STDM architects embeds pfaffenthal lift in luxembourg

situated between the historic district of pfaffenthal and the upper city of luxembourg, this public lift by STEINMETZDEMEYER (STDM) architects offers cyclists a physical link when moving across regions. from promoting soft mobility (pedestrians and bicycles) to opening up a valley floor district for free and fast transportation, the structure becomes a works of art harmoniously integrated within a protected landscape by UNESCO . ‘from cyclists going to work, to tourists or regular residents, everyone has discovered the city from one of the most spectacular perspectives!’, exclaims the team.

all images © boshua bohumil KOSTOHRYZ + paulo lobo

the success of this project, carried out by the city of luxembourg and designed by STDM architects in collaboration with INCA associate engineers and jean schmit engineering, is also due to its location. the lift’s foundations are in the heart of the historic district of pfaffenthal and directly reaches the pescatore park, where the user will find a direct connection to the cycle and pedestrian paths of the city. moreover, these connections highly contribute to the development of the touristic and cultural ‘grund-clausen-pfaffenthal’ trail of the upper city.

in this project, the architects aimed at maximizing the comfort and experience of the various users. wanting to facilitate the movement of cyclists, the cabin is equipped with two large opposite doors to avoid maneuvering back and forth between the top and bottom accesses. suspended above the valley, the cabin is entirely out-sheath and glazed from floor to ceiling on half of its surface. this offers users a journey through the landscapes of a quarry, the supporting walls, the wood on the side — to finish after 30 seconds on an expansive panorama of the alzette valley and the kirchberg plateau

at the upper exit of the lift, a footbridge is hung on the side of the tower and launched above the valley by an overhang of more than nine meters. this provides charming panoramic landscapes of the architectural and contemporary heritage of luxembourg: the medieval district of pfaffenthal, the sixties artwork of pont-rouge, the kirchberg district in a continuous urban development and the bock — witness of the city’s origins in 963. ‘the most reckless ones can contemplate this wonderful view through a sheet of glass at more than 60 meters above the district!’

‘practical, sustainable, aesthetic and offering an unforgettable experience, STDM architects always targeted these qualities while designing this public lift, which today constitutes a landmark in the valley and confers a new identity to the historical district of pfaffenthal’.

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edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom