On Thursday, architects and engineers were the focus of an interview on RTL Radio with Pierre Hurt, Director of the Order of Architects and Consulting Engineers (OAI), which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year.
Founded in 1990, the OAI was created to unify architects and consulting engineers under one professional body and to represent their interests with a common voice. In Luxembourg, anyone wishing to practise as an architect or engineer must be registered with the OAI and adhere to its standards of professional conduct and independence.
Hurt noted that the organisation was established by a group of volunteer architects and engineers, and that he had the opportunity to be involved from the very beginning. He explained that the founding vision also included a broader ambition: to create a global concept for environmental and social cohesion.
Faster, simpler construction requires fewer procedures
During the interview, Hurt acknowledged the ongoing difficulties in the property sector, attributing much of the strain to a widespread lack of confidence. He stressed the need to adjust various mechanisms to help rebuild trust, although he noted that some influencing – such as financing conditions – lie beyond local control. With interest rates now beginning to ease, he believes the time is right to reassess fundamental questions: how we build, what we build, and whether every existing regulation is truly necessary.
As an example, he pointed to Germany’s "Building Type E", a simplified model that allows for faster, more straightforward construction without compromising quality. Luxembourg, he argued, should consider similar approaches and reflect more deeply on urban density, particularly ensuring that new development is concentrated in areas well served by public transport.
He also emphasised the importance of involving citizens in these discussions. In addition, he advocated for a simpler administrative framework to speed up processes and repeated the need to rebuild public trust so that people feel confident investing in Luxembourg again.
A shortage of affordable housing
Hurt also highlighted the urgent need for a major push in affordable housing. He warned that for many, especially young people just entering the workforce, buying or renting a home has become increasingly out of reach. To address this, he called for a stronger focus on alternative housing models, such as tiny houses, shared living arrangements, and co-ownership schemes. However, he noted that this would require openness from both local authorities and developers.
The OAI, he added, has the expertise to implement such solutions, but large-scale action would require committed investment from a three-way partnership between the state, municipalities, and the private sector.
Bringing architecture closer to the public
More broadly, the OAI is working to make architecture more accessible to the general public. As part of this effort, a major European conference titled Partnership for Resilient Design is taking place today in Kirchberg. Other initiatives include the Bauhärepräis, which puts clients and project owners at the heart of architectural recognition, as Hurt explained.
When asked about the future of construction, Hurt responded that it is above all about rethinking how we build today. He added that Luxembourg is at the forefront of cooperation between architects, engineers, and urban planners – a strength which, he said, Luxembourg is now sharing with Europe through this conference.
