How do you build an Olympic house? Here’s how we met the brief for Team Canada

Designing one of these houses was an immense honor, and we’re pleased to say Mosaic had the job of turning Canada Olympic House into a reality. Located in the Cité des Sciences within Parc de la Villette, Europe’s largest science museum was transformed in part into a dynamic space for interaction and celebration. Intended as a gathering place for athletes and families, the house was designed to connect Canadians and international visitors in a vibrant and immersive environment.

For anyone in Paris this weekend, this evolution is still on full display at La Maison Olympique du Canada (to give it its French name – Canada being a proudly bilingual country). The house provides a diverse array of partner activations and experiences catering to athletes, coaches, the general public, guests, dignitaries, and VIPs.

Greg Wamsley, vice president of production at Mosaic North America, explained how he expected people to use the space. “People will stay all day; some will come for a few hours and then move on to the next one,” he said. This “house hopping” has been facilitated by the proximity of multiple national houses within a few miles, allowing visitors to explore various cultures and enjoy diverse food and drink options all in one area.

Partner activations have been an important way for Canada Olympic House to offer visitors a unique and engaging experience. There have been over a dozen, including a Lululemon pop-up shop – showcasing the brand that outfitted the Team Canada athletes this year. There’s a special Canadian Tire Celebration Arena for events, while the Petro-Canada Living Leaf installation has connected fans in Paris with those back home.

The Toyota ’Start Your Impossible’ photo and postcard station has allowed visitors to create lasting memories. Visitors can also enjoy the Air Canada Flight Deck patio and the Mondelēz ’Create Your Athlete Card’ experience. These activations were all designed to create a deeper connection with the guests and Team Canada.

Other notable features at Canada Olympic House are a 60-foot projection wall, tiered seating, and a grandstand. The venue is equipped with temporary carpeting, walls, signage, and wrapping, as well as furniture, a bar, and a broadcast studio operated by the Canadian Broadcast Corporation (CBC). The CBC studio broadcasts live each day back to Canada, making it a major attraction for the expected number of daily visitors.

Creative Director, Anthony Hachez explained the significance behind the design. “It’s for people who want to experience the Games but don’t necessarily have a ticket to see the sports,” he said. “It’s a place where you can be shoulder to shoulder with Canadians, celebrate athletes, watch the Games, and have the true experience of Canada.”

In addition to the Paris venue, Mosaic also collaborated with the Canadian Olympic Committee to produce Team Canada FanFest happening in Calgary, Toronto & Montréal. The experiences were all produced to bring elements of Canada Olympic House to sports fans back home – allowing them to watch the Games on large screens, try sports demonstrations, meet Olympic athletes, and enjoy live music.

Go Team Canada – we’ll be watching you from Parc de la Villette.