The highly anticipated athletes’ village for the Paris Olympics and Paralympics officially opened its doors on Thursday, heralding the beginning of a unique chapter in Olympic history. Located to the north of Paris, the village is set to accommodate nearly 14,500 individuals, including 9,000 athletes, at its peak.
With just eight days remaining until the opening ceremony, the village welcomed its first residents from Australia and Brazil. “We are ready,” announced Augustin Tran Van Chau, the deputy head of the village, expressing the organizers’ readiness and excitement to French media.
A hallmark of this village is its innovative and eco-friendly design. Organizers proudly highlighted that the village does not require traditional air-conditioning systems to maintain comfortable temperatures. Instead, the design ensures that indoor temperatures remain at least 6 degrees Celsius (42 degrees Fahrenheit) cooler than outside, even during the peak of summer. However, some delegations have opted to bring their own air-conditioning units to ensure the comfort of their athletes.
The village represents a significant stride towards sustainable living and low-carbon construction. It embodies a commitment to environmental consciousness, integrating a host of innovations aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
Following the conclusion of the Olympics and Paralympics, which span from July 26 to September 8, the village will undergo a transformative phase. The apartments will be repurposed into residential homes, with at least a third earmarked for public housing. This conversion underscores a long-term vision of sustainability and community enhancement, leaving a lasting legacy for the city of Paris.
The opening of the athletes’ village marks a significant milestone in the journey towards the Paris 2024 Olympics, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of sport, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
