Urban Structure Concept of Schmelz Diddeleng
On the planning area, there was an iron industry operation of until 2005. After the company shutdown in 2005, a pilot project is to be developed on the available area. The concept of ISA Internationales Stadtbauatelier aims to the re-densification and consolidate the existing city centre of Dudelange and the bordering areas of the planning area. In the southern part of the ancient industrial area, a new quarter with its own identity will arise, based on its iron industry past. A new cultural centre and a park around the landmarked buildings surrounding the water tower will form the point of intersection between existing buildings and new planning. The building of the steel company Arcelor which, because of its height (600m), is one of the predominant buildings on the site will be maintained as a link with history. This is possible through the creation of a publicly usable “negative form” in the form of a sheet of water that traces the ancient floor plan of the factory building. Supporting structures and identity element of the ancient factory are also maintained as “gate elements” along the water axis. Along the basement of the ancient blast furnaces the axis is continued through the use of water terraces.