Keep UNOG clean - it's your choice!

Keep UNOG clean – it’s your choice!
 (DRAFT!) 

Gardez ONUG propre: C’est votre choix!

Or would you prefer this one? 

Keep UNOG butt free!

Window replacement project
at the United Nations Office at Geneva 

Geneva based UN staff having their offices in the historical building parts of the Palais des Nations went through an enormous construction site in 2013/2014: more than 1000 windows – 1049 to be precise - were replaced in the Palais des Nations within 8 month time only. The works were carried out during ongoing office operations – just next door in some cases.

The first windows were replaced in S (K) building end of February 2013. In order to execute the window replacements, offices had to be completely emptied and staff members had to move to a temporary office space. More than 1500 persons were moved for the window replacement project.  

The construction site was divided in 10 stages (“étapes”) and several sub-stages. Due to the efficient planning of the consulting architectural firm group8 – and the strict adherence to this planning – the windows could be replaced in a minimum of time: approx. 6-7 working days for each window. Seven firms were simultaneously working in one “étape”, swapping places in precisely defined time slots.

In June 2014, the window replacement project was finished and also stores have been put in place. 

The new windows are controlled by the GTC (Gestion Technique Centralisée) – the central control system. At night, all stores will automatically go up and during the hot summer weeks, the upper windows will stay opened during the night to take advantage of cool night air (natural night cooling effect). Thus, the offices are to be fresh in the morning. (During the heating period, the upper windows will be automatically closed.)

The new windows provide a high thermal and also acoustic insulation. Staff members who had their new windows in winter 2013 confirmed that heating can easily be turned down. The new windows will therefore help to remarkably reduce the energy consumption of the Palais des Nations and UNOG’s ecological footprint won’t be as “deep” as before. 

Renovation of Bar Serpent and setting up the new Pasta Corner

After only 4 month of construction work, the new Pasta Corner and the renovated Bar Serpent have opened up for public on 2nd of June 2014. 

UNOG is following a long term strategy to continuously enhance its facilities and working environment. One major aim is the improvement of working and conference spaces at the Palais des Nations, thus including the provision of high quality and healthy nutrition in an inspiring atmosphere. In order to lighten the pressure of the UNOG cafeteria (serving providing approx. 1.500 meals per day), it was decided to create a Pasta Corner in the Bar Serpent Area in building E, 1st floor.

Construction works started in February 2014 and were done within a tight schedule, finishing just in time for the BIT/ILO conference beginning of June 2014. Technical installations were completely upgraded, hazardous materials were removed, new cooking equipment and support facilities were installed. The new facilities are compliant with safety regulations and hygiene standards, but also help to reduce the overall energy consumption due to a new heating, ventilation and air condition system.

The obsolete space behind the existing Bar Serpent was transformed into a “front multiuse cooking service” – serving fresh pasta now, but allowing to change to any other cooking style easily. Laying specific emphasis on the clients’ comfort, space in the whole Bar Serpent area was optimized. Due to the installation of automatic doors as well as installation of a glazed fence, the terrace now complies to safety and accessibility standards and henceforth could be opened to the public, now enjoying its stunning view on the lake.

Sewage Water Separation Site

Location:  In front of the A building, lake side, right in front of the cafeteria

Project description: Sewage Water Separation / Greening the Palais des Nations

 Project duration: April 2014 - September 2014

New Design of the S 6 (Court Room)

Location: S (K) Building, 1rst floor

Project Description: Design for a new courtroom for United Nations Court. 

The design was developed by the Building Unit in close collaboration with the Technical Services for audio and electronic equipment.

Project Duration: September 2013 - February 2014 (Inaugaration)

Sewage water separation at the Palais des Nation

Location: In front of the A Building. Construction site started near Building C, continuing to Building B (crossing the big lawn in front of the cafeteria).

Project description: In order to improve the sewage water separation for the Palais, rain water and sewage water are separated. New tubes are being installed.

Duration: April 2014 - September 2014