4 things a week: A muse on the Paris Olympics
1. World
The night before the greatest event of your sporting career and you have to sleep on a cardboard box. But at least it’s better for the planet. Paris is aiming to make this year’s Olympics the greenest yet. In fact they initially set out to be "the first Games with a positive contribution to the climate”. But have backtracked on that. With up to 80% of the carbon emissions at an event as big as the Olympics, created by spectators travelling to and from the games, you would have to either refrain from selling tickets or buy a LOT of carbon credits to achieve carbon neutrality; the measurement by which they will ultimately be held to account. At least the London games set a target of selling 75% of tickets to UK fans, something the Paris organisers don’t have planned.
Transport and off-setting aside however, there are some pretty cool initiatives from a sustainability perspective; with a plant-based, zero waste catering plan and a new cycle network connecting the venues being just two of the efforts they are taking to cut carbon emissions. The most notable difference between Paris and two previous games in London and Rio however, is that only 2 stadiums are being built; an aquatics centre and an arena for badminton and rhythmic gymnastics.
As someone who lives walking distance from the Olympic Park, though, the legacy of the regeneration project that hosting in 2012 was the catalyst for, has had an incredible impact on the local area. The post-industrial backwater was transformed into the largest park built in London in 150 years. Greater than Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens combined. The stadiums and aquatic centre are used by millions every year and the free green space is a haven for wildlife. If carbon emissions are one measurement, surely this has to be another. The problem is, the long term benefits of regeneration projects are much more difficult to quantify. How do you measure ecological factors, or community impact? Measuring carbon is vital in a rapidly warming world, but if it becomes the only measure are we preventing bolder initiatives? And is 30km of new cycle paths going to be the only legacy of the Paris Olympics.
2. Innovation
Sticking with the Olympics, look out for Kenyan marathon runner Hellen Obiri’s new shoes. The latest innovation from Swiss brand On, the Cloudboom Strike LS trainers are not woven, or knitted, but rather sprayed onto a mould as a single continuous filament. Think Bella Hadid at the SS23 Coperni show when she wowed the audience with a spray-on dress, but in shoe form. These ultra-light weight trainers are said to have a 75% low-carbon emissions than On's other racing shoes, although I’m not sure they would be anywhere near as durable either. Still - I guess we should see how well Obiri fairs before we pass full judgement.
3. Inspiration
A far cry from Wolff Olins identity for London 2012, the Paris Olympics has a distinctly different, paired back feel. Pastel colours, Art Deco graphic styling. I wouldn’t go as far to say it’s a bit boring, but it certainly feels safe. I’m sure the French would say sophisticated. Either way, here is a little montage. The duvet is quite nice and the medals have an inlay made from original iron from the Eiffel tower which is pretty cool.
4. Morrama
For those of you who read to the bottom... SAVE THE DATE!
In the 9 years since the Morrama studio was set up, we’ve never let anyone in to see behind the scenes. Until now. On September 16th from 3pm, as part of London Design Festival, we will be opening our doors to visitors for the first time, sharing our process and our projects. More details to come. Check your Wonka bars for golden tickets.
