Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: This article explores the evolution of spatial and planning models for the Winter Olympics from 2002 to 2030 within the framework of regional development. Key elements of Olympic agglomerations are analyzed, including their structural components, length, direction of development and integration of natural and urban landscapes. The study identifies a clear transition in planning strategies between two distinct periods: 2002–2018 and 2022–2030. In the earlier period, Winter Olympics were characterized by compact, unidirectional spatial models with limited regional outreach, focusing heavily on constructing new infrastructure within confined zones.These models prioritized the immediate needs of the event, often neglecting broader regional development or post-event legacy. In contrast, the 2022–2030 period demonstrates a shift toward networked, multidirectional, and complex agglomerations. This evolution reflects not only advancements in planning and infrastructure technologies but also growing awareness of sustainability challenges and economic constraints. These models extend the geographic scale of Olympic agglomerations, incorporating multiple urban and rural clusters connected by enhanced transport and logistics networks. Importantly, they emphasize the reuse and adaptation of existing infrastructure to reduce costs and environmental impact while ensuring alignment with long-term regional development goals.The analysis also highlights the influence of external factors, such as climate change, economic instability, and public pressure for resource efficiency, on the transformation of spatial planning approaches. For instance, increasing variability in snow and temperature conditions has necessitated the selection of geographically dispersed venues with reliable climatic conditions, even if they are distant from the central Olympic city. This has led to a significant expansion in the radius of Olympic agglomerations, necessitating greater investment in transportation and communication infrastructure.
Source: Spatial development
Author: Volodymyr Kovpak
Institution: Lviv Polytechnic National University
Language: English
Topic: Sport and Mega-Event Impacts
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4410010826