Paris goes for Olympic gold in levelling up

EXCLUSIVE: Two authors on how the Games could build the future

Image by Luca Dugaro, Unsplash

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This week we have a huge treat: Paris-based bestselling British novelist Stephen Clarke and London author, academic and infrastructure expert Dr Dominic Davies write exclusively for This Week, Those Books on how the Olympic Games will transform Paris, the host city. Oui? Ou non?

– Rashmee

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The Big Story:

Even before the Olympics start on July 26, Paris wins a gold medal for using the Games to kickstart a radical rethink of the city, its suburbs (or banlieues) and urban inequality.

• The Games showcase the first part of a vast public works project to make the French capital more inclusive. For the first time ever, the city centre will be linked to the banlieues, which are some of the poorest areas of France.

• Massive infrastructure investment, for instance in Seine-Saint-Denis and Saint-Ouen, is meant to regenerate historically marginalised parts of Paris so that the Olympics leave a legacy of facilities and transport links, enhanced local skills and new jobs.

• This grand urban renewal project is along the lines of others undertaken by previous Olympic host cities, such as London. Experts say the Olympic Games are “one shot cultural events”¹ that can serve as a catalyst and engine to regenerate urban areas.

This Week, Those Books:

• A new novel on the Paris Olympics wants one more change to add to all the rest.

• An expert view of how infrastructure is built for shock and awe rather than anything useful.