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ARCHIVE CONTENT
13 NOV. 2024
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On 12 November 2024, the European Space Agency signed a pivotal contract with Witteveen+Bos, in the Netherlands, and SBGA | Blengini Ghirardelli, for the Accelerated Investment Project (AIP) at ESTEC, ESA’s European Space Research and Technology Centre in Noordwijk, Netherlands.
With more than 32,000 metres squared of space included in the renovation, the AIP marks an ambitious contract by ESA and the private companies to reorganise and modernise the ESA ESTEC campus. The plan hopes to make the campus a more collaborative work environment that is just as inspiring as the name ESA itself.
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Artist's impression ESA-ESTEC
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Signing for ESTEC AIP
“To meet the challenges of 21st-century space exploration and research, ESA is embarking on an ambitious modernisation project,” explains Marco Ferrazzani, Director of Internal Services. “The AIP ESTEC represents a bold step in transforming the general infrastructure of ESTEC, ESA's largest establishment and the heart of our technological innovation. Built in the 1960s, ESTEC has been the birthplace of countless space missions and scientific breakthroughs.”
One of the stand-out features in the plan is The Orbit, a central area that most colleagues will pass through daily. It will act as a hub for those working as well as a space for visitors to have greater visibility of ESA’s technical research activities. The Orbit will connect various independent buildings, housing both office space and laboratories.
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Signing for ESTEC AIP
The redevelopment plan also marks a significant step towards ESA’s Green Agenda, with new sustainable workspaces aiding the reduction of ESA’s environmental footprint.
“ESA has embarked on an ambitious multi-year project that aims to significantly modernise and rationalise the general infrastructure of the site. This forward-thinking initiative not only seeks to upgrade the existing facilities but also to emphasise sustainability and create a collaborative and inspiring work environment. We are proud to be part of the journey,” says Jean-Louis Bock, Head of the ESTEC AIP & Infrastructure Projects Office, ESA Estates and Facilities Management Department.
Witteveen+Bos are associated with architecture office SBGA. Their expertise in project management, design and engineering made them the standout choice. They will play a crucial
role in bringing ESA’s vision to life, from planning and design to supervision of the construction process.
“This project is more than an infrastructure upgrade; it is a statement of ESA's commitment to excellence, sustainability, and innovation. The new ESTEC will not only enhance ESA’s capabilities but also inspire the next generation of space scientists and engineers,” concludes Marco Ferrazzani.
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