Part 1
AFTER 100 years, the Olympic Games made a historic touchdown in Paris, France, two years ago. This was the first Olympics since 2018 in Beijing, which was held without the pandemic gloom and strict health protocols hovering over the athletes and spectators. So, it was not only a celebration for the Parisians but also the whole world, including the Philippines. Surpassing the gold output from the Tokyo Games in 2021, the Philippines will remember Paris for another golden milestone in the Olympics: the double-gold performance of gymnastics sensation Carlos Yulo.
Paris is a dream destination for many. In a truly celebratory mode, it did not waste the opportunity to showcase what the “City of Love” had to offer in terms of tradition, culture and history.
Amidst the myriad of controversies surrounding this year’s opening ceremonies, Paris was able to pull off something unique, considering ritual elements prescribed by the Olympic Charter. It was different from the past ceremonies that we had seen in the past several years. Instead of a humongous, purposely-built stadium for an Olympics serving as a stage for all the pomp and pageantry of an Olympic Games kick-off, the opening parade was held in the 6-kilometer stretch of the famous Seine River.
Famous landmarks
As the parade of nations went on, the athletes who came from all corners of the world were instantly given a tour of the famous French landmarks lining the river. By doing this, Paris highlighted its famous river, the parks lining it, and the city’s public open spaces while promoting the host country’s local culture. The organizers had intentionally done this to bring the Games to the public through Paris’ public spaces.
One of the sad tales from many previous Olympic host countries is the building of ultra-expensive sports venues. While many of these stadiums and buildings had become excellent showcases of architectural feats, they later became “white elephants," were rendered insignificant, and were left to decay years after serving as an Olympic stage. For this edition of the Olympics, the host country built only two purpose-built venues and made use of readily available sites, including popular historical and architectural landmarks, to hold different sports events. The gardens of the Hotel des Invalides hosted archery competitions and were part of the road cycling and athletics tracks.
Built during the 1670s, the hotel was built as a hospice for disabled war veterans. The building project was commissioned by the well-known absolute monarch, King Louis XIV. Part of this complex is another French Baroque masterpiece, the Saint Louis des Invalides, designed by Jules Mansart, a trusted architect of the so-called “Sun King." From the vast gardens, St. Louis des Invalides’ imposing dome is a sight to behold. Imagine watching the best archers shoot for Olympic glory and appreciating architectural history with these iconic landmarks as their backdrop.
Part 2 will be published on May 12.
Cebuano architect Karl Aries Emerson F. Cabilao is a full-time permanent faculty member of the University of San Carlos’ Department of Architecture. A holder of a master’s degree in Architecture, major in Urban Design, he writes for a local newspaper about topics related to his profession. He served the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) in various capacities, including as a two-term president of the UAP Sugbu Chapter. He is among the youngest members to have been elevated to the UAP College of Fellows in April 2017.
