What secrets does a former nuclear fallout shelter hold? The Scaleway Datacenter DC4, once known as “Abri Lefebvre”, stands before us. This unassuming building in the 15th arrondissement of Paris has a fascinating history. Scaleway Datacenter DC4 wasn’t always a hub for data. Originally built between 1937 and 1939, it served as a passive defense shelter under the Ponts et Chaussées laboratory. The shelter sits atop a 26-meter-deep quarry, shielded by a thick layer of limestone. During the Cold War, the shelter underwent a transformation. It became a nuclear fallout shelter, equipped to house 300 people. Its features included a closed-vent system, a diesel generator, blast doors, and a dedicated telephone exchange. Abandoned for two decades, the Scaleway Datacenter DC4 fell into disrepair. In 2011, the French government sold the building. Scaleway, then Online SAS, acquired it with a vision. They saw the potential to convert this historic site into a state-of-the-art data center. The challenges were immense. The structure needed reinforcement to withstand a potential ground-level demolition. The conversion process was a feat of engineering. A freight elevator was installed, requiring a 25-meter-deep hopper. An ultra-resistant slab was built to support the heavy IT equipment. Over a hundred tons of electrical equipment, including batteries and transformers, were installed. Waterproofing was crucial. Scaleway partnered with SOTEM, known for their work on the Paris Métro, to seal the shelter. Expansive resin and a three-layer watertight lining ensured complete impermeability. Over 3,000 square meters of tiles were laid, adding a final touch. Scaleway Datacenter DC4’s journey is a testament to innovation and adaptability. From a Cold War relic to a digital fortress, it stands as a unique landmark in Paris.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to