Timber to make a splash at Paris Olympics
23 April 2024The Aquatics Centre at the Paris Olympics is the only permanent new building for the games, promising a lasting legacy for the neighbourhood and beyond.
Designed by architects VenhoevenCS and Ateliers 2/3/4/ the award-winning and multi-functional Aquatic Centre will host competitions for the diving, synchronised swimming and the qualifications for water polo.
The main structure of the building is timber, left visible in areas and the design features an 80m-long curving timber roof.
By using timber for the structure, the design complies with France’s sustainability law that requires all new public buildings to be constructed from at least 50% timber or other natural materials.
“By using wood for this monumental structure, the design doubles the required minimum percentage of bio-based materials,” said the architects.
The curves of the roof create space for spectator stands on three sides of the pool, which will accommodate up to 5,000 people during the games.
Caption
Inside the Aquatic Centre
Photo: architecture: VenhoevenCS & Ateliers 2/3/4/ photo: Salem Mostefaoui
