Discover Benelux | Top Architects in the Netherlands | Creating Quality of Life
The circular Joint Future Kommunity project will change the mindset in Luxembourg.
Testing grounds for a circular future TEXT: ELLA PUT | PHOTOS: LEVS ARCHITECTEN
The essence of LEVS’ philosophy about architecture lies in the thought that the circularity and sustainability of a building can only be truly achieved when its inhabitants are a connected community. JFK, the Joint Future Kommunity project in Luxembourg, will be the living proof of that attitude. “We always question ourselves: how can we create a project that is ready for the future?” Jurriaan van Stigt, one of the partners of LEVS architecten says. Along with Adriaan Mout and Marianne Loof, he runs the Amsterdam-based architectural design office. “In each of our assignments, we want to connect people and places and add value for the local com74 | Issue 60 | December 2018
munity. We found that in the Joint Future Kommunity project.”
Stimulating shared spaces and resources Creating adaptable buildings that integrate housing, working, shopping, leisure and culture, LEVS found a new architectural challenge along the JFK Boulevard in Kirchberg, in the heart of Luxembourg City’s business district. Together with a European team of multiple design disciplines, LEVS and Luxembourg-based STEINMETZDEMEYER designed an ensemble of buildings along the striking boulevard, thus offering a place for a community of combined usage. The design encourages social interaction and stimulates visitors and
residents to share resources, space and equipment through the use of shared rooms such as workshops, courtyards, communal roof terraces and other public spaces. “Our client FUAK, the Fonds d’urbanisation et d’aménagement du Plateau de Kirchberg, organised seven monthly workshops with three design teams for this and two other project sites on the plateau to really go all the way and search for the ultimate circular solutions. In this way, international knowledge could be combined and immediately adapted.” The social aspect is also an important part of the design, explains Van Stigt. “People mostly come to this area of Luxembourg City to work, so we were