© Valentiny hvp architects

University Library Belval

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City, Country Esch-Belval, Luxembourg
Year 2008–2017
Client Le Fonds Belval
Architect Valentiny hvp architects
Services Structural Engineering
Facts GFA: 15,000 m² | NFA: 11,558 m² | Gross volume: 96,000 m³
Awards Luxembourg Architecture Award 2019, Audience award | Construction acier 2019, Prix du Jury / Prix du Public

Belval is a neighbourhood of Esch-sur-Alzette in south-western Luxembourg, close to the French border. Large steelworks dominate the site of Belval which is undergoing an extensive redevelopment plan turning the brownfield site into a scientific and cultural centre, "Cité des Sciences à Belval".

As part of the regeneration two blast furnaces were preserved and an old, listed smelting factory was converted into a new university library with a museum-like atmosphere. The new building was built inside the old facility preserving its principal character and features and is a self supporting structure. Due to the complex redevelopment the smelting facility building was also extended to include a day care center and an entrance lobby connecting to the library.

The new library provides space for approximately 100,000 books for all university departments as well as a venue for evening functions.

Building Retrofit
Extension
Education