Cranes and construction workers have become commonplace in International Geneva, where around a dozen major renovation and new building projects External linkare underway for international organisations based in the Swiss city. (RTS/swissinfo.ch)
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Born in London, Simon is a multimedia journalist who has worked for www.swissinfo.ch since 2006. He speaks French, German and Spanish and focuses on science, technology and innovation issues.
Over CHF2 billion ($2.05 billion) is being invested over the next ten years in the district, which is home to 37 international organisations and 380 non-governmental organisations. Much of the finance consists of federal and cantonal loans.
The biggest chunk is for the historic United Nations Palais des Nations building, which is being renovated at a cost of CHF836.5 million – half financed by interest-free loans from the government and canton Geneva. A new building is also being constructed in the UN complex for 700 staff.
At the World Health Organization (WHO) a nine-storey office block is replacing an ageing wing in a style that mirrors the original Sixties design of Swiss architect Jean Tschumi. Since 2015, construction has also been underway on Campus Santé, a new building to house 1,500 staff from the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and GAVI, a global vaccine alliance.
In the same neighbourhood, the imposing International Labour Organization (ILO) headquarters, built between 1969-1974, is also getting a major facelift. Asbestos is being removed and the interiors are being remodelled. Near the ILO, a major building site is due to sprout for the “Cité internationale du Grand Morillon” – a new headquarters for Médecins sans Frontières, as well as Graduate Institute student lodgings and apartments for international staff.
Mobility investment
The Red Cross family is also getting a makeover. The historic Carlton headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is being refitted to ensure it meets modern safety and energy standards. Nearby, work on a new headquarters for its sister organisation, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, began in 2016.
To top it all, a stunning new concert hall complex known as the “Cité de la Musique” is set to open in 2022 next to the Place des Nations square. The modern pointed glass and concrete building will house four concert halls, including a 1,700-seater octagonal philharmonic hall.
The local authorities are also investing CHF500 million by 2025 in mobility for the international district. This will include an underground road tunnel from the nearby motorway, an extension of a tram line north of the Place des Nations to Grand-Saconnex and eventually to the town of Ferney, just over the border in France.
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International Geneva’s metamorphosis gathers pace
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The international district in Geneva is undergoing huge changes as part of the long-term “Jardin des Nations” cantonal development project. In all, over CHF2 billion ($2 billion) is being invested in new buildings and major renovations, as well as local transport. A considerable chunk of the finance consists of federal and cantonal loans. Here are…
Geneva’s City of Music complex starts to take shape
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The future “City of MusicExternal link” design is the result of a partnership between Gonçalo Byrne and Pierre-Alain Dupraz, architects from Lisbon and Geneva, respectively. The complex features a curved pointed roof and glass facades. It is expected to open in December 2022, and will house four concert halls, including a 1,700-seater octagonal-shaped philharmonic hall with the stage…
UN opens doors to Geneva public before renovations
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UN officials are hoping for at least 20,000 people to pass through the security gates on Saturday to visit the historic Palais buildingExternal link, constructed in the 1930s, and surrounding park, to get a glimpse of their work. A special programmeExternal link has been organised including free guided tours, photo and art exhibitions, concerts, dance…
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United Nations officials have shared details of the renovation work due to begin next year on the sprawling and historic Palais des Nations complex in Geneva. Some staff are unhappy with the plans for a makeover into a modern operational UN hub.
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The financing is not yet guaranteed, and before any work can start, Geneva must wait for the on-going $2 billion restoration of the UN’s New York headquarters to be completed. (RTS/swissinfo.ch)
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The Swiss cabinet on Wednesday agreed to lend CHF9.9 million ($10.3 million) towards the renovation of the ICRC’s headquarters building in Geneva. The money will be reimbursed over 30 years at a preferential interest rate. The historic white building, known as the ‘Carlton’ and located opposite the United Nations complex, was constructed in 1876 and…
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.