Dutch studio VenhoevenCS and French practice Ateliers 2/3/4/ have unveiled the designs for a timber swimming pool complex in Paris, which will be the only permanent venue built for the 2024 Olympic Games.
Set to be built alongside the Stade de France stadium, which will host the Games' opening and closing ceremonies as well as athletics events, the timber aquatic centre will be the venue for swimming, diving and water polo events.
It will be the only major facility built for the 2024 Olympic Games as all the other events will be hosted in existing venues or temporary structures.
VenhoevenCS and Ateliers 2/3/4/ have designed a timber aquatic centre
The venue's main hall, which contains the competition pools, will be topped by a timber roof that spans 80 metres but is only 50 centimetres in diameter. "In this immense cathedral dedicated to aquatic sports, there is no false ceiling or cladding," said VenhoevenCS and Ateliers 2/3/4/.
The building will host swimming and diving events at the Paris 2024 Olympics
The curved roof is raised at the sides to accommodate the stands while dipping in the middle to reduce the volume of the space, making it more efficient to heat.
"The roof, stretched with wooden beams, magnifies the space thanks to its dynamic curves that make it both intimate and airy," said the studios.
"Adapted to open heights and optimal visibility from the stands, this sculpted membrane seems to move and undulate like a living organism.&...