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Construction
of the C2N - Nanoscience

and nanotechnology centre (France)

The C2N came about as a result of the decision by the CNRS and the University of Paris-Sud to
bring together their nanoscience and nanotechnology teams on a single site and provide them
with a first-rank research facility.
Artelia has genuine expertise in Working at nanometric scale demands perfect mastery of two fundamental parameters,
the creation of high-end clean vibrations and dust. Furthermore, the experiments use highly toxic rare gases, so that all
rooms and research centres that networks and laboratories must be made completely secure. A vast array of technologies are
require the use of leading-edge required to do this. The contrast is striking: to work on the infinitely small, it is necessary to
construction techniques. But build a monumental structure! This is what we did with the C2N by designing a building in which
with the C2N, we created a truly each element was carefully studied to offer the optimum technical solution while guaranteeing
exceptional facility, the largest users the most pleasant working environment possible.
clean room in Europe equipped
with unique features. In order to reduce all sources of vibration, each experimental block rests on a 600-tonne
concrete pyramid interconnected with the building’s foundations. We installed floors specially
designed to ensure maximum rigidity, inserted acoustic seals between the concrete slabs,
erected the fluid networks on spring-mounted frames, etc. Finally, two levels of superstructure
are associated with every square metre of clean room to accommodate the aeration systems
and the fluid, gas and electrical networks connected to each of the laboratories.
Naturally, such stringent requirements are very difficult to satisfy. Our team is proud to have
done so right through to the end, even though some of the parties involved may have been
discouraged at times by the complexity of the operation. We defended the technical choices we
considered to be essential in order to deliver a cutting-edge research centre, that its users are
fully able to appreciate today.

François Mariani
Operations Director | Buildings, French Regions & Equipment

112 I ARTELIA, 10 YEARS OF EXISTENCE, 100 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE ARTELIA, 10 YEARS OF EXISTENCE, 100 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE I 113