April 26, 2024
Bulletin interne de l'Institut Pasteur
The construction of the new building for the Vector-Borne Diseases Center (CMTV) is a fantastic opportunity to position the Institut Pasteur as a leader in what has become a crucial research field, given the future impacts of climate change.
The first stage of the project, which involves dismantling the Darré-Borrel building at 25, rue du Docteur Roux, will begin on Tuesday April 16 and is set to be completed by mid-August 2024. The demolition, excavation and earthworks, followed by the laying of foundations for the new building, will take place during 2024-2025, with the aim of reaching the final stages by the end of 2027.
We are aware of the legitimate concerns of Institut Pasteur staff working in nearby buildings regarding this construction project and the potential disruption and inconvenience to their activities and working conditions.
Several measures have been taken to minimize this impact.
The demolition and construction processes are tried and tested, having already been used by the teams in charge of building projects on campus, especially during the construction of the François Jacob building in 2008 and 2009, even though the new CMTV building will probably have a greater impact on scientists working nearby because of its location.
As with every building project undertaken on campus, a great deal of thought and consideration went into the planning of the construction process to keep disruption of any kind (noise, visual impact, vibrations, dust, etc.) to a minimum, both for the teams working in nearby buildings and for local residents living in the streets near the building site.
Technical solutions have already been agreed to secure the site and ensure that work on campus, especially research activities, can continue during this period of demolition and construction and that Institut Pasteur staff and visitors will be able to circulate safely on the 25, rue du Docteur Roux side of campus.
The following measures have been taken:
- Closed site (protective hoarding and separate secure access).
- Separate entrance and exit ways (not the regular campus entrances), minimal use of audible warning devices for reversing vehicles, waiting vehicles will turn off their engines.
- Trucks will be given a specific area for maneuvering to avoid blocking the site exit.
- Use of appropriate demolition and handling methods and equipment; controlled, gradual dismantling to prevent large debris from falling and keep vibrations to a minimum.
- Use of electrical equipment as far as possible for loosening.
- Compliance with set working times: 8am to 7pm with a break from 12 noon to 1pm.
- Installation of sound sensors to measure the noise level at all times so that the source of any noise can be pinpointed and potential improvements can be made.
- Use of walkie-talkies by the construction teams to avoid shouting or whistling.
- Installation of sound barrier fences in some areas.
- Replacement of some windows in adjacent buildings on the Institut Pasteur site: this has already been done in building 62 on the campus side and is under way on the road side. Replacement of windows in building 65 still needs to be scheduled.
- Provision of ear plugs or headphones on request for staff that require them (email cmtv@pasteur.fr).
- Demolition fences will be installed by mobile cranes to protect buildings 61, 62 and 63 from any flying debris.
- Mist cannons will be used to prevent the spread of dust.
In the event of specific difficulties at certain times during the building work that are particularly disruptive for research, we would suggest that those directly affected should contact their department director and their local HR contact so that each situation can be analyzed separately and individual measures and adjustments proposed.
We are available if you have any questions, remarks or requests regarding the building project (cmtv@pasteur.fr) and we are committed to providing regular detailed updates and transparent information over the course of the construction period.
We would like to thank you for your cooperation.
Kind regards,
Anna Kehres, CMTV Project Manager
Nathalie Denoyés, Vice-President CSR and Technical Resources
Frédéric Durand, Vice-President Human Resources