Architecture of the Games writes about urban planning, architecture, transportation, landscape design and the visual identity of the Olympic Games. From Athens 1896 up to now.

 

Once every 4 years all eyes are focused on one event, The Olympic Games. Upon this podium, every athlete and host city wants to show their best face to the world. The architecture of the venues are often used as a tool and therefore become iconic for the event. Think of the tent-like roof construction of the Olympic Stadium in München (Frei Otto, 1972) or the impressive ‘Bird’s Nest’ in Beijing (Herzog & De Meuron and Ai Weiwei, 2008).

The core principles of architecture and the core principles of the Olympic Games share common themes of unity, balance, cultural integration, and sustainability. Both emphasize the importance of creating harmonious environments that respect human dignity, foster international understanding, and promote physical, moral, and intellectual development. These principles serve as guiding frameworks, shaping the design of structures and the spirit of the Olympic Games, ultimately aiming to create inclusive, meaningful, and enduring experiences for people around the world.

Architecture of the Games was begun in August 2013, with the aim of informing architects and others interested about spatial and architectural design within the Olympic Games. We write mainly about urban planning, landscape architecture, architecture and infrastructure. Next to this we also pay attention to the visual identity of the Olympic Games. We follow cities from the first candidature, during the bid process and the preparation in the run up to the Games. Finally, we report on the legacy that the Games leaves behind on the city.

Currently, Architecture of the Games is the only website that is completely dedicated to this subject. In the last few years we have grown rapidly. In 2022, our website has had visitors that hailed from more than 200 countries. In 2025 we will be paying special attention to the Olympic Games of Milan-Cortina 2026.

 

Last update: 15 april 2025

 

Upcoming

Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in 206 days

Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games in 1096 days

French Alps 2030 Olympic Winter Games

Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games in 2565 days

Salt Lake City – Utah 2034 Olympic Winter Games

 

 

Next Olympic Winter Games: Milan – Cortina d’Ampezzo 2026

Read more about the masterplan and venues of Milan – Cortina d’Ampezzo 2026.

 

Retrospect: Paris 2024

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In September 2017, The International Olympic Committee awarded the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad in 2024 to Paris. This will be the third time that the French capital has hosted the Summer Olympics, previously hosting the event in 1900 and 1924. Read more.

Contents
» Masterplan & Venues
» Look of the Games
» Competition Schedule
» Torch Relay
» Paralympic Games
» Candidature Stage

 

Architecture of the Games Venue Map – Paris 2024

This map gives an overview of the Paris 2024 Masterplan and all the venues and is available to read for free; (link).

 

All of our publications are available to read online.