Paris, 1 July, 2004– Only one month after its launch, the international architecture competition initiated jointly by Paris 2012, the organisation leading Paris’ Bid to host the XXX Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012, and the Pavillon de l’Arsenal, Paris’s information, documentation and exhibition centre for urban design and architecture, has turned out to be an outstanding success.

Currently, 578 architects and designers from 54 countries, spanning the 5 continents, have registered on the Paris 2012 website to submit their project proposals for an Olympic landmark to be erected in December 2004 in Les Batignolles, the planned site for the Olympic Village, should Paris be selected to host the 2012 Games.

A jury composed of renowned international architects, including Àbalos & Herreros (Spain), Shigeru Ban (Japan), Stephano Boerie (Italy), Eric Carlson (USA), Finn Geipel (Germany), Marc Mimram (France) and Jean Nouvel (France), will select the best project in September 2004. Representatives of the Paris 2012 Bid will also participate in the jury.

Philippe Baudillon, Chief Executive Officer of Paris 2012, added: ‘The Olympic Village will be the 2012 Olympics’ most important legacy to 21st Century Paris. I am extremely pleased by the passion and interest demonstrated by so many talented individuals from around the world for this ambitious project. The spirited response demonstrates that Paris remains an international icon and place of inspiration for architecture and design.’

The Olympic landmark will be the first urban project for the 2012 Games, commencing, as early as 2005, the regeneration of the Batignolles area, currently a blighted 50-hectare area of the 17th arrondissement in North West Paris, largely untouched by planners and developers since the 1950s.

Applicants are invited to submit designs for a landmark that will be part of an exhibition centre showcasing the Paris 2012 concept, which will provide Parisians and visitors with panoramic views of Paris’ principle monuments. It will be accessible to people with disabilities and will meet all sustainable development requirements.

Registration for the Olympic landmark international competition remains open until 31 July 2004. Participants can apply online by visiting http://architecture.parisjo2012.fr. Construction and erection will take place at the end of the year with the landmark scheduled for unveiling in January 2005.

For further information, please contact:

Paris 2012 Global Media Office
Free phone: +800 2012 2012
Within France, dial 00.800.2012.2012
media@parisjo2012.fr

or

Pavillon de L’Arsenal Media Officer
Julien Pansu
+33 1 42 76 31 95
j-pansu-com@pavillon-arsenal.com