During the 2024 Paris Olympics, Alibaba Group opened a temporary pavilion on the Champs-Elysées boulevard. This ephemeral wooden structure stood on the sidewalks halfway between Théâtre Marigny and Théâtre du Rond-Point for the duration of the Olympics.
Global Design & Architecture Design Awards 2024
Second Award | Pop-ups and Temporary (Built)
Project Name: “Alibaba Wonder Avenue” Olympic Pavillion
Category: Pop-ups and Temporary (Built)
Studio Name: SpaceStation
Design Team: Li Ling, Wang Fengchao, Cao Zhichao, Wei Yingnan
Area: 704 m2
Year: 2024
Location: 50m from Champs-Élysées-Clemenceau Metro Station Exit, Av. Des Champs-Élysées, 75008, Paris, France
Consultants:
Photography Credits: Jin Weiqi
Render Credits:
Other Credits:
This is a location saturated with historical and cultural significance, having served as an exposition site during the Universal Expositions of 1855 and 1900. The gentle superelevation of the pavilion aims to blend in respectfully with the road design, its shape pays homage to the rectangularly pruned groves of the French gardening tradition. Rice paper used in the lattice windows of Chinese classical architecture provided us with inspiration for the overall layout: we chose polycarbonate sheets in order to mimic its aesthetic qualities. The sheets also have superior light-weight, high-strength and thermal insulation properties.
The main frame of the pavilion consists of shaped steel and all the rods are connected by bolts for easy transportation, assembly and dismantling. Secondary structures are of recyclable solid wood suited for structural dead load reduction. The pavilion is paved with standing seam polycarbonate sheets, with arches on the rooftop favoring the natural drainage. Corrugated sheets on the sides convey a sense of floating airiness. A semi-open space design avoids energy dissipation from air-conditioning: panels on the sides are designed to enhance natural ventilation, while also providing soothing area for the exhibition. Full-length gaps under the roof eaves provide an outlet for hot air gathered indoors. The pavilion aims to explore the theme of impermanence, its evocative shapes are meant to glide gently over the tree-lined Champs-Elysées boulevard blurs boundaries between indoors and outdoors, natural and artificial. All components are reusable and were returned to China for reassembly as part of a primary school charity program.
