The political context of star architecture projects: The case of the Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Luzern (KKL)

Abstract

Discussions of urban transformation through flagship architectural projects frequently focus on the material and design aspects of architecture and neglect the factors that contributed to the making of this materiality. However, it is these factors which subsequently enable such projects to become transformative forces within their respective cities. This chapter identifies such key factors and elaborates on the role of the political process that has accompanied the development of the Kulturund Kongresszentrum Luzern (KKL) (Culture and Congress Center Lucerne).