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3 It is with pleasure that I present to you – Design first - build smart – a visual summary of excellence in Luxembourg architectural and engineering design at home and in other countries. The selected works for this publication were chosen either because they demonstrate a Luxembourg architectural project realised in a foreign country or/and were awarded at least one, if not multiple, environmental certifications. This new book thematically showcases the talent of our growing number of architects within Luxembourg’s Order of Architects and Consulting Engineers (OAI), an important pillar of our country. This is a very dynamic and growing sector. In 25 years, the number of architect offices has almost tripled (482 in 2015) and the number of consulting engineer offices has almost quadrupled (193 in 2015). These offices employ more than 4,300 people in Luxembourg. On an economic, social, artistic and cultural level, the OAI’s mission is to help people to attain sustainable, smart and high-quality living and working environments. Luxembourg has for some time recognised the importance of attractive living and working environments where people thrive in communion with their surroundings while adhering as closely as possible to the concept of a circular or no waste economy. For this reason, here at the Ministry of the Economy, we place great value on the architectural engineering and environmental certifications. These awards distinguish the skill and effort expended to successfully achieve the harmonisation of ecological, economic and social interests with the needs of clients, both in Luxembourg and other countries, and the general public who also have a stake in their surroundings. Architects, consulting engineers and construction companies are now focussing on developing products and materials that are safe for human health and the environment and that can be reused perpetually. They are integrating solar power, eliminating waste, raising energy efficiency and creating buildings that are beautifully modular in look and function, respect local ecosystems and are adaptable to a diverse range of customer desires. This book celebrates the tangible results of a design philosophy that considers the end of life of everything that goes into a building and potential impacts into the future. I am proud to offer Luxembourg architects and consulting engineers more of the visibility they deserve and the projects described herein these pages should encourage further attractive sustainable building. I hope you enjoy viewing the exceptional works in “ Design first - build smart ” as much as I have. Étienne Schneider Deputy Prime Minister Minister of the Economy