04 August 2024 - Paris-born and based designer Stéphane Ashpool has teamed up with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to unveil three artistic sports instillations in the city. “Paris is Your Playground” celebrates the joy and spirit of the city in Olympic mode by reimagining everyday street furniture as opportunities for the community to play sport.
Taking their design inspiration from childhood games and made for people to come together and play sport, the three pieces turn street furniture into beautiful playable sports installations. A streetlamp has been transformed into a basketball hoop and a compact volleyball court, whilst a bench also becomes a football goal.
In the spirit of the Olympic Games, the interactive installations, which blend sport and city decor, invite people to meet and engage in sporting activities, fostering a sense of community and encouraging movement.
As an artist, I love the discipline that I see in sport, and it’s something that I love to translate into my craft. I put a lot of craft into my work, and I always challenge myself to do my best. I think that comes from sport and, of course, the Olympic Games are the biggest stage for sport.
Stéphane Ashpool - Designer
“We chose team sports, where everyone can play together. That ethos of team sport, of inclusivity and togetherness, that’s what I wanted to inspire and reflect in the designs.”
Popping up in the Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis at the Jardin de l’Ecluse, with a panoramic view of the iconic Stade de France, the primary venue for the athletics and rugby sevens competitions at Paris 2024, the installations are accessible to the public throughout the Games.
“I’ve always loved to play outdoors,” Ashpool added. “I want to embrace the city and find a way to do sport in it. Kids especially are open to seeing this kind of art installation, and hopefully it brings joy and inspiration to play sport and have a good time.”
The installations, in collaboration with creative collective East Paris, were unveiled on 3 August, with the community coming together in Saint-Denis alongside Ashpool and volleyball and 3x3 basketball athletes and Olympians in a celebration of the unity of sport and the Olympic spirit.
