The Olympic games are all about breaking records and world firsts. This year, however, at the Paris 2024 Olympics, a world first is taking place even before the athletics begin. Construction company Saint-Gobain, an official partner of Paris 2024, has constructed the first ever 3D printed skatepark. The park, which spans 400m², is opening on July 18th on the Esplanade de Paris La Défense and was conceived as a way to extend the inclusive spirit of the games to the public.

The skatepark itself was a group effort, bringing together various artists and experts in construction, 3D printing and—of course—skateboarding. On this front, Saint-Gobain consulted with professional skateboarder Vincent Matheron. The design of the park is inspired by a pinball game and integrates many colorful and dynamic elements. Notably, the skatepark has been designed with accessibility in mind, with features that are suitable for all levels of skateboarders as well as for people of all types of physical abilities. In fact, the Saint-Gobain team enlisted the help of non-profit organization Pratikable to ensure that wheelchair users could make use of the park.

Large-format 3D printing was central to the construction of the Saint-Gobain skatepark: it was used to manufacture 8 concrete modules, including two launchers, an A-Frame, a volcano, double volcano and three benches. These elements were custom designed and 3D printed at the Saint-Gobain Weber Beamix facility in Eindhoven.

Peter Paul Cornelissen, 3D Business Unit Manager at Weber Beamix, Saint-Gobain Group, said of the innovative project: “3D printing makes it possible to converge the expectations of the various parties involved, from design to use, in terms of environmental footprint, creativity, production speed and gliding sensation. Skateboarding is becoming increasingly popular, but it needs to find its place in the urban public arena, while retaining an avant-garde spirit. With its short production times, ability to produce custom-made products and great freedom of design, 3D printing offers enormous opportunities for the development of skateboarding. We had the elements tested by skateboarders: initial feedback has been very positive!”  

Also key to the creation of the skatepark was Aubry Ramillon, an up-and-coming architect and skateboarder, who helped take the project from a seed of an idea to reality. “With 3D concrete printing, we’ve been able to imagine an unprecedented skatepark that adapts to all kinds of practices,” he said. The park also features a mural painted by Luc Abalo, a three-time Olympic handball champion, which depicts Team Saint-Gobain athletes. 

The park will be inaugurated on July 18th and will remain open on the Esplanade de Paris La Défense until August 11, 2024—the day of the Olympic closing ceremonies. The park will then be moved and reopened in a town in the Paris region. So far, the 3D printed skatepark modules have already received acclaim from experienced skaters. Hortense, co-founder of the Concrete Surf Riders Paris club, said of her experience: “These 3D printed concrete modules are beautifully crafted. The surface is perfectly suited to skateboarding, neither too slippery nor too rough. The slope of the ramps works with all types of boards: surfskate, skateboard… and makes the park accessible to all levels, from beginner to advanced. The pinball print adds a playful touch, without detracting from the quality of the ground.”