Luxembourg, Parc Dräi Eechelen

Luxembourg

Luxembourg, Parc Dräi Eechelen

Luxembourg

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Draï Eechelen Park is located some six hundred meters from the urban center of the city of Luxembourg as the crow flies, overlooking deep valleys. Its eight hectares extending from Europe Square to the rail tracks far below, through a natural landscape marked by the presence of a fortification built by the engineer Vauban. Beginning in the 1990s, the site was the subject of a cultural development program that sought to renovate and highlight its value as part of the historical heritage. In 2006, the MUDAM was inaugurated, the Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art, designed by Ieoh Ming Pei. A minimalist intervention, inspired by the very specific topography of the site, proposes levels that create a new dialogue between the contemporary circumstances and the archaeological remains. Located in the heart of the historical configuration, the clearing reacquires its distant visibility, particularly from the old town. The contours of the park are redesigned through a precise reworking of the edges. Large solitary trees here and there dominate the plain. Access to the park is provided by a large mineral ramp heavily planted, link between Europe Square and the wooded surroundings. Its paving using grassed joints is more of a landscape than a simple covering. The large semi-urban square in front of MUDAM, with pines and beech trees, makes possible the organization of all kinds of events. The simplicity of the landscaping makes the site easy to practice.

 

data
Year:
2000 to 2009
Status:
Built
Program:
Parks, Cultural
Client:

Grand-Duché de Luxembourg

Project Team:

MDP Michel Desvigne Paysagiste (lead consultant) / Schroeder et associés / Felgen et associés / Pei Partnership Architects / ARCOOP / SECOLUX a.s.b.l 

Area:

8 ha (19,7 acres)

  • Award: Prix luxembourgeois d’architecture 2011

  • Nombre of trees: 500 trees / 2 ha (4,9 acres)of perennial plant / 1,5 ha (3,7 acres) of lawns and meadows / 2 km of pathways