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

Scope of Work: Installation of new electrical and HVAC systems is underway. Next week, the installation of a new marble floor will begin.
Impact: Noise and dust in the area.

2. Staircase Access

Scope of Work: Demolition work is complete. Civil works will take place around the staircase to install a new door between the Math corridor and the staircase, as well as to create the new main entrance to the Library.
Impact: The staircase will remain open and accessible during these works, but there will be significant noise and dust.

3. In Front of Office LB-115

Scope of Work: 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.
Impact: The corridor will remain open and accessible during these works, but there will be significant noise and dust.

4. Office LB-115

Scope of Work: Demolition work is complete. Civil works will take place to install a new dividing wall between office LB-115 and the Library, along with a new entrance door.
Impact: Office LB-115 will be available again in the second half of November 2026.

5. Second Floor – Oppenheimer Area Restrooms & Office LB-269A (Asbestos Removal)

Scope of Work: Removal of asbestos materials in the restrooms adjacent to the Oppenheimer Room is underway. This is required to connect the main air ducts between the Library and the roof. The removal of asbestos is being conducted by a specialist company in strict compliance with safety regulations.
Impact: The restrooms in this area will be completely closed. Users may use the restrooms in the HE Section. Office LB-269A is subject to the same closure. The exact reopening date depends on statutory inspections and clearances from local regulatory authorities; works are expected to finish within 20 days. Expect noise in the area.

6. Windows & Exterior Façade Renovation

Scope of Work:

Scaffolding: Erected on the west corner of the building, spanning from ground level to the roof. Window restoration is underway.
Window Replacement: High-efficiency, safety-upgraded windows will be installed in the original seaside 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.

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

7. Roof Works

Scope of Work: Works will start soon to construct a dedicated rooftop technical zone. This will accommodate the new Air Handling Units (AHUs) serving the renovated Library.
Impact: Following asbestos removal, the women’s restrooms in the CM and HE Sections will remain closed to create a passage route from the Library to the roof. During this period, one men’s restroom will be designated for women. Works are scheduled to complete in January 2027. Expect noise and dust in the area.

8. New Air-Conditioning Pipelines (Second Floor)

Scope of Work: To replace rusted piping and restore the original layout, we are relocating the pipes that supply hot and cold water for the second-floor air-conditioning system.
Impact: System integration and connections will require temporary heating/cooling outages in specific areas. Works are currently underway and will continue throughout November 2026. Expect noise and dust in the area.
Affected Areas:

CM Section:

Offices LB-227, LB-230, LB-231, LB-232, LB-233, LB-234, LB-235, and LB-236: Disruption of heating. Portable electric heaters will be provided. Central heating will be restored during November 2026. Expect noise in the area.

Directorate / HE Area:

Offices LB-275, LB-276, LB-281, and LB-282: Disruption of heating. Portable electric heaters will be provided. Central heating will be restored in December 2026.

Offices LB-268, LB-270, LB-276, LB-278, and LB-281: Wall restoration will take place this week and next week. Expect noise and dust in the area.

Math Corridor Area:
Offices LB-113, LB-114, and LB-115: Disruption of heating. Portable electric heaters will be provided. Expect noise in the area.
Office LB-115: Room will be available again in the second half of November 2026. Expect 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. Alternative shared workspaces are available in the Galileo - please approach infopoint for more information.

- Please pay close attention to safety signage and temporary barriers.

- Do not enter clearly marked work zones.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Facilities Management Office

1. Library Area

Scope of Work: Installation of new electrical and HVAC systems is underway. Next week, the installation of a new marble floor will begin.

Impact: Noise and dust in the area.

2. Staircase Access

Scope of Work: Demolition work is complete. Civil works will take place around the staircase to install a new door between the Math corridor and the staircase, as well as to create the new main entrance to the Library.

Impact: The staircase will remain open and accessible during these works, but there will be significant noise and dust.

3. In Front of Office LB-115

Scope of Work: 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.

Impact: The corridor will remain open and accessible during these works, but there will be significant noise and dust.

4. Office LB-115

Scope of Work: Demolition work is complete. Civil works will take place to install a new dividing wall between office LB-115 and the Library, along with a new entrance door.

Impact: Office LB-115 will be available again in the second half of November 2026.

5. Second Floor – Oppenheimer Area Restrooms & Office LB-269A (Asbestos Removal)

6. Windows & Exterior Façade Renovation

Scope of Work:

Scaffolding: Erected on the west corner of the building, spanning from ground level to the roof. Window restoration is underway.

Window Replacement: High-efficiency, safety-upgraded windows will be installed in the original seaside 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.

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

7. Roof Works

Scope of Work: Works will start soon to construct a dedicated rooftop technical zone. This will accommodate the new Air Handling Units (AHUs) serving the renovated Library.

8. New Air-Conditioning Pipelines (Second Floor)

Scope of Work: To replace rusted piping and restore the original layout, we are relocating the pipes that supply hot and cold water for the second-floor air-conditioning system.

Impact: System integration and connections will require temporary heating/cooling outages in specific areas. Works are currently underway and will continue throughout November 2026. Expect noise and dust in the area.

What to Expect & Safety Precautions