In the competition to expand Monaco, Libeskind and Foster are the favorites

Paris - The competition in which the principality of Monaco is selecting a contractor for a mammoth construction project, representing another expansion of this tiny state’s area at the expense of the sea, already has its favorites. Among the five finalists who have approached some of the world’s most famous architects, two development groups are in the lead - one is collaborating with American Daniel Libeskind, while the other has chosen British creator Norman Foster. This was disclosed by Monaco’s Prime Minister Jean-Paul Proust.
    Prince Albert II intends to expand Monaco’s territory by about 15 hectares, or ten percent. The total costs of the operation, which is expected to result in new offices and apartments covering an area of 275,000 square meters, are estimated at five to ten billion euros (about 125 to 245 billion crowns).
    Last year, a quintet of companies was selected from the applicants who will be making the decision. Proust revealed that the Dutch-Belgian company Monte Carlo Sea Land, which entrusted the project to Daniel Libeskind, and the French-Italian association Monte Carlo Development Company working with Norman Foster are currently in the best position. He also emphasized that the competition is still open, with the announcement of results expected later this year.
    Architects had to grapple with a very complex task. The prince requires that the "new land" does not threaten underwater life, so the foundation for the buildings must be on stilts to be as eco-friendly as possible.
    The expansion of the second smallest state in the world is necessitated by the continuing growth in population. This has increased by a third over the past 40 years to the current 32,500 and is expected to reach nearly 38,000 by 2010. The expansion of Monaco into the sea has already seen its first phase completed: since the 1980s, the principality has gained 20 hectares in this manner.