Luxembourg Learning Centre

Architect
Valentiny HVP architects
Country
🇱🇺 Luxembourg

The University of Luxembourg was formed in 2003 when the three, formerly autonomous, institutes of higher education were unified. The, by then, autonomous libraries of these institutes, spread around Luxembourg-City, formed the “Bibliothèque de l’Université du Luxembourg” (BUL). In 2005 the Luxembourgish government decided to move and unite the three campuses of the University in Belval, in Esch (Alzette). As a result, all three libraries had to prepare to merge and move to Belval, an industrial site left behind by the steel industry that was converted into the “Cité des Sciences”. So the University Library opened the new Luxembourg Learning Centre (LLC) in September 2018 after 12 years of planning together with the Fonds Belval (responsible for the “Cité des Sicences”), the University of Luxembourg, and the architect office Valentiny HVP. The main planned improvements were to provide a modern library, fit for the years to come with enough space for the growing number of students, including enlarged collaborative spaces, and with an up-to-date and flexible technological infrastructure.

Detailed description

The Luxembourg Learning Centre (LLC) is a key element of the new Campus of the University of Luxembourg, located at the heart of the “City of Science” that revitalizes a former industrial site. The LLC is a new building integrated into the steel structure of an old stocking house for the steel production. The architectural design reflects the LLC’s aim to be open, innovative, and inspiring. The futuristic, partly spatial, façade composed of triangular, spotted glass elements contrasts with the two remaining blast furnaces next to the building as well with the third of the building that was left as is. The white-greyish patterns of the façade elements serve as an aesthetical design element and at the same time as a functional one that regulates the light influx into the building. The permeability of the façade is perpetuated by the design of walls and ceilings: A lot of open space allows for spectacular and surprising views. Built preliminary for the growing number of students (currently around 7,000) and staff of the University of Luxembourg, the LLC serves the Luxembourgish public as well and is open for anyone.

Year of completion
2018
Library category
Research Library
Building type
Renovation
Special Rooms

The LLC houses a conference centre (for ca. 90 persons), 2 seminar rooms, 2 PC training rooms, a space for a cafeteria (not yet used) and, on top of the administration blocks, three “garden” areas. In the entrance area, space for exhibitions is available.

Special features, internal

District heating and thermal activated floors; sound-reducing carpets on the floor and acoustic panels on the ceilings; separation of collaborative and individual work spaces on 3 top floors; self-check-in and self-return via book sorting machine; multimedia furniture; tablets included in (illuminated) book shelves; info “desk” designed in a way to abolish the “info-desk-hurdle” by letting users sit or stand next to librarian and to let librarians easily approach and help users.

Publications
Awards

Project Data
Overall Cost
€ 73'000'000
Total Floor Area
14'000 m²
Floor Area Open To Public
12'000 m²
Shelving Capacity Open Stacks
7'600 linear meters
Shelving Capacity Closed Stacks
3'700 linear meters
Number Of Staff
27 FTE
Total Seating Capacity
981
Group Study Rooms
12
Individual Study Rooms
57

Location

Luxembourg Learning Centre

7, Ënnert den Héichiewen, Belval, 4362 Esch sur Alzette, Luxembourg