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Q1. Why is the renovation being done?

Like all the buildings on the Place de Fontenoy site, the architecture of Building V is very remarkable. It is representative of the combined talents of its architect, Bernard Zehrfuss and the designer builder Jean Prouvé.

50 years after its construction in 1969, this building suffers from many problems linked to the obsolescence of its installations (power cuts, water infiltration problems, malfunctions of the air conditioning and heating system and other problems which affect the comfort of users). This poses significant risks of dysfunction for the Organization.

As such, at its 38th session, the General Conference took note with concern of the critical condition of the Miollis / Bonvin buildings, in particular the oldest, Building V (Miollis) and requested the Director-General to find the funds necessary for the realization of technical and architectural studies for its renovation in stages.

 

Q2. What are the benefits?

Allow this 20th century building to be used in the 21st century. Restore roofs and facades to stop corrosion. Improve thermal and acoustic performance as well as interior comfort.

Q3. How long will it take?

It is planned to execute the entire project over a period of 5 years: one year for studies and 4 years for works. The project will be divided into several phases, with the aim of limiting renovation costs while taking into account technical and architectural constraints.

Q4. When does it start?

The project was launched in January this year with the first allotment from the bank.

Actual works were projected to start as of beginning 2021, but due to the COVID-19 crisis, it is now possible that the works will begin mid-2021 ; the 5 year schedule allocated during the feasibility studies allows this flexibility; the aim is to finish in FIVE YEARS timeframe from the receipt of the first loan instalment, namely beginning 2025

Q5. The first year will be dedicated for studies. When and how will the results of the engineering studies be communicated to the HQC in order for the Committee to give the Director-General the guidelines and recommendations that it deems useful?

As regular practice, communication will be ensured through the HQC reports; specific meetings or information will be organized when deemed necessary.

A virtual meeting of the Headquarters Committee could be envisaged, if the current situation (COVID-19) continues.

Q6. How much does it cost?

The works were estimated at 41,8 million euros.

Q7. How is it funded?

By its Resolution 40C / 79, the General Conference authorized the Director-General to take out loans with a cumulative capital of 41.8 million euros for the renovation of building V (Miollis). It also expressed its deep gratitude to the French Government for its offer to guarantee and assume the interest on these loans.

In this context, two loan offers were signed. One with the European Investment Bank for 26.5 million euros and the other with BNP-Paribas for 15.3 million euros.

Q8. Who is in charge of the project?

The Director General in collaboration with the Headquarters Committee. The project will be coordinated by the Assistant Director General for Administration and Management. An Advisory Steering Committee has also been created for this specific project in order to monitor and advise the Director General on its execution.

Q9. Who are the contractor / how will they be selected?

The company ICADE PROMOTION has been selected as the “Assistant au Maître d’Ouvrage” in compliance with UNESCO’s procurement procedures as per its administrative manual.

Q.10 What information will be provided to Member States on the characteristics of the new building V: number of meeting rooms, new sanitary facilities, type of flooring, etc.

As per usual practice, Information will be sent to HQC through the meetings, as per usual practice; it is also to be recalled that given the limited budget but also given the limits of the Building’s architecture, no major changes are projected; only full renovation for compliance to safety rules and environmental practices, all within the actual configuration.

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Q1. How would asbestos risks be dealt with during the renovation works?

If the presence of asbestos presence was confirmed during the works, what would be the possible impact on the project deadlines and its duration, on the budget?  How is this risk taken into account?  What is the proposed alternative in this case if the asbestos removal is not covered by the budget reserved for risks (7-10%)?

 

The feasibility study took on board the asbestos presence identified during the studies; However, it is until we start the renovation works that the full risk will be assessed since not all asbestos can be identified prior to disposal/demolition of material parts of the building.

About the reserve for risks set aside and included in the budget for this and all other type of risks: given the very low amount of the budget approved for the project, the reserve is already insufficient.

AMO must include the analysis of these risks during the evaluation of the project (first phase of its mission).

Q2. Did the Secretariat negotiate the budget of the works on the basis of unchanged prices for 5 years?

We will wait for AMO (Assistant Project Manager specialized firm) to confirm final cost including inflation.

Q3. How would we adapt the project if there are new requirements in the legislation?

The procedures in force in the host country will be applied in order to avoid any risks for users and workers in the site.

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Q1. Is there enough space to lodge Permanent Delegations during the works?

Yes. There will be enough space. Feasibility study presented several phases of work allowing to remove the minimum number of Permanent Delegations office at a time. Currently, work phases are being optimized based on available space to reduce risks and optimize costs.’ This will be improved since the available space now is 200 offices within the Miollis-Bonvin site. It is expected to have phases of longer duration (minimum 1 year of temporary premises per Delegation before returning to a renovated building); this aspect is the first challenge that will be externalized to the specialists (AMO) that were recently hired and within the first year of studies of the overall renovation project.

Q2. Is my Delegation going to move?

If you are in Building V definitely yes, but if you are in Building VI probably not unless a change is needed to accommodate space for others.

Q3. Based on which criteria will it be decided if a delegation in building VI needs to move in order to accommodate space for others delegations coming from building V?

Space allocation will be based on equal to less surface basis, and it is decided upon the need of the renovation project.

Q4. Where is my Delegation going to move?

In one of the buildings at the Miollis-Bonvin site. Any Delegation who may be accommodated by their State in a provisional area outside UNESCO is welcome to do so.

Q5. Can my Delegation move to a location outside of UNESCO premises during the work and return when the works are completed?

Yes. However, this needs to be studied as early as possible.

Q6. When is my Delegation going to move?

The renovation works will be undertaken wing by wing, and the move of delegations to the swing space will follow the same approach. Phase 1 of the move will include delegations occupying the north wing of the building on Miollis street, the ground floor, patio 1 and 2 in the basement. Phase 2 will include the south wing.

Q7. Could the two phases be inverted? For example, could we start with the technical equipment and the facade, which are the most obsolete and are the origin of risks (electricity, environment)

This is the main issue of the studies that will be conducted during the first year of the operation.

Q8. Before returning to their office space, how will Delegations be consulted on their specific requirements (eg divisions between individual offices, security, etc.)

Delegations are being consulted now and will be consulted also before returning to their space.

Q9. Who will pay for the office removals during the renovation works?

The project includes a provision to cover these costs: one move to a temporary space and a second one back to the renovated building V space.

Q10. Will my delegation pay more / less for office space, both during the move, and once completed?

Rental rates will be maintained during the renovation works. Any changes have to be studied by the Headquarters committee.

Q11. Is the parking going to be concerned by the renovation works?

Yes, at different stages depending on project requirements to access main technical areas.

Q12. Will there be access of CD cars of Permanent Delegations and drop off area during works?

Yes. It depends at what stage of the project. Bonvin entrance will be the alternative place. Studies need to be undertaken first to know exactly from when.

Q13. Will the Delegates bar be closed during the works?

Yes, at some stage depending on the phasing of the project that will be defined first semester 2020.

Q14. Will the JCU be open as usual during the works?

Yes, since it is located in Bonvin building, not in Building V.

Q15. Will another office be designated to replace the delegates Miollis meeting room M8.41 located at the 8th floor of Bonvin?

Yes, when the works start, we will make sure we get a similar space in that site.

Q16. Will services provided now to Permanent Delegations remain the same in the temporary offices?

Yes

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Q1. Following the works, will Permanent Delegations return to the same space and the same surface?

Yes. It is planned that way, for now.

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Q1: Will the removal company provide all the packing material? Who will pack?

Yes, the company will supply the all the material required for the moves (boxes, wraps, labels..) and will ensure safety packing of your items; One box will be provided for personal items the day of the move.

Q2: The moves will take place from spring 2021, do we have the exact chronological dates?

Not yet, the company will contact each Delegation to determine the exact dates for their move; the aim is to choose the least disturbing timing for each Delegation. Important to note that all Delegations would have to complete the move within the set timeframe meaning: mid-March – end of May.

Q3: Is the current space occupied by each Delegation available in the temporary premises?

Yes, the current plan of temporary accommodation includes the same surface for each Delegation that the one in their current contract. This will avoid having to create new contracts. Thus the contractual conditions and the rate will remain the same.

Q4: What is the rental rate in Building VI ?

For the Permanent Delegations it is the same as in Building V.

Q5: During the works, how will disturbance (noise, security) be treated?

There will be limiting partitions to isolate the works from the non-renovated parts; It will be difficult to avoid disturbances but the enterprises will be fully aware that the site is occupied, to propose measures to keep noise within reasonable limits.

The Secretariat took note of an idea for noise monitoring.

About safety, the work site access will be separated from the workers.

Q6: When will the facade be dismantled?

The optimal technique to dismantle the old facade will be determined by the architect selected for the project. The process of selection is taking place now.

At this stage, it can be expected that the facade will be dismantled at the same time with the rest of all the obsolete material that will be replaced or renovated.

Q7: Will the “Cercle des Délégués” be renovated?

Given the budget made available for this renovation, the scope of the renovation is limited to the office areas; The valorization and embellishment of the Cercle des Délégués, the conference room XVI, and common areas is not included unless additional resources can be identified (contributions, etc..).

Q8: After each phase of renovation, will the Permanent Delegations return to their original office space?

Yes. It is planned for each Delegation to return to their current space once it has been renovated.

Q9: What about IT wiring (telephone, internet) in the temporary offices?

Same services as today. Those Delegations using UNESCO IT access will find the same access at the temporary space (included in the project).

Those who have connected other services need to contact their service-providers to plan their connection in advance (this is not included within the renovation project).

Q10. Can we have the flexibility/make suggestions to change the layout during the renovation such as revisit the distribution of offices within the existing space of our offices?

The building VI (Bonvin) does not offer the possibility to make changes in space configuration. However, Building V (Miollis) does. This modularity will be kept as one of the objectives of the renovation plan. When the building will be renovated, the Permanent Delegations can indeed make suggestions to optimize their space or to change their layout.