A geometric grid

Recent urban developments tend to create homogeneous and generic landscapes and cities. The urban plan of the Grünewald district, which is part of the new European district in Luxembourg, was developed based on a geometric grid. The mixture of building blocks, private gardens and squares have the structure of a chessboard. The district is on the edge of a plateau, where it borders the open landscape overlooking the valley.

The fragmented orchard

It was challenging to provide the neighbourhood with a strong identity and to create a sense of togetherness. We developed the ‘fragmented orchard’ principle that spreads across the entire network of squares and gardens. Three types of orchards can be distinguished: an ornamental orchard on the city’s northern edge, a productive orchard in the heart of the residential area, and a rustic orchard on the southern side of the city. The orchards refer to Grünewald’s agricultural past and form a transition between the business centre to the north of the district and the open landscape to the south.

The blossoming of a new district

While new residents and employees settle here and shops and restaurants open their doors, people become familiar with the green environment through the seasons. People enjoy the scent and prestige of the first spring blossoms, plucking the fruits in the summer, playing in the playgrounds and strolling through the neighbourhood.