The design proposal for a new tramway line in the city of Luxembourg by Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands aims to revive the city’s original tram system which was installed in 1859 and ceased in the 1960s. The project will provide enormous strategic improvement in public transport in Luxembourg and hopes to achieve a new standard of urban space for Europe. The new tram line is a central element in the Government of Luxembourg’s sustainable mobility or “MoDu” strategy, which sets out to improve transport connections across the city. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands has been appointed by LuxTram (a partnership between The State of Luxembourg and the City of Luxembourg) to determine the visual identity and architectural quality of the new tramway and tram stops, in addition to the associated public realm. As ‘architects of the line’, Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands also has the opportunity to rethink the city’s squares, restoring simplicity and sensitivity to enable people to make better use of public spaces, and to activate these areas with new cafes and shops.
Their design is inspired by the city’s architectural typography and heritage, restructuring streetscapes to ensure that the new tramway runs seamlessly alongside existing road networks. Please find visuals attached. The design is based on three simple ideas: removing unnecessary visual clutter in existing street signage; installing locally sourced high-quality paving with bespoke street furniture; and configuring the boulevards and public spaces to respond to the buildings that line them. Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands is designing all street furniture associated with the tramway, including power lines, lighting and signage posts, tram stop shelters and benches, with materials carefully considered to ensure continuity and consistency.
The LuxTram project will not only provide huge environmental, urban, economic and social benefits, introducing a more sustainable mode of transport than buses or cars, but will bring an urban renaissance of the Luxembourg’s streets and squares. Construction is expected to start in 2014, with the first phase of the new tramway potentially opening to the public in 2017.
