OLYMPIADES

The Olympiades is a neighbourhood located in the 13th district of Paris. Built in the 70s it bears witness to a period rich in architectural thought. I chose this location for a photo series because I see it as an urban experience which is utterly unique in the Parisian context, as it incarnates “real Paris” while paradoxically being so little Parisian. Real Paris because it withholds a diversity which is rare for a complex of this size, and it represents a side to Paris which is gradually being lost in a gentrified city. So little Parisian through its urbanism which completely clashes with the Parisian aesthetic landscape as a whole: vertical buildings, the widespread use of concrete, square and linear facades, flat roofs. Real Paris because it remains a quiet cluster, where people like to stroll around, take their time, away from the constant hustle of the city. So little Parisian through its tower and podium architecture, overlooking the city, which completely separates the flow of pedestrians and vehicles, freeing its 11000 residents from the traffic. Real Paris because it incarnates the idea of a city looking out for the common good, inventing new places of opportunity