Paris 2024 Olympics: A paradigm shift in architectural legacy

Paris is hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8, marking its third time as an Olympic city after 1900 and 1924. The event will welcome 10,500 Olympic and 4,400 Paralympic athletes from 206 countries. The city's strategy emphasizes minimal new construction and extensive use of temporary venues in iconic locations, aiming to redefine the architectural model of global events. Key temporary sites include the Champ de Mars for beach volleyball at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais for fencing and taekwondo, and the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville for athletics. The only permanent new building is the Olympic Aquatics Centre in Saint-Denis, designed by VenhoevenCS and Ateliers 2/3/4/, featuring a 4,600 sqm solar park and modular pools. The Olympic Village, masterplanned by Dominique Perrault Architecture, spans 52 hectares across Saint-Denis, Saint-Ouen, and L'Île-Saint-Denis, including 2,500 new homes, a student residence, a hotel, and extensive green spaces. However, 70% of the housing is expected to be sold at double the local average price, raising concerns about affordability. The Seine has been cleaned for open-water swimming events. Infrastructure upgrades include metro extensions and new bike lanes.