Dear ICTP Community,

Please be advised that major renovation and modernization works are actively progressing inside the Leonardo Building. These projects aim to deliver upgraded, more functional facilities while significantly improving energy efficiency and building safety.

Below is an overview of the ongoing and upcoming works, along with expected impacts on daily operations:

1. Library Area
Status: Internal demolition is concluding, and the installation of new electrical and HVAC systems is underway.

Staircase Access: Civil works will take place around the staircase to brick up the current escape door and open the new main entrance to the Library. The staircase will remain open and accessible during these works.

Passage near LB-115: Work will begin in front of office LB-115 to construct a new technical space and a dedicated locker area. This zone will be securely partitioned, and corridor access to the stairs will remain open.

2. Office LB-115 Temporary Closure
WORK SCOPE: Demolition and reconstruction of the dividing wall between office LB-115 and the Library.

IMPACT: Office LB-115 will be unavailable for approximately one week during August.

3. Second Floor Restroom Closures
WORK SCOPE: Removal of asbestos materials in the restrooms adjacent to the Oppenheimer Room, required to connect the main air ducts between the Library and the roof. Includes the removal of asbestos by a specialist company in strict compliance with safety requirements.

IMPACT: Starting at the end of August, all restrooms in this area will be completely closed for a period of several weeks. The exact reopening date depends on statutory inspections and clearances from local regulatory authorities.

4. Windows & Exterior Façade Renovation
Scaffolding Setup: Starting August 18, scaffolding will be erected on the west corner of the building, spanning from the ground level to the roof.

Accessibility: The Dirac stairs, the terrace, and all other passage routes will remain open and fully secured for safe pedestrian traffic throughout this phase.

Window Replacement: High-efficiency, safety-upgraded windows will be installed in the original sea-side wing. The initial phase covers the Library windows and second-floor rooms (Oppenheimer Room, LB-232, LB-233, and LB-236).

Façade Repair: Repairs to the concrete elements of the exterior façade will take place concurrently to secure the structure and prevent falling debris.

5. Roof Works
Timeline: Starting in September.

WORK SCOPE: Construction of a dedicated rooftop technical zone to accommodate the new Air Handling Units (AHUs) serving the renovated Library.

6. Outages of the air-conditioning system during the August and/or September

WORK SCOPE: System integration and connections will require temporary outages of the air-conditioning system in specific areas.

IMPACT: Works are scheduled to begin during the last week of August, provided weather conditions permit (i.e., temperatures are not excessively high). Noise and dust in the area.

  6.1.) CM/Oppenheimer Area:

     - Oppenheimer Room: Disruption lasting one week.
     - Offices LB-227 and LB-230 through LB-236: Disruption lasting one week.

 6.2. Directorate area/ High Energy Area:

     - Offices LB-269A through LB-274B: Disruption lasting one week.
     - Offices LB-275: Disruption lasting two weeks.

  6.3. HE Area:     

     - Offices LB-276, LB-281, and LB-282: Disruption lasting two weeks.
     - Offices LB-277 through LB-280 and LB-283 through LB-292: Disruption lasting one week.
     - Offices LB-256 through LB-268: Disruption lasting one week.

   6.4. Math Corridor Area:

     - Offices LB-113 through LB-115: Disruption lasting one week.During this week only the Office LB-115 will not be available. Other two rooms will be available but without air-conditioning. Noise and dust in the area.



What to Expect & Safety Precautions
We are fully aware that these activities will generate significant noise and dust in certain areas of the building. We ask for your patience and understanding as we work through these necessary phases to deliver a modernized, comfortable, and energy-efficient building.

Please pay close attention to safety signage and temporary barriers.

Do not enter clearly marked work zones.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Best regards,

Facilities Management Office