The Paris 2024 Olympics is building on the legacy of previous games by maximising the use of existing and temporary structures and venues. The intention is that 95% of venues will be existing buildings or temporary structures, with only the remaining 5% being highly sustainable new builds.

London arguably pioneered this approach in 2012, with a number of the city’s landmarks used as backdrops for demountable venues. One striking example was Horse Guards Parade, which was transformed in just 36 days into a beach volleyball venue.

Such an approach to staging the games sounds simple, but requires careful design and planning and specialist contractors to deliver. Olly Watts is joint CEO of ES Global, one of the world’s leading firms specialising in delivery of temporary staging and venues for rock concerts and major sporting events.

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