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 2024 we will be paying special attention to the Olympic Games of Paris 2024.

 

Upcoming

Paris 2024 Olympic Games in 129 days

Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in 689 days

Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games in 1578 days

Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games in 3048 days

 

 


Next Olympic Games: Paris 2024

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 1904 and 1924. Read more.

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

 


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

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

 


Architecture of the Games Magazine #4 – The architecture of Beijing 2022

This is the fourth edition of ‘Architecture of the Games Magazine’. This edition focuses on the XXIV Olympic Winter Games – Beijing 2022. We take a look to the Games from the perspective of the designer: We explain the Beijing 2022 Masterplan and give a complete overview of all the venues.

This magazine is available to read for free; (link).

 

All of our publications are available to read online.