The Temporary “Building Economy Pavilion”

On the occasion of its centenary, the City of Esch-sur-Alzette redeveloped the banks of the river Dippach through a series of thematic pavilions set within a landscaped park. The “Building Economy” pavilion is conceived as a light and temporary structure positioned along a cycling path, engaging directly with both the river and its surroundings.

The design is defined by a simple and demountable volume raised on stilts, minimising its impact on the site while establishing a clear presence within the landscape. Its lightweight construction allows the pavilion to be fully dismantled and reassembled elsewhere, supporting flexibility and reuse.

The project places visitors at the centre through an open and accessible layout. A ramp provides direct access, while the elevated position offers new perspectives over the river and park. Inside, the space is kept minimal, allowing for informal use and interaction within a calm and sheltered environment.

The architectural expression is driven by a clear structural logic. A system of slender steel frames forms the primary structure, stabilised by tubular elements and supported by inclined columns that respond to structural forces while visually referencing the surrounding trees. The volume is enclosed by a translucent membrane, creating a soft and diffused interior light during the day and a glowing presence in the evening.

Material efficiency and ease of assembly are central to the project. The use of steel enables a lightweight yet rigid structure with minimal material use, while prefabricated components allow for rapid construction and disassembly. Timber elements within the interior provide a tactile contrast and contribute to the spatial quality.

The pavilion demonstrates how temporary architecture can combine structural clarity, adaptability, and a strong relationship to its context, creating a simple yet distinctive intervention within the landscape.