LUCA's latest exhibition is shining a spotlight on Luxembourg’s housing crisis and one proposed way to tackle it. At the heart of the exhibition is the concept of housing cooperatives, an alternative model for affordable and community-driven living that has already found success in other European countries.
Speaking to Dr Céline Zimmer, and Maribel Casas, the director of LUCA, we find out about how cooperatives function. Unlike traditional housing markets, cooperatives are member owned, ensuring each individual has an equal vote regardless of financial investment. This model not only fosters inclusivity but also provides an economically sustainable solution to the ongoing housing challenges in Luxembourg. The exhibition is based on the work of Dr Céline Zimmer.
A key barrier to implementing housing cooperatives has been access to land, but recent policy changes are creating new opportunities. Agora, a development initiative, has designated land specifically for cooperatives, making the concept more viable than ever. Additionally, LUCA is offering guided tours and workshops to help potential members understand how to create and manage cooperative housing projects.
Visitors to the exhibition can expect an engaging, accessible exploration of a complex topic. The exhibition includes architectural references, a historical timeline comparing Luxembourg and Switzerland, and insights into the policy landscape. For those eager to take the next step, LUCA’s "For Future Members Only" workshops provide practical guidance for launching their own cooperative housing initiatives.
Located in Clausen, the exhibition is open Tuesday - Saturday and offers a chance to discover how housing cooperatives could revolutionise affordable living in Luxembourg.
Find out more here: luca.lu/evenements/our-new-housing