Textile architecture is emerging as a strategic solution to the shifting urban and cultural needs of major cities. In 2020, under the context of COVID-19 and with the Olympic Games on the horizon, an innovative temporary construction project would reshape the landscape of one of the most iconic cities in the world.
This is the Grand Palais Éphémère, in Paris—a truly unique construction in every sense, representing not only logistical and aesthetic challenges, but also meeting new standards of sustainability and architectural flexibility in a highly demanding context.
Its location was conceived on the Champ-de-Mars, and its main function is to host the Tatami sports during the 2024 Olympics, while temporarily replacing the Grand Palais, which is currently under restoration.
The design, covering over 15,000 m² of textile architecture, was entrusted to architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, who was tasked with integrating it into the historic surroundings between the École Militaire and the Eiffel Tower. A massive challenge that contrasts the architectural past with contemporary design.
But why does the Grand Palais Éphémère represent a unique challenge for its developers and the French capital?
Concept and Development of the Project
The French government entrusted GL Events—global leader in event organisation—and the renowned architecture firm Wilmotte & Associés with the task of creating a unique removable structure under two major conditions: the building could not outshine the iconic monuments nearby, and it had to be aesthetically integrated into the site.
Wilmotte’s approach brought the original Grand Palais closer to its temporary counterpart through its cruciform shape. In terms of materials, the range of options was narrow due to the requirement for dismantling. The original plan to use polycarbonate and metal panels was dropped due to scheduling constraints. This prompted the search for alternative solutions and led them to consult IASO as textile architecture experts.
The company from Lleida already had experience working with Wilmotte on large-scale projects like the roof and transparent façade of the Allianz Riviera (Nice, 2013), and with GL Events on the temporary roof for COP22 (Marrakech, 2016). Combined with a strong portfolio of ETFE and PES-PVC projects, this secured their role in the Grand Palais Éphémère.
At this stage, IASO proposed textile membranes for the façade and roof to shorten installation times and facilitate future disassembly, while maintaining technical performance and delivering aesthetic value. The proposal included different membrane types: ETFE for the longitudinal façades, white PES-PVC for the roof, PES-PVC mesh for the transverse sides, and STFE for the side lattices—covering over 15,000 m². This innovative system also complied with France's strict textile construction standards, including two favourable ATEX certifications (Appréciation Technique Expérimentale).
Additional Challenges in a Complex Context
Even under normal conditions, the project’s timeline was extremely tight. The building had to be operational by early 2021, which meant installing the envelope in less than four months—from September to December.
The schedule was seriously complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in force at that time. Despite this, deadlines and client requirements remained unchanged, demanding unprecedented measures to stay on track.
In December 2020, after a record-speed installation and impeccable coordination between all stakeholders, the textile envelope of the Grand Palais Éphémère was successfully completed.
Adaptability and Functionality: Pillars of Textile Architecture
Ephemeral architecture must be highly adaptable to accommodate a variety of uses in changing contexts. The Grand Palais Éphémère was designed with this in mind, able to host everything from Tatami competitions to international summits. Located in the heart of Paris, the structure leveraged its strategic position for both cultural and sporting events, while embodying the need for flexible, multipurpose spaces. Designed to be dismantled and potentially reused or relocated, it embodies an environmentally conscious mindset.
A Paradigm Shift in Construction
Sustainability was a fundamental pillar of the Grand Palais Éphémère. From the choice of recyclable, lightweight materials to the detailed planning of its life cycle, every element was carefully considered to minimise environmental impact. The ability to fully dismantle the building ensures that all its components can be reused or recycled, setting a new standard for sustainable temporary architecture.
The structure is primarily composed of timber, while the ETFE and PES-PVC envelope significantly reduces the building's weight and environmental footprint.
Expanding Urban Planning Perspectives
The success of the Grand Palais Éphémère offers valuable lessons on integrating temporary structures into urban environments. It demonstrates that textile architecture can be an effective tool for addressing urgent needs while supporting long-term sustainable development strategies—delivering the performance of a permanent building in terms of comfort and infrastructure quality. As cities face increasing space and growth challenges, the approaches used in this project may guide future urban initiatives.
The Grand Palais Éphémère stands as a testament to how contemporary architecture can meet the immediate needs of a city while upholding aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. More than a temporary solution, it sets the stage for innovation in ephemeral architecture, proving that urban quality of life and cultural resilience can be enhanced through dynamic, sustainable design.