Plastic bottle chairs and shell paths make Paris Olympics green

The Place de la Concorde in Paris, historically infamous for its association with the guillotine of the French Revolution, is experiencing a renaissance.

The days of beheadings are over; now the square is bustling with preparations for urban sports competitions, including breakdancing, BMX and skateboarding for the upcoming Olympic Games.

This transformation exemplifies Paris’ commitment to hosting the most minimalist Olympic Games ever, with an emphasis on temporary venues and minimal permanent construction.

Historical settings for modern sports

Paris plans to use its famous landmarks as stunning backdrops for the Olympic Games. Starting next week, the Eiffel Tower will be the setting for beach volleyball and blind football. The majestic Palace of Versailles will host dressage and show jumping competitions, transforming the city into a visually stunning stage for a global audience.

The opening ceremony will take place on the River Seine, with a flotilla sailing past this UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing Paris as the vibrant host city.

“We saw the Olympic Games as a great opportunity to accelerate the green transformation of the city,” said Emmanuel Grégoire, former deputy mayor for urban planning.

Paris has made major improvements, including 250 miles of new bike lanes, an expanded metro network, a cleaner Seine and 300,000 new trees planted. Critics say these changes were planned. However, Grégoire believes the Olympics have accelerated the process, allowing progress to be made more quickly and efficiently.

Renovation of sports venues in Paris

Rather than building new venues, Paris has focused on improving existing ones to meet its sustainability goals. The Yves-du-Manoir Stadium, originally built for the 1924 Olympics, now features a new grandstand and dedicated sports fields.

The Georges Vallerey swimming pool has been updated with a retractable roof. The Grande Nef Lucien-Belloni has been renovated for gymnastics training. The Grand Palais, a magnificent building from 1900, will host fencing and taekwondo events in its restored Art Nouveau glory.

One of the striking new structures is the €175 million aquatic centre at the Stade de France. Built with sustainability in mind, it features France’s largest urban solar farm and an innovative roof design. Inside, wooden beams feel light and open. After the Games, the facility will become a community sports centre.

Organizers have installed 11,000 chairs made from recycled plastic at two locations. A company called Le Pave, based near the center of Paris, has turned 100 tons of recycled plastic into chairs for the Adidas Arena and the water park.

The 6,000 seats, made from recycled plastic bottles, will be reduced in size after the Games and replaced by a climbing wall, paddle courts and mini-football pitches.

Mixed results with new developments

Some new buildings have been praised, while others have received mixed reviews. The €138 million Adidas Arena, designed by NP2F and SCAU, is a sleek, modern addition to Paris.

It will house Olympic badminton and rhythmic gymnastics before becoming a concert venue and home to the Paris Basketball club. Despite claims of biobased materials, the arena is largely made of concrete and clad in energy-intensive aluminum.

On the other hand, the Olympic Village in Seine-Saint-Denis, designed by Dominique Perrault, is notable for its mix of materials and eco-friendly features such as shell paving and air purifiers near roads. However, there are concerns about its future affordability and its impact on local house prices.

Only 30% of the apartments in the Olympic Village will be affordable after the Games, with the rest being sold at prices that are unaffordable for most local residents. This development pattern could lead to a divide between wealthier residents and the existing community.

Legacy beyond the Games

The Paris Olympics will have a lasting impact on the city, with a focus on mobility, green spaces and regeneration. These changes are aimed at better integrating the suburbs with the city centre, expanding the mental geography of Parisians.

However, the reliance on private developers and the rapid pace of construction have exposed the challenges of achieving truly equitable urban development.

As the Games approach, Paris is showing how well it can combine old charm with new ideas to deliver a unique and environmentally friendly Olympic experience.

The Olympic Games begin on July 26, heralding a period of change for the City of Light.