Paris 2024 Olympics diary, week one: ‘The games invite you to discover the city’

This summer’s Olympiad might even be the most temporary yet, with existing Parisian landmarks put to use as backdrops for beach volleyball, equestrian events and, for the first time, an opening ceremony outside of a stadium.

But what is it like being there? Architects on the ground – including those whose firms have been involved with Paris 2024 and previous summer Olympics – share their experiences with the AJ of week one at the games.

WilkinsonEyre director Sebastien Ricard and wooarchitects' Manon Lauret send their postcards from inside the global sporting showcase.

Wednesday 24 July – The pre-game warm-up, Rugby 7s Group Stage game 

Sebastien Ricard (SR) Although getting to the Stade de France was easy, queuing is the sport that French people cannot master. Where there is a queue, there is a way to cheat and go in front of others.

Interestingly, going to these matches was rather like going to any other game in a stadium. All the facilities are more than 20 years old and, aside from the signage and volunteers, you wouldn’t know you have turned up for the 2024 Games. Inside the stadium was a great atmosphere with people from all around the world.

Unusually, no alcohol was served in the stadium. I was wondering how this would go down at a rugby game at Twickenham …

The outfit worn by the volunteers is stylish (as you would expect from the French) and designed by the internal design team at Decathlon.

Thursday 25 July – Another day, same place, quarter final of Rugby 7s in Stade de France

(SR) We arrived with more time to enjoy the stadium’s architecture. For anyone who hasn’t been, the Stade de France was built for the 1998 World Cup and has a few standout features: retractable stands partially cover the athletic tracks, when it is used in a football or rugby configuration. A floating elliptical ring shape roof acts as a clever way to protect the spectators from rain without blocking the light.

I remember when it was built it was seen as a ‘cheap’ stadium, pale and second rate when compared with the Jean Nouvel proposal for the same stadium. The reality is that the stadium has a minimal structure – simple but elegant – and stands the test of time. It is well equipped for 2024.

On the way out, walking back to the Metro, we saw the illuminated roof of the new aquatics centre, one of only two new venues built by the French specifically for the Olympics (the second one being the climbing wall in Le Bourget).

The centre is much less exuberant than Zaha Hadid’s 2012 Olympic Pool, but still has an elegant butterfly roof with timber structure, floating above the glazing with nicely integrated PV panels designed by Ateliers 2/3/4 and VenhoevenCS. It is a modest venue, with a 5,000 capacity during the games, which will be reduced to 2,500 afterwards.

Friday 26 July – The kick-off

(SR) It was, sadly, impossible to get tickets for the ceremony, so we watched it at home on TV. But what a way to showcase a city and its river! Obviously, an unusual ceremony, the stage design was phenomenal, bringing buildings to life, including La Conciergerie, a former prison that was reminded of its original function with a light show and heavy metal concert at the window … La Revolution!

An amazing catwalk on the bridges and then, of course, some dancing and music on the scaffolding of Notre Dame.

What an important moment for any French person: Only two years on from the fire that nearly destroyed it.

The crescendo at the end: Celine Dion singing from an illuminated Eiffel Tower. What a light show!

The ‘lady of steel’ is such a French symbol, built for the Universal Exhibition in 1889. A little of her splendour will be shared by the medallists, with some metal from the Eiffel Tower inside each medal.'

Sunday 28th July – Medals day at Chateauroux Shooting Centre, the Centre National de Tir Sportif

Manon Lauret (ML) This first week of the Games has meant a very early start for me. As part of the venue and infrastructure team responsible for the shooting venue at the Centre National de Tir Sportif, I’ve been on site every day at 5am. One benefit of the early start is to see the sun rising behind the hill of the trap and skeet as we enter a new day of competition.

There’s always a lot of focus on shooting on the opening days of the games, because traditionally this is where the first medal is won – this time by China.

With temperatures up to 35 degrees this week, we’ve paid special attention to the temporary shelters, air conditioning and misting systems to keep everyone comfortable. We’ve also integrated a vegetation plan that will be relocated in the city after the event, as part of the sustainability and legacy approach of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

We’re also on standby in case the weather changes. If it gets windy, the team is responsible for lowering the national flags in the spectators’ plaza and removing items like drapes, which could get blown away.

Fortunately, I’ve been able to watch some of the shooting competition and see the venue full of spectators and athletes. Next, we move into the Paralympics, preparing for the transition and making improvements for the next athletes.

Monday 29 July – Back to the Stade de France, for the Rugby 7s Women’s Quarter Final

(SR) An amazing atmosphere that is getting better and better.

A strong seating arrangement: The Stade de France, designed by Macary, Zublena, Regembel and Constantini; was one of the first stadiums to use computer software to simulate the angle of the views from all seats.

However, one small tip for architects designing a stadium – do ensure that you use folding seats! At the Stade de France the seats are fixed which makes it very difficult to let other spectators pass through to get to their seats, even when standing up.

Tuesday 30 July – Judo in the Champs de Mars Arena

(SR) Demountable structures like this have to be the future for any major event. From the inside, it looks like any other inflatable structure – a bouncy castle or slide at a fun fair – but it’s exactly what you need to protect a set of temporary seats on a scaffolding structure from the rain. Another major benefit – it has aircon, so even on the hottest day of the year (40 degrees!) you can guarantee a comfortable experience.

I have to say this is probably the real start of the games for me. You are in the middle of this historic city in thoughtful temporary structures, bringing major events alongside beautiful, listed buildings in central Paris, rather than trying to impress with latest technology in an out-of-town venue in an ‘Olympic Park’. Here the games invite you to discover Paris.