After years of waiting, Ikea has revealed exactly when the doors of its new superstore in Nice Saint-Isidore will swing open to the public.
Illustration by Willmotte et Associés
Finally… an opening date for eco-friendly Ikea
Tag: monaco
Two major institutions reveal solar transformations
The Monaco Scientific Centre and FANB are the latest institutions to become major players in the Principality’s energy transition, installing solar panels on their buildings to cut emissions and generate a portion of their own power.
Monaco’s energy transition programme is moving full steam ahead and it couldn’t be more apparent than in the addition of two local organisations making the leap by installing photovoltaic panels on their edifices.
On 3rd December, the Institute François d’Assise-Nicolas Barré (FANB) announced the installation of 158 solar panels covering 225m2, which are capable of generating over 40.36 MWh of electricity to be used directly by the school.
The panels will cover 26% of the school’s electricity needs and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by roughly four tons of CO2 each year. They are also visually pleasing. Unlike the old school versions, these panels are from the new generation of coloured panels which are also made to look more like the existing roof tiles.
This was closely followed by the 6th December inauguration of the Scientific Centre of Monaco’s (CSM) photovoltaic park. The 443 panelled park sits over 987m2. It boasts the largest roof area and production capacity of all public buildings in the Principality. With an annual power estimated at 250MWh, it will provide the CSM with energy self-sufficiency of 25.23% and will promote a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of nearly 20.5 tons of CO2 per year.
Prince Albert II was at the reveal ceremony together with Minister of the Interior and Department Manager of CSM Patrice Cellario, Environment Minister Céline Caron-Dagioni, and Professor Patrick Rampal, President of the Scientific Centre of Monaco.
During the event, Anthony de Sevelinges, Head of the Public Buildings Maintenance Service (SMBP), explained how the solar park functions and made note that, to date, 26 public establishments in Monaco are now equipped with solar installations. Together, these facilities represent 4,968 m² of surface area, capable of producing 1,039 MWh of electricity and reducing CO2 by 85 tons per year.
After the presentation, CSM signed the National Pact for the Energy Transition.
Professor Rampal spoke of the Centre’s involvement in the reduction of greenhouse gases in favour of the preservation of the environment including missions carried out in research laboratories in polar, marine and medical biology.
To close, Professor Rampal asked that all the Centre’s employees follow the National Pact guidelines on a personal basis to optimise the effects.
Monaco schools in the digital age
Monaco schools are now benefiting from several ways to stay competitive in today’s world, including primary school computer programming courses and laptops with touchscreen capabilities for older kids.
A study by the Institute for the Future and Dell Computers estimates that an astounding 85% of jobs that will be available in 2030 have not even been created yet.
Such is the digital world we live in now, and as part of Computer Science Week, schools in the Principality are preparing children to face this new world with confidence, thanks to programmes being implemented under the Extended Monaco umbrella.
“The quality of the Monegasque education system is a priority for government action. In the era of the digital revolution, we have a duty to prepare the new generations for the challenges of tomorrow’s world, but also to help them understand new technologies in order to maintain control,” said Christophe Prat, Director General of the Department of the Interior.
The Extended Monaco programme has put into action several concrete plans for the digitisation of schools, such as implementing programming courses from primary school, signing a partnership with the American association code.org, offering learning tools like laptops to teachers and students under the Digital College initiative, and opening the EduLab space at Charles III College in 2019.
Located underneath the Department of Education, Youth and Sport, EduLab offers a 200 m² space where teachers can obtain training from experts in digital technology and experiment with innovative digital tools like virtual reality headsets, the latest laptops, educational robots, and the like.
Under the Digital College plan, 1,200 laptops have been distributed since 2020 with all the software and associated textbooks chosen by educators. The initiative is meant to promote educational creativity and better student learning, as well as ensuring continuity outside the class and enabling children to remain constantly exposed to digital advances.
The pandemic and associated lockdown periods also showed the sense in using technology in daily life, as remote schooling became a necessity. Now that teachers and students are used to the systems, it is possible for students who are ill or otherwise unable to attend school for periods of time to continue learning along with their peers. It also allows parents greater access to homework assignments and progress without the need for constant face-to-face meetings with teachers.
“Children and parents today expect the same services in education as they benefit from in their daily life: consulting online notes, homework or schedule changes, discussing remotely with the teacher, completing online processes … With digital technology, we can respond effectively to the educational needs of students and facilitate the personalisation of learning paths,” says Commissioner General in charge of the Directorate of National Education, Youth and Sports, Isabelle Bonnal.
Training has also been at the heart of this revolution. All high school students receive six hours of digital literacy training each week. The teaching teams are also supported by experts to make the best use of these tools, for the benefit of student success.
Thanks to EduLab, the faculty has access to innovative tools such as virtual reality headsets, touch screens, educational robots or 3D printers. Digital technology also helps foster the involvement of parents, notably through the establishment of dedicated webinars and virtual guides.
“The education system must be in line with the challenges of the world of work of tomorrow. To develop a strong and attractive economy in the coming years, we need trained youth, open to the outside world and familiar with new technologies,” said Frédéric Genta, Interministerial Delegate in charge of Digital Transition.
Admin has also been made easier, as parents now have the option to enrol their children in school online as well as pay for canteen digitally. These procedures are available on the new public service portal MonGuichet.mc.
Students of the Monaco Technical and Hotel Lycée will be equipped with personal computers next year. In 2022, the training for students will also be expanded, with more hours of learning provided, but they will also receive a societal approach to help them better understand their future in a world that has become resolutely digital.
Photo by Michael Alesi, Government Communication Department
Monaco Experiences: Spa Metropole by Givenchy
Whether it’s a luxurious rejuvenation for the festive season, a thoughtful gift for Christmas, or a New Year detox, Spa Metropole by Givenchy offers an oasis in the heart of Monte-Carlo, where fashion house chic meets mind and body revival.
With an elegant interior designed by Didier Gomez, Spa Metropole by Givenchy reflects the House’s sophistication and modernity in every detail.
From the gilded reception room and white marble floors, to illuminated forest prints and glass lamps softly lighting the hallways, the ambiance here is contemporary and calm.
Exclusive treatments
The spa offers an extensive list of treatments, including the signature Metropole Le Soin Noir by Givenchy, a 90-minute face and body custom-tailored treatment.
The anti-jetlag body massage and facial treatment is a must for busy travellers, while the anti-fatigue and radiance treatment is perfect for this month’s demanding social calendar.
I tried Glam Up by Givenchy, a unique creation combining relaxation and beauty. After selecting a scent, specially crafted by Givenchy to help guide clients to the realm of relaxation, I was treated to a therapeutic back massage to refocus my mind and shed the stress of daily life. It continued with an exclusive treatment for the eye area with the application of the Le Soin Noir lace mask, a unique formula that promises to produce instant visible results.
Maison Givenchy make-up
As the name suggests, Glam Up by Givenchy finishes with a make-up ritual, giving guests the opportunity to get creative with the colours and textures of Maison Givenchy.
Given the health restrictions, guests will enjoy the single or couple suites with private steam room and bath, while the post-treatment space offers full relaxation with snacks and healthy juices.
Long list of treatments available
Linda, my aesthetician, was incredibly skilled in all three processes, and this, I later learned, is the result of a dedicated training regimen and skill renewal program that Givenchy provides its staff.
Overall, the 105-minute spa package for 310€ was everything that it promised to be, and more. For those who wish to give a gift of pampering this Christmas, it also comes with a special treat.
The list of treatments is extensive at Spa Metropole by Givenchy, and features everything from pedicures and manicures, to yoga, swimming and a fitness studio.
Attention to detail
In addition to feeling fully rejuvenated and ready to take on the world, I was particularly impressed by the professionalism and attention to detail here. Even from behind masks, the staff exuded warmth, charm and talent, making my experience at the Spa Metropole by Givenchy truly luxurious and unique.
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Photos in article by Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo
HOFA comes to Monaco
House of Fine Art and Rainbow Art and Design are hosting an ongoing exhibition at the YellowKorner gallery in Monaco, featuring well-known artists such as Damien Hirst. Zhuang Hong Yi and Bran Symondson.
Looking for a fun and fabulous gift or something incredible to add to an art collection? Look no further than YellowKorner in Monaco where some off-beat contemporary art is up for grabs by some of today’s best-known artists.
The exhibit, a collaboration between House of Fine Art (HOFA) and Rainbow Art and Design, came about as a result of HOFA’s interest in finding a foot hold in the Monaco market. The two entities recently held a pop-up event that sparked a lot of interest, cementing the two as synergistically compatible.
The kick-off to the collaboration was a glamorous cocktail event held during the week of the Monaco Yacht Show in September. The event was well attended by a number personalities including Leonidas and Iro Kambanis, Konstantinos Tsouvelekakis, Rita and Stavros Xenakis, S. Vuckovic, Irene Mayer, Anna Vissi, and Monaco Life publisher Eric Brundage.
Some of the highlights of the collaboration include Bran Symondson’s ‘Beat of a Wing Draco’, ‘Mini Flowerbed’ by Zhuang Hong Yi and ‘Untitled’, a 2009 piece by Damien Hirst.
Other featured artists include Mary Ronayne, Daniel Arsham, Robert Longo, and Florian Eymann.
HOFA specialises in contemporary art by established and emerging international artists and features a multitude of artistic disciplines with an intent focus on exceptional talent, diversity and cultural relevance. The gallery represents acclaimed painters, sculptors, photographers, and multidisciplinary artists from all over the world including those from China, Korea, America, Italy, France, Argentina and Australia.
Since its inception in 2012, HOFA Gallery has provided government institutions, museums, art galleries and private collectors access to some of the most sought after and collectable works of contemporary art.
YellowKorner Gallery is located at 1 Avenue Henry Dunant and their website is www.rainbow-art-design.mcfor more information.
Click on the images below for more pictures from the cocktail event at YellowKorner…
MAC Christmas gala unites ambassadors for magical evening
The Hôtel de Paris came alive with the spirit of Christmas on Saturday night as the Monaco Ambassadors Club, in partnership with Monaco Life, hosted the annual Christmas gala for members and guests.
The Monaco Ambassadors Club (MAC) set the festive scene with sparkling firs, a “snow covered” love seat, candles, and giant decorations, transporting guests to a winter wonderland complete with gospel singers.
As Christmas carols filled the magical Salle Empire of the Hôtel de Paris, around 100 MAC members and guests enjoyed a seated dinner and entertainment, adhering to all current health restrictions, with the beautiful, illuminated Casino Square as a backdrop.
Atop a golden music box, a ballerina moved to the sounds of Alexandra Miller.
“It is at this time of year when coming together as a club is so important, reflecting on the year past and spreading good cheer and season spirit for the year to come,” says MAC President Christian Moore.
“We aimed to create a magical evening as an end-of-year party and I believe we accomplished just that, despite the current situation the world finds itself in. With this year ending, the MAC is coming back stronger than ever next year with many new events in the calendar, and we look forward to welcoming new members and new horizons.”
“It is a privilege to be a member and media partner of the Monaco Ambassador’s Club, and we had a great time being part of an evening that brought some holiday cheer to the members,” adds Monaco Life Publisher Eric Brundage. “The room was beautifully styled, and the music was perfect. The MAC team truly outdid themselves.”
The Monaco Ambassadors Club was founded in 1973 with the encouragement of Princess Grace of Monaco. Today, its Honorary President is HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, and the club brings together those who wish to actively promote Monaco’s international reputation. Members come from various sectors of the Principality, including government, the diplomatic and consular corps, as well as renowned public figures, multinationals and HNWIs.
Click on the gallery below to see more images from the Monaco Ambassadors Club Christmas party…
All photos by Yvan Grubski