FROM OFFICES TO LIVING BUILDINGS: Adaptive reuse of office buildings in Luxembourg as a design strategy to prevent premature obsolescence

Abstract

Across Europe, many office buildings are becoming partly vacant as new work patterns and hybrid models change the way people use working and living spaces. At the same time, Luxembourg faces a strong housing demand. A large part of the workforce commutes across the border every day because housing in the city is limited and expensive. This situation shows a mismatch between the existing office building stock and the current housing needs, while young people are increasingly affected by the housing crisis and the difficulty of accessing affordable housing and independent living in the city. Adaptive reuse is explored as a theory to understand how it can be applied to office buildings. The research aims to identify opportunities for transformation before vacancy becomes permanent. The study combines theoretical research, case studies, and qualitative reflection on social aspects and urban life. The analysis focuses on an existing office building located in Kirchberg, one of the main office districts in Luxembourg City. The area hosts several European institutions and public buildings. Most of the activity happens during working hours, but after that, the area becomes quieter because of the lack of public life. The project transforms an existing office building, Monnet 6, into a new urban living hub for students, young adults, and start-up families. It proposes a mixed-use program and communal spaces to support temporary housing for the early stages of life and create opportunities for everyday social interaction, flexibility, and social mix. Through this transformation, the aim is to propose design strategies that convert the building from a strong office character to a more active and living space. The proposal reflects on how design can transform office buildings into opportunities for housing and contribute to a more resilient and active urban environment.