in Luxembourg

Location Luxembourg, Luxembourg Client / operator City of Luxembourg Architects gmp · Architekten von Gerkan, Marg und Partner DE – 52062 Aachen www.gmp.de Local partner Beng Architectes Associés Structural engineer schlaich bergermann partner TR Engineering Author gmp Photos Marcus Bredt

SMALL BUT MIGHTY

NATIONAL FOOTBALL AND RUGBY STADIUM IN LUXEMBOURG

The new football and rugby arena south of the city of Luxembourg replaces the outdated previous structure. It was designed by architecture firm von Gerkan, Marg and Partners (gmp) and built in cooperation with the local practice Beng Architectes Associés. The Grand Duchy’s national stadium meets all the specifications for a UEFA category-IV stadium and has a seating capacity of 9,471 – 8,708 standard seats, 512 VIP sets, 27 VVIP sets, 174 press seats and 50 seats for people with reduced mobility.

In addition to the design for the stadium itself, the task involved an urban masterplan for the site of about eight hectares. The new national arena is located on a strip of land that runs from east to west, with the A6 motorway to the north and a planned new road and tramway connection to the south, the latter creating a central traffic and interchange hub close to the stadium. Here,

in addition to the sunken car park, gmp have also designed the new service building for the city of Luxembourg’s Service des Sports.

Orthogonal layout The size of the pitch and the facilities at the new arena follow international guidelines, meaning that both the top UEFA stadium category IV and that of the International Rugby Board (IRB) are achieved. The stadium features an orthogonal layout with a single tier and diagonally truncated corner areas, with the grandstand reaching all the way down to the edge of the pitch. Towards the south, a building block accommodates the functional facilities for VIPs, the press, players and officials. Directly above the main entrance from the forecourt at the new Boulevard Kockelscheuer, the access to the business

foyer with adjoining press area and multifunctional room is located, which can also be used independently of sports events.

The loadbearing structure of the grandstand roof consists of a grid of double-angulated steel girders that are tapered in response to the internal forces; the grid of girders rises from all sides of the arena and, at its highest point, carries the pitch lighting system.

Modest size creates cosy fan experience With its 9,471 seats, the new stadium is relatively small by global standards. For this reason, the design aimed at creating the atmosphere of a football arena even on this scale

while also, at the same time, achieving a significant presence in the urban ensemble. To achieve this, the designer came up with a uniform façade structure, as well as a simple geometric load-bearing structure.

The diamond-patterned folded metal plate structure of the façade has a unifying effect on the overall volume of the building. In addition, on the second level, high above the building and seen from outside, the line of lighting fixtures marks the dimensions of the pitch. On this exposed site, this creates a dynamic and sculptural feature that can be seen by both stadium visitors and those driving by. The effect is particularly striking at night, when the pitch lighting and the illuminated façade structure radiate out to the city.