The Paris 1924 and Paris 2024 Olympics, though a century apart, capture the essence of their respective eras with a unique spirit. While the 1924 Games reflected the simplicity and functionality of their time, the 2024 Games highlight modern values of sustainability and inclusivity. Paris 2024 blends innovative design with a fresh identity, creating a cohesive look that extends through every venue and piece of equipment. From the badminton shuttlecocks to the sport climbing wall, the blind football ball, handball goalposts and the athletics track at the Stade de France, over 1.2 million items of sports equipment will be produced under this cohesive yet enticing identity. Each piece will be branded with the Paris 2024 Look of the Games, making them easily recognisable and enhancing the unique atmosphere of the competition and training venues. The event will also be marked by striking colours and bold symbols, reflecting a contemporary flair that resonates with audiences worldwide.

The Look of the Games is touted to be more than just a design; it is a creative vision that unifies the celebration and competition venues. Revealed in early 2023, the Paris 2024 Look of the Games incorporates a simple palette of three main colours: blue for 19 venues, green for 13 venues and purple for 11 venues. Each colour scheme is complemented by distinctive motifs and symbols such as polka dots and stripes, elements of the Paris 2024 brand (Rings or Agitos, emblem, etc.) and the pictogram of the discipline. A hint of pink weaves through the design, adding contrast and a joyful dimension.

Paris 2024’s visual identity is deeply intertwined with the cultural and historical landmarks of France. The integration of classic motifs, such as polka dots inspired by Parisian street art and the stripes reflecting the city’s architectural lines create a design that feels familiar and fresh. This approach contrasts with the often more generic themes seen in previous Games, offering a distinctive Parisian flavour that resonates with both locals and international audiences. By weaving such elements into the product design, Paris 2024 sets itself apart as a celebration of local heritage on a global stage.

For the design of the sports equipment, the Paris 2024 creative teams adapted the graphic ingredients to objects of all sizes and materials, ensuring they fit perfectly into the competition areas as well. This harmony and unity were achieved through effective visual communication to enhance athletes' sporting performance.

As a tribute to the to the historic asphalt track of the State de Colombes from the Paris 1924 Games, the Paris 2024 brand and sports management team, working with Mondo, has selected a grey hue for the outer edge of the athletics track at the iconic Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis opposite the newly built Aquatics Centre. This track and the technical areas will be dressed in two shades of purple spanning 13,000 square metres of surface area - a first in the history of the Olympics and Paralympic Games, as previous editions have used blue or orange. This design choice promises to give Paris 2024 a unique and memorable look enhancing its appeal across athletes, spectators and future viewers.

The Le Bourget sport climbing venue, also located in Saint-Denis, is branded in the Look of the Games and represents another first. Unlike the neutral grey walls of the Tokyo Olympics 2021 when the sport was first introduced, these walls feature predominantly green tones, reflecting the venue’s designated colour. The design of each venue in this way follows specifications set by the international federations and the Olympic Broadcasting Services, creating an environment that maximises athletes’ performance and ensures a holistic and immersive experience.

The sports equipment for the event will be colour-coded to reflect the venue’s theme, ensuring clear identification. Covering 32 Olympic sports and 22 Paralympic sports, the equipment will be distributed across 43 locations – two exclusively for the Paralympics and 41 for the Olympics, with 20 venues adaptable to accommodate both games. Spanning all disciplines and venues, the 4,000 reference items and 1.2 million sports equipment provided by 250 suppliers, including Paris 2024’s official supporters Gerflor, Gymnova, Highfield, Mondo, Technogym and Terraillon, among others, will facilitate the competitions. The meticulous attention to detail in the creative process ensures that every piece of equipment not only stands out visually but also contributes to the functionality and performance required for high-level competition. This balance between form and function exemplifies the approach of Paris 2024.

Beyond the immediate impact of the Games, Paris 2024’s design philosophy aims to also leave a lasting legacy. The emphasis on sustainability and thoughtful design ensures that the equipment and facilities will continue to serve the community long after the Games conclude. The use of durable materials and the involvement of local suppliers underscores the event’s commitment to environmental and economic longevity.

Paris 2024 tells a compelling tale of design and performance that encapsulates the essence of modern Olympic values, harmonising innovation, sustainability and historical charm within sports architecture. The Games will provide a dynamic and engaging experience for athletes and spectators alike, thanks to the meticulous planning and commitment that defines this year’s event. As Paris opens its doors to the world, the legacy of the Games will be defined by its approach to design and its projected enduring impact on the community. 

Paris 2024: Explore STIR's extensive coverage of the Olympic and Paralympic Games through features, insider interviews, and thoughtful insights across architecture, design and art, to find out how the global sporting event engages the French capital across these creative avenues and beyond.