The Luxembourg Centre for Architecture (LUCA) has announced details of an exhibition curated by architect and researcher Céline Zimmer, entitled “Our New Housing - An Invitation to Cooperate”, at its premises in Luxembourg-Clausen (1  Rue de la Tour Jacob).

Taking place from now until Saturday 7 June 2025, the exhibition, based on Céline Zimmer’s doctoral thesis “A Third Housing Sector for Luxembourg – Housing Alternatives Beyond Market and State” (“Ein dritter Wohnungssektor für Luxembourg – Emanzipation von Markt und Staat in der Wohnversorgung”), is described by LUCA as highlighting the fundamental need for housing, the increasing difficulties in finding affordable living space and how this issue affects the country’s social, political and economic stability.

According to LUCA, the exhibition, undertaken with the support of Luxembourg’s Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning, delves into the anatomy of Luxembourg’s housing market, presenting housing cooperatives as a viable alternative. Drawing on in-depth analyses of successful cooperative housing models from across Europe, the exhibition aims to highlight a solution that prevents speculation and ensures long-term affordability.

As part of the exhibition, Céline Zimmer has launched the online platform “For Future Members Only”, made possible through financial support from the Œuvre Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte. This platform is described as follows: “Providing a space for people interested in cooperative housing to connect with one another, facilitating exchange and collaboration and promoting cooperative housing as a solution developed by citizens, for and with other citizens”.

The exhibition will also include a “Rent Counter” installation, which will track the total rent paid by tenants in Luxembourg’s private housing market throughout the exhibition’s duration. It is intended to illustrate the scale of rental expenditures and to highlight the urgent need for alternative housing models.

Entry is free. Further details of the exhibition can be found at: luca.lu/evenements/our-new-housing

LUCA is also offering guided tours of the exhibition, in English, French and German, on Tuesday 29 April 2025. Entry is free but requires registration.

Moreover, LUCA will host a workshop for children (ages six to nine), entitled “Architectures Modulables”, at its premises on Saturday 17 May 2025. The workshop will take place in French/English and German/Luxembourgish. Entry is €5 (free with Kulturpass). Registration is required as spaces are limited.

LUCA is a private, non-profit foundation which, since its creation in 1992 under the name "Foundation of Architecture and Engineering”, has promoted the quality of buildings and their environments as an essential value in contemporary society. It presents itself as a platform for exchange and action, catering to an audience ranging from the curious amateur or engaged citizen to the political decision-maker or professional actor.

The Œuvre Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte is a public sector establishment responsible for organising and managing the Loterie Nationale (National Lottery), with all profits from games donated to the Œuvre to support projects which serve the public interest in Luxembourg. Established in 1944 to help victims of World War II, it falls under the authority of Luxembourg’s Prime Minister and is dedicated to serving the public interest through five areas: Social; Cultural; Environmental; Sports & Health; Remembrance & Heritage.

SM