Science Gateway, CERN’s new flagship centre for science education and outreach designed by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop and brodbeck roulet architectes associés, continues to take shape.
The first tube structure was installed in August 2021 next to the Esplanade des Particules. Its tubular twin will be erected on 22 October on the other side of the road, causing no traffic disruptions. The two steel cylinders, measuring 10 metres in diameter and 85 and 67 metres in length, evoke the underground tunnels of the LHC. They will house CERN’s permanent and temporary exhibitions, where people of all ages will have the chance to find out about CERN’s discoveries.
The tubular structures will be connected by a bridge sitting 6 metres above the Route de Meyrin. The installation of the bridge will take place between 25 October and 2 November 2021. To minimise traffic disruptions, this structure will be erected during the night from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. The nights concerned are 25–26, 26–27 and 27–28 October and 1–2 November.
Motor vehicle traffic will be diverted through Rue Germaine Tillion (D35), crossing the communes of Prévessin-Moëns and Ferney-Voltaire in France and the town of Meyrin in Switzerland, via the Avenue Auguste-François-Dubois. These disruptions will not affect cyclists, pedestrians or public transport (stops along lines 18 and 68 will be accessible at all times, except from 1 a.m. to 4.40 a.m.). Traffic officers will be present throughout the duration of the works.
Although everything is being done to limit the negative impact of these works, some unavoidable inconveniences may remain. CERN thanks residents for their understanding and recommends that drivers exercise caution and comply with road signage.
The architectural complex will include two striking features contributing to environmental sustainability: solar panels and a forest. Up to 1860 solar panels will be installed on the three pavilions that will house a large 900-seat amphitheatre, education labs, an exhibition, the reception area and the restaurant. The forest, with more than 400 trees, will provide a nature-filled experience for people exploring the area on foot. Science Gateway is due to open to the public in 2023.