inessa hansch extends luxembourg university campus within derectict steel mill

paris-based architect inessa hansch situates the campus of the ‘university of luxembourg faculty of sciences’ on the former industrial site of esch-sur-alzette. the ‘campus of belval’ surrounds the remains of a former steel mill dominated by blast furnaces. a countryside landscape surrounds this urban enclave and offers distant pastoral views. the open, outward-facing nature of the design responds to both the uninviting minerality and monumental scale of the pre-existing industrial facilities. photographed here by julien lanoo, the campus encourages active engagement with the derelict site, instigating a range of visual experiences.

all images © julien lanoo

inessa hansch organizes the occupiable belvedere, designed to maximize the fair views, along three edges of the site, surrounding a bucolic centralized courtyard. the walkable structure facilitates the conditions that encourage exchanges and student engagement. the belvederes generate public gathering spaces at the 12 meter height of the blast furnace remains, enabling students and visitors to gaze upon the derelict steel mill structures from a rare, more intimate perspective. the possibilities of brief moments of isolation offer the chance to grasping the gigantism of the reprogrammed and reactivated industrial site.

a range of such conditions as footbridges, arcades, stairs and alcoves offers the project a broad range of experiences. unconditioned, semi-outdoor mezzanine spaces lined with seating areas enable visitors to comfortably inhabit the belvedere and enjoy the climate without being exposed entirely to the elements. the metal frameworks are built with square-section rods with vibrant white finishing. the structural language of the belvedere offers a visual dichotomy against the dark heaviness of the steel mill structure.

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project info:

title: campus of belval
architecture firm: inessa hansch architecte
client: university of luxembourg
location: esch-sur-alzette, luxembourg
program: public space, walkable structure
structural consultant: bollinger+grohmann
project management: le fonds belval
photography: julien lanoo