The Faculty of Law and Political Science at the University of Côte d’Azur has emerged from a year of renovation work. 14 million euros have been invested to make the buildings on the Trotabas campus more eco-friendly.
The facade of the main building leaves no doubt that changes have taken place on the Trotabas campus, located on Magnan Hill. The project, led by Bouygues Bâtiment Sud-Est, was delivered on November 13, in the presence of Christian Estrosi. The mayor of Nice received a tour from Dean Xavier Latour to appreciate the extent of the work accomplished.
As part of the Plan France Relance implemented by the government, the University of Côte d’Azur, following a call for projects, received 54 million euros in funding to renovate and improve the energy and environmental performance of its aging campuses. 13.3 million euros were allocated to Trotabas.
The dean describes it as an “absolutely remarkable transformation.” The buildings, dating back to the late 1960s, had a bad reputation for being too cold in winter and too hot in summer. Significant energy renovation work has been carried out to improve the users’ quality of life and reduce the energy bill by 60% annually.
Less Cold in Winter and Less Hot in Summer
Fossil fuels have been phased out in favor of cleaner energy. Seven heat pumps have replaced the gas and oil boilers. 1,900 m² of solar panels have been installed on the rooftop terraces and shaded parking areas. Depending on the weather, these photovoltaic panels could allow up to 40% savings.
The entire building insulation has been revised, from the facade to the roofs. Double glazing has made its appearance. In total, nearly 900 doors and windows have been replaced, and 1,000 lamps have been changed in favor of low-energy LED lighting.
To address high summer temperatures, sunbreakers with a visor system have been installed on the facades to reduce the influx of sunlight. There is no air conditioning system, but a cooling system now exists in the five lecture halls thanks to the installation of eight air handling units.
Greening and Sustainable Mobility
Outside, a pergola has been installed to create “a relaxation area.” During 2024, 2,680 trees are expected to be planted across the site. The greening work is managed by the city of Nice to create “a forest garden.” Dean Xavier Latour talks about cool islands as a means of “ensuring biodiversity and maintaining a remarkable working environment.”
To promote sustainable mobility, seven charging stations for electric vehicles have been installed. Sixty bike spaces have been created, which will be accompanied by about twenty lockers with electrical outlets.
Modernization Work
These renovations have also refreshed the “salle des pas perdus” (hall of lost steps), thanks in part to a collaboration with students from L’École de Condé. This unique corridor houses a mosaic by the painter Marc Chagall dating from 1968. “The Message of the Universe” underwent meticulous restoration “craftsmanship” by La Réserve-Gestion de Collections, restoring it tessera by tessera.
Two lecture halls have also been modernized and equipped with more advanced technology. The Cristini amphitheater has become versatile; it can now be transformed into a courtroom for mock trials.
The quote by Emmanuel Kant “Dare to Know” was inscribed on the building housing amphitheaters 1 and 2, following a student vote.
The building features sunshades. ©Eloïse Esmingeaud The 1,900 m² of photovoltaic panels will be operational from December. ©Eloïse Esmingeaud Christian Estrosi and Xavier Latour in front of the restored Chagall mosaic, in the “salle des pas perdus.”. ©Eloïse Esmingeaud The Emmanuel Kant quote inscribed on the building housing amphitheaters 1 and 2.©Eloïse Esmingeaud The university library has also been renovated with thermal insulation. ©Eloïse Esmingeaud
The campuses of the Faculty of Letters at Carlone and the Faculty of Sciences at Valrose are also undergoing energy renovation work. The projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
