France

At the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the Aquatics Center is one of the two new venues being constructed and is already making waves in its community, with a vision that extends beyond the Games.”The whole idea is to build it here because there is a shortage of these kinds of facilities,” said Ton Venhoeven, one of the architects of the Aquatics Center.The architects have placed a strong emphasis on accessibility. The aim is to inspire local children who witness sports programs and competitions taking place within the complex. The goal is to turn dreams into Olympic realities.”You can see athletes, you know, training for diving and so you say OK, I can do it, you know, it’s possible,” said Laure Meriaud, another architect of the Aquatics Center.The construction of the Aquatics Center is also noteworthy for its eco-friendly design. The timber beams and solar farm roof not only allow for better airflow but also contribute to energy production.”They generate 25% of all electricity we need in this complex. So that’s, that’s a lot,” Venhoeven explained.In a unique initiative, bottle caps collected by neighborhood children are being repurposed as poolside seats.”It’s a very nice way to work with children that come here and see how it’s going on. And we’re proud of it,” Meriaud said.Despite its name, the Aquatics Center is more than just a swimming venue it’s a multi-use venue that will also feature a soccer park, a climbing wall and a restaurant for the whole community. In addition to the Aquatics Center, Paris is also constructing an indoor climbing facility for the Olympics. This facility will serve as a local club for Parisians once the Games are over.