Installed on the Joffre plateau of the Champ-de-Mars, between the Eiffel Tower and the Ecole Militaire, the Grand Palais Ephémère reconnects with the history of this site, which witnessed the Universal Exhibitions and the great popular festivals of the 19th and 20th centuries.

To meet the demand for a light structure and to meet urban and environmental challenges, wood was chosen for the framework and the frame. Composed of prefabricated elements in the workshop, complete sections of the structure were pre-assembled in the workshop, which allowed for faster assembly and less disturbance for the local residents. The profile of the structural arches works in compression to minimise the mass of timber used. The glulam structure also provides an answer to acoustic insulation. The Grand Palais Ephémère is also made of concrete and glass.

The urban and aesthetic integration of the structure was a major challenge, as the architectural object had to be in keeping with the site where it is located. Respecting the compositional axis of the Champ-de-Mars, the Grand Palais Ephémère was built on the Joffre plateau, reaching a height of 20 metres, which is strictly necessary for its operation, while leaving the École Militaire to dominate 16 metres higher.

The upper part of the structure is covered with an opaque PVC membrane, while the sides are closed by a transparent membrane, both of which are environmentally friendly: the former is reusable and the latter is 100% recyclable.

Designed by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, the arena’s timber structure, with its harmonious curves and aesthetics reflecting the Grand Palais, was built on the Champ de Mars at the start of 2021 opposite the École Militaire (a complex of buildings in Paris that house various military training facilities) and blends seamlessly into the urban landscape. Thanks to its use of sustainable materials and the building’s structure, this project is fully aligned with the environmental standards required by Paris 2024.

This temporary facility will be dismantled in late 2024, and as such no trace of the Olympic or Paralympic Games will remain. It will be able to be reused with multiple configurations at another location that is still to be determined.

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