At the crossroads between Olympic splendor and environmental responsibility, Paris 2024 stands as an inspiration for innovation in the planning of sporting events on a global scale. In a bold move to minimize both the budget and carbon footprint of the Olympic Games, the French government chose a revolutionary path: Build only three new venues for the event, while 95% will be located in existing or temporary facilities. 

In this article, we will explore how this transformative vision redefines sustainability in the Olympic context and also leaves an architectural legacy that transcends the sporting event. 

The future of French public buildings 

As we approach 2024, Paris is preparing to welcome athletes and visitors from around the world. As a result, the French government has announced a sustainability law that will ensure that all new public buildings are built using at least 50% wood or other natural materials. This commitment not only reflects the vision of a sustainable event but also the creation of an environmentally friendly architectural legacy. 

The Minister of Cities and Housing, Julien Denormandie, stated that this commitment was made specifically for the Olympic Games, marking a significant milestone towards greener building practices. At the center of this vision is Solideo, a company created exclusively to materialize the Olympic venues, in charge of building the three new architectural gems that will be the core of the event: the Aquatics Center, the Olympic and Paralympic Village, and the Media Village. 

Architectural innovation and sustainable legacy 

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Village, designed by French architect Dominique Perrault to be the temporary housing for athletes, will be transformed into a significant residential district after the games. With 2,400 housing units and 119,000 m² of activities and offices, this project aligns with the long-term development objectives of the Paris region. 

Centered around the Cité du Cinéma film studio, the village includes many recreational areas along the banks of the Seine River. Seven hectares of water bodies will provide athletes, and their future inhabitants in 2025, with a serene and relaxing environment before and after competitions. 

The Olympic Aquatic Center will be another milestone. Using exclusively bio-based materials and functioning as one of the largest urban solar farms in France, the structure has a sustainable approach that will meet environmental standards and also set an example for future construction in the city. 

The Center will use a smart energy system to provide 90% of the energy needed from recovered or renewable energy sources. Its solar roof will be one of the largest solar parks in France, supplying 25% of all the electricity consumption needed, equivalent to 200 homes. 

Beyond wood 

The materials used in Paris’ sustainable vision are not limited to wood, as they include bio-based materials derived from living organisms, such as hemp and straw. Just like wood, these materials have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to concrete and steel, thus contributing to the objective of a more sustainable future. 

Aside from the venues needed for the games, France has significant investment plans in terms of urban agriculture. With an investment of 20 million euros, 100 urban farms will be built in the suburbs, consolidating the country’s commitment to more sustainable agricultural practices. This is a bold step towards creating greener, more autonomous communities. 

As we approach 2024, Paris is preparing not only to host the Olympic Games but to set a higher standard when it comes to sustainable architecture and urban development. These efforts go beyond a sporting event, as they are shaping the future of the city, providing a sustainable legacy for generations to come. Paris 2024 will be a showcase of sporting achievement, and also a testament to how architecture can drive positive change toward a greener future.