and restaurants at ground level.

the building is arranged as two wings enclosing the central atrium, wrapped in a distinctive orthogonal façade and roof which emphasize the structural grid. the atrium resolves the level changes between the street and the plaza through a series of stepped terraces. open circulation routes add to the vibrancy of the internal spaces, with communal terraces for informal meetings and break out spaces at higher levels overlooking the central volume.

the fluidity of the internal space contrasts the building’s more formal exterior. the façade has been designed to be both structural and environmentally responsive, allowing for internal column-free office spaces as well as solar shading and maximized daylight. the design aims for a BREEAM excellent rating and will be WELL building standard certified.

project info:

name: ICÔNE
location: belval, luxembourg
function: office complex
architect: foster + partners
local architect: beiler francois fritsch