Saint-Gobain designs the world’s first 3D-printed skatepark, in time for Paris 2024
Saint-Gobain, Official Supporter of Paris 2024, has created the Saint-Gobain Skate Game: a skatepark featuring 3D-printed concrete modules. Representing a giant pinball machine, this 400m² skatepark on the Esplanade de Paris La Défense will be open from July 18 and accessible to all for the duration of the Olympic Games.
An entertainment venue in the spirit of the Games: inclusive and popular
Located on the Esplanade de Paris La Défense, a stone's throw from the Saint-Gobain Tower, offering a spectacular view between the Grande Arche de La Défense and the Arc de Triomphe, this 400m² skatepark has been designed as a giant pinball machine accessible to all, beginners or experienced skateboarders, families, able-bodied or disabled people, from July 18 until August 11, 2024. As part of Paris 2024's "Legacy" program, this facility will be reinstalled after the events in a town in the Paris region.
“With the Saint-Gobain Skate Game, Saint-Gobain proposes an emblematic venue to promote the practice of sport during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, while reinforcing its commitment to offering innovative and sustainable solutions with a smaller environmental footprint. To make it happen, we mobilized Saint-Gobain's specialist 3D printing teams and called on members of our Team of Athletes: Vincent Matheron, French skateboarding icon, contributed his technical expertise, and Luc Abalo, three-time Olympic handball champion and painter, created a large mural depicting Team Saint-Gobain athletes racing for Paris 2024. With this skatepark, which will be given as a legacy to a local authority in the Ile de France region, Saint-Gobain gives concrete form to a signature adopted to mark its support for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, "Aiming higher to make the world a better home," says Laurence Pernot, VP Communications Saint-Gobain Group.
The Saint-Gobain Skate Game: a skatepark with a smaller environmental footprint thanks to 3D printing
The Saint-Gobain Skate Game is the first skatepark in the world to feature 3D-printed concrete modules. This technology makes it possible to use just the right amount of materials, thus reducing the use of resources and the production of waste. Composed of 8 modules, including 2 launchers, 1 A-Frame, 1 volcano, 1 double volcano and 3 benches, the Saint-Gobain Skate Game was custom-built at the Saint-Gobain Weber Beamix plant in Eindhoven (Netherlands), in collaboration with specialists in urban environment planning and sliding space design, as well as the non-profit organization Pratikable.
“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!” Peter Paul Cornelissen, 3D Business Unit Manager at Weber Beamix - Saint-Gobain Group.
An innovative and inclusive experience for everyone.
This method open new avenues for architectural design, offering the possibility of creating complex, bespoke shapes that were previously difficult to realize, while enabling rapid, efficient modifications to plans thanks to digital modeling. These new opportunities have enabled Aubry Ramillon, a young architect-designer and skateboarder, to imagine a new urban playground for everyone, whether beginner or expert, young or old, able-bodied or disabled..
“With 3D concrete printing, we've been able to imagine an unprecedented skatepark that adapts to all kinds of practices. Experienced skaters will be able to try out modules that no one has skated anywhere else in the world, with a multitude of tricks possible and even imaginable. Those discovering the sport for the first time will have no trouble getting started and progressing. Wheelchair skaters in particular will also have a fully accessible playground, thanks to our collaboration with the Pratikable association, with whom we have worked to ensure that our modules are as inclusive as possible,” explains Aubry Ramillo, architect-designer.
Some modules were previewed in Eindhoven by several Parisian skateboarding clubs.
“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. I can't wait to discover the full skatepark in July and see how the riders make it their own," says Hortense, co-founder of the Concrete Surf Riders Paris club.
“Our test on these modules was really conclusive. Saint-Gobain got it right. We were able to talk to the teams in charge of designing the modules and give them a few finishing tips to optimize the rider experience as much as possible,” states Haleksgang, member of O Labo club.