From Paris to Beijing (1924–2022)
Abstract
The Urban Legacy of Olympic Villages: From Paris to Beijing (1924–2022) explores how mega-events reshape cities long after the closing ceremonies. Through critical analysis of territorial transformations and local development, this study unpacks the complex legacy and collective memory forged by Olympic Villages across nearly a century. Drawing on innovative parameters of urban planning and design, it reveals how host cities have approached construction, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, all while striving to protect and respect their surrounding territories. By illuminating the successes and challenges of these projects, this book offers fresh insights for planners, policymakers, and anyone passionate about the enduring impact of global events on our urban future.
The Olympic Games have a significant impact on the urban landscape and the social, cultural and economic environment of host cities. One aspect that has been extensively studied is the spatial organisation and urban planning of Olympic Villages, which are designated areas for the accommodation of athletes, officials, and technical personnel. Over the years, the organisation and design of these villages have undergone significant changes and transformations, aiming to improve the athletes’ overall experience and ensure the event’s success. This book proposal seeks to examine the evolution of Olympic Villages from Paris 1924 to Beijing 2022 and to analyse the impact of these changes on the urban environment and the lives of the athletes.
The Olympic Village is a crucial element of the Olympic Games, as it represents a microcosm of the host city and its values. The Olympic Villages are at the centre of Olympic planning, as they are the legacy of the Olympic event for the citizens (della Sala, 2022). The urban planning of these villages has undergone significant changes in recent decades. It has become more sophisticated, with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and comfort. For example, the Turin 2006 Olympic Village was designed to be a self-sufficient community, with a mix of residential, commercial and cultural facilities, while the Beijing 2022 Olympic Village will feature state-of-the-art technology, including smart homes and renewable energy sources. This book aims to shed light on the evolution of the Olympic Village and its impact on the urban environment and the athletes’ experience. The following book will allow the reader to observe the different spatial and living models arranged in the 20th and 21st centuries through the analysis of the Summer and Winter Olympic Villages. The book will be divided into two parts: the first part will provide a historical overview of the Olympic Village, from its origins to the present day, focusing on the changes that have taken place in urban planning and architecture. The second part will focus on a comparative analysis of the Olympic Villages built in Paris in 1924 and Beijing in 2022, examining the differences and similarities in their design and organisation. To achieve this, the book will base its theoretical foundation on doctoral research showing how socio-urban implications are critical in considering the Olympic project’s impact, legacy and sustainability.
Furthermore, the book will use an innovative quantitative methodology to compare the different artefacts constructed throughout Olympic history. The doctoral research results will be used to advance conclusions on the impact of Olympic housing in order to make recommendations for the future development of Olympic Villages. In conclusion, this book proposal offers a unique and timely contribution to urban planning and sports studies by providing an in-depth analysis of the evolution of Olympic Villages and their impact on the host city and athletes. The results of this research will be of interest to scholars, policymakers and practitioners in urban planning, sports management and cultural studies, as well as to the general public interested in the Olympic Games and the impact of major sporting events on cities and communities.
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Keywords
- Olympic Games
- Territorial planning
- Olympic villages
- Regionalisation
- Olympic legacy
How to Cite
della Sala, V. (2025). The Urban Legacy of Olympic Villages: From Paris to Beijing (1924–2022). Common Ground Research Networks. https://doi.org/10.18848/978-1-966214-15-1/cgp
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