Press release

EUROCONTROL partners with RPBW to build its future Innovation Hub

Thomas Niederkorn (Architect- Engineer at RPBW), Laurent Renou (Head of Innovation at EUROCONTROL), Daniele Franceschin (Partner at RPBW),  Raúl Medina    (EUROCONTROL Director General,) Renzo Piano (RPBW CEO, Founder & Architect), Eric Perrin (EIH Relocation Manager, EUROCONTROL) & David Krautheim (Head of Procurement, EUROCONTROL)

From left: Thomas Niederkorn (Architect- Engineer at RPBW), Laurent Renou (Head of Innovation at EUROCONTROL), Daniele Franceschin (Partner at RPBW),  Raúl Medina (EUROCONTROL Director General,) Renzo Piano (RPBW CEO, Founder & Architect), Eric Perrin (EIH Relocation Manager, EUROCONTROL) & David Krautheim (Head of Procurement, EUROCONTROL) 

16 September 2024 - Today EUROCONTROL has selected architecture studio Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW) to lead the design of the new premises for EUROCONTROL’s Innovation Hub (EIH).

Currently located at Brétigny, the EIH will be moving to a new home in the Paris-Saclay Innovation Playground - a leading European innovation cluster ranked among the top 10 in the world. The decision follows a public call for tender.

RPBW will design and build a new, cutting-edge simulation and innovation centre, ensuring that the EIH can continue to thrive as a hub of collaborative innovation for European aviation. This facility will support stakeholders in developing solutions that address the key challenges facing the aviation industry.

The design phase is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025, with construction work starting in spring 2026. The new EIH premises are expected to be operational by summer 2028.

1. From left: Raúl Medina, EUROCONTROL DG with Renzo Piano, RPBW Founder & CEO

"This project marks an exciting new chapter for the EUROCONTROL Innovation Hub, and we look forward to seeing RPBW translate our ambitions into a bold, state-of-the-art building.

Relocating the EIH to Saclay demonstrates our commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration and excellence in aviation: the new building will be a world-class facility that meets the highest standards of excellence and sustainability.

This new facility will allow us to continue to strengthen our research and innovation services to our Member States and stakeholders, driving forward-thinking solutions for the future of European aviation”.

"We are delighted to be partnering with EUROCONTROL to deliver the new facility which will house their Innovation Hub near Paris.

The new building represents a shared vision of a future where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. The design of the new building is inspired by a hangar with clear functional blocs in support of the Hub’s core activities: a simulation centre, a collaboration space and offices.

The driving principles behind our design are modularity, flexibility, light and an open space conferring to the site a unique, strong and recognisable architectural identity."

Renzo Piano CEO, Founder and Architect RPBW
Renzo Piano signing the agreement

"We are honoured to design EUROCONTROL’s new Innovation Hub. This project is about creating a dynamic space that will shape the future of collaborative work and innovation, offering EUROCONTROL’s teams a dynamic workspace with a focus on well-being.

By prioritising low-carbon, mass timber construction and ensuring abundant natural light, fresh air and green spaces, the design reflects a deep commitment to sustainability and the comfort of its users. This thoughtfully crafted, cutting-edge environment will embody EUROCONTROL’s unique identity, inspiring innovation, collaboration and excellence while supporting the evolving needs of their teams.”

Daniele Franceschin Partner RPBW

Background

At the EUROCONTROL Innovation Hub we develop innovative solutions to support the continuous evolution of European aviation, ensuring the adoption of technological and operational advancements that maximise aviation efficiency, safety and sustainability.

We do so in collaboration with our Member States, air navigation service providers, airports, airspace users, industry, academia and research centres from across Europe and beyond.

Our activities focus on innovation, research, simulations and new airspace entrants (drones and UAM – urban air mobility).

About RPBW

The Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW) was established by Renzo Piano 1981 with offices in Genoa, Italy and Paris, France.  RPBW is led by 12 partners, including Pritzker Prize Laureate, architect Renzo Piano.  The practice permanently employs about 100 architects and 30 support staff including 3D visualisation artists, BIM managers, model makers, archivists, and administrative and secretarial staff.  The RPBW team has extensive experience working in multi-disciplinary teams on building projects in France, Italy and abroad.

RPBW architects are involved in projects from start to finish and typically provide full architectural design and consultancy services through the construction phase. Their design skills and capacity extend beyond architectural services to include interior design, master planning, landscape design and exhibition design services. 

RPBW has successfully undertaken and completed over 140 projects worldwide. Exhibitions of RPBW's work have been showcased in cities like London, Shanghai, Paris and most recently, Toronto. Currently, projects in progress include among others: The Tokio Marine Headquarters in Tokyo, the Paris North Hospital, the Centre for Arts and Innovation in Boca Raton, the new Politecnico di Milano campus in Milan and the Waterfront di Levante in Genoa.

Bew EIH building - Exterior image
New EIH building - Interior image 1
New EIH building - Interior image 2

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