La Porte

The two buildings rise up on either side of Avenue JF Kennedy, the latter representing an axis of symmetry. They are clearly incorporated into the flow of the city and soar above it like pillars of a permeable fortress, signalling an entrance to the Kirchberg Plateau or framing a view over the Luxembourg valley. They answer each other harmoniously, despite the traffic barrier that separates them. They have a slim profile, their silhouette is light, their double-skin glass façade is rhythmed by interior blinds deployed in an arbitrary manner. On the road side, pillars support each building to maintain a sheltered walkway. And on one side of the road, a wide square covered in grey granite and equipped with street furniture welcomes residents and those who work in the neighbourhood. A monumental stairway allows for a gentle ascent, and provides access to the philharmonic society. On the other side, the surrounding public space has abundant trees, contrasting with the regular minerality nearby.

La Porte incorporates two 68m high twin office towers for the European Economic Community, completing the Kirchberg Plateau urban project, which also includes residential, hotel, and office areas.

The project was completed in 2002 by RBTA, along with the structural engineering company Gehl Jacoby et Associés.

The metal and glass twin towers are located on either side of Avenue J.F. Kennedy at the end of the Grande Duchesse Charlotte Bridge. Since 2003, they have acted as the western gateway to the Kirchberg Plateau, the seat of European institutions in Luxembourg.

RBTA’s towers, together with the Alcide de Gasperi Building and the two towers of the European Court of Justice, are important features of the emerging Kirchberg skyline.