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World’s First 3D Printed Skatepark to Be Unveiled at Paris Olympics

Published on July 2, 2024 by Isaac B.

As the Paris Olympic Games draw near, the city is witnessing an exciting development. Starting on July 18, a 400m² skatepark created using 3D concrete printing will be open to the public near the Bassin de Takis in La Défense. This pioneering project is the brainchild of the French company Saint-Gobain and its subsidiary Weber, which specializes in flooring products and systems. The skatepark, comprised of 19 modules including single and inclined benches, two quarter-pipes, three rails, a volcano, and a double volcano, marks a significant advancement in the application of 3D printing for large-scale structures.

The modules for this skatepark were manufactured at one of Saint-Gobain’s factories in the Eindhoven industrial zone in the Netherlands. There, a multi-meter-high machine was used to produce the concrete 3D prints. This process offers great design freedom, allowing for the creation of unique and complex structures that are perfectly suited to the needs of skateboarders.

A 3D Printed Skatepark in Paris

While 3D printing is often associated with the manufacture of smaller objects, this installation demonstrates its applicability to large-scale concrete constructions. The new skatepark at La Défense will consist of several separate modules rather than a single massive block. This construction technique has been employed in Weber’s previous innovative projects, such as the 29-meter bridge 3D printed two years ago in the Netherlands, which is now used daily by pedestrians and cyclists. 3D printing in concrete offers ecological benefits by reducing the carbon footprint of construction.

Each skatepark module, weighing around 750 kg, takes between one and two hours to manufacture, according to Jakub Pawlowicz, Operations Manager 3D at Weber. “The whole process saves time: just two weeks from design to delivery,” he stated. “It’s a structure that will remain reliable for the next 10 to 15 years, without any worries.” To guarantee the quality and functionality of the skatepark, Weber worked closely with skateboarders, who tested and validated the modules.

Although further details on the manufacturing process are not available, the assembly of the skatepark modules will commence on July 9. The official inauguration is scheduled for July 18, just days before the start of the Paris Olympic Games. From July 19 until August 11, 2024, the skatepark will be open to the general public. After this period, it will be dismantled and relocated to a commune in the Hauts-de-Seine department by the end of the year. To learn more about this project, click here.

What do you think of this 3D printed skatepark in Paris? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly newsletter here for the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel

*Cover Photo Credits: Photo Credits: Saint-Gobain / Design: Playgones

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