World’s first 3D printed skatepark debuts at Paris Olympics 2024, showcasing innovation and inclusivity. The 400m² facility features custom-designed modules and caters to all skill levels, including wheelchair users.
The Paris Olympics 2024 is set to reveal the first-ever skatepark created via a 3D printer in unprecedented fashion for new athletic facilities. Opening at Esplanade de Paris La Défense on 18th July, this cutting-edge facility will demonstrate how technology and sport combine by design.
Spearheaded by construction giant Saint-Gobain, the project brings together a diverse team of artists, construction experts, and professional skateboarder Vincent Matheron. The skatepark’s design prioritizes accessibility, catering to athletes of all skill levels and even accommodating wheelchair users, thanks to input from non-profit organization Pratikable.
At the heart of this revolutionary project lies large-format 3D printing technology. Eight concrete modules, including two launchers, an A-Frame, a volcano, a double volcano, and three benches, were custom-designed and printed at Saint-Gobain Weber Beamix’s facility in Eindhoven. Peter Paul Cornelissen, Weber Beamix’s 3D Business Unit Manager, highlighted the numerous advantages of 3D printing, such as reduced environmental impact, enhanced creativity, faster production, and design flexibility.
The skatepark has already received praise from the skateboarding community. Hortense, co-founder of Concrete Surf Riders Paris club, commended the craftsmanship, noting, “These 3D printed concrete modules are beautifully crafted. The surface is perfectly suited to skateboarding, neither too slippery nor too rough.”
Architect and skateboarder Aubry Ramillon played a pivotal role in bringing the initial concepts to life. The park also features artistic elements, including a mural by Olympic handball champion Luc Abalo depicting Team Saint-Gobain athletes.
Open until August 11, 2024, this innovative skatepark not only serves as a testament to technological advancement but also embodies the inclusive spirit of the Olympic Games. Following the event, the park will find a new home within the Paris region, leaving a lasting legacy of innovation and accessibility in sports infrastructure.
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Nestor Sawayn is a U.S.-based tech journalist specializing in maker tools and creative technologies. His coverage spans 3D printers, vinyl cutters, paper printers, and laser cutters across North America, Europe, and Asia. Sawen’s articles offer concise, insightful analysis of the latest News, innovations in this space. Beyond hardware, he explores the creative potential of board games and tabletop RPGs, providing readers with a comprehensive view of both digital and analog maker trends.
Feel free to reach out to me at nestorsawayn@360techinsights.com.
