Inside the 2024 Paris Olympic Village: Eco-Friendly Beds, Sustainable Design, and Athlete Amenities Await
New Delhi: As the 2024 Paris Olympics draw near, athletes and their teams are gearing up to move into the newly constructed Olympic Village, located across the Saint-Ouen, Saint-Denis, and L’Ile-Saint-Denis neighborhoods just north of Paris. Spanning 81 acres, this massive venue represents the largest single-site construction project in France’s history, with an impressive price tag of $1.85 billion.
The Olympic Village is meticulously designed to embody sustainability, reflecting France’s commitment to hosting the “greenest” Olympic Games yet. Following the Games, the facility, which includes 82 buildings, will be transformed into office space and affordable housing for up to 12,000 people. This legacy planning ensures that the Village will continue to benefit the community long after the athletes have departed.
A key aspect of this sustainability initiative is the use of recycled materials and eco-friendly technologies. Rather than solely erecting new buildings, existing structures, including an old electric factory, have been repurposed. New constructions incorporate wood and recycled materials, with 75% of the construction materials being reused. Additionally, a third of the rooftops feature solar panels, while another third are equipped with gardens designed to naturally cool the buildings. These design choices help mitigate the need for central air conditioning, although some buildings still include geothermal cooling systems.
The athlete accommodations are built with comfort and eco-consciousness in mind. The mattresses are made from recycled materials, and the furniture, including stools and bed frames, is constructed from cardboard, making it easily recyclable. These beds, first introduced at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, are designed to support up to 500 pounds. Despite their durability, athletes have noted their firmness, which has led to some playful videos online showcasing their unusual design.
Living spaces in the Village include 3,000 apartments with nearly 16,000 beds, accommodating both athletes and their coaches. Each apartment is equipped with a bedroom containing two beds and a small living area, but does not feature a kitchen. However, the Village offers extensive dining options, with around 40,000 meals prepared daily. A large canteen that seats 3,500 people features a rotating menu catering to various dietary needs, including French, Mediterranean, Asian, and Afro-Caribbean cuisines. Plant-based options such as vegetarian shawarma and beetroot falafel are also available.
The Village offers numerous amenities to enhance the athletes’ experience. A shopping mall, known as the Village Plaza, provides a range of services including a hair salon, grocery store, bank, post office, and a 24-hour fitness center. Athletes can enjoy various training facilities, including courts for basketball and fencing, with over half of the training venues located on the property. For those participating in wrestling, pentathlon, and weightlifting, specialized facilities are also available.
Transportation within the Village is facilitated by shuttle buses and electric bikes, while accessible equipment such as scooters and wheelchairs will be provided for Paralympic athletes. A multifaith facility on-site allows for religious practices, and the Village Club serves as a social hub where athletes can relax and watch coverage of the Games.
In terms of attire, Team USA will be outfitted by Ralph Lauren for the opening and closing ceremonies, with designs intended to reflect a distinctly American style while maintaining a formal appearance. Nike will supply uniforms for U.S. Track & Field and Basketball teams.
The Olympic Village is set to provide a comfortable and sustainable environment for the athletes, with innovative features designed to enhance their stay and support their performance. As the Games commence from July 26 to August 11, the Village stands ready to welcome competitors from around the world, offering a glimpse into a new era of eco-conscious Olympic hosting.
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