Architectour

23 Articles and the City of Luxembourg were to follow this example by involving pres- tigious names in their urban develop- ment and construction projects. Out in the field, Luxembourg-based firms got involved in the execution of various projects, often playing a discreet, low- key role. New buildings are also in- corporating strong aesthetic elements and becoming objects of curiosity: the interest is focused on their design and what they reveal, above and beyond their often mundane functions. Furthermore, architecture is a part of the branding process for those in economic or political power. Luxembourg’s year as European Capital of Culture, 1995, highlighted another shortcoming in the form of infrastructure and contemporary cul- tural programming--a lag for which the government and the City planned to compensate with the construction of 10 museums and performance venues over a 20-year period! Business and cultural infrastructures help improve a city’s positioning among major cit- ies and attract business travellers. The decentralisation of culture began in the late 1970s with the restoration, promotion and cultural exploitation of feudal heritage, with the movement continuing in the early 21st century with the creation of nine performance venues offering cultural programmes across various regions. These cultur- 5. MUDAM, Luxembourg