Old 2006 Olympic Village Residences

Standing here, before the sprawling complex of the Old 2006 Olympic Village Residences, it’s hard to imagine the flurry of activity that once pulsed through these grounds. A decade before Turin’s streets echoed with the excited chatter of tourists, these buildings buzzed with the energy of athletes from around the world. The Old 2006 Olympic Village Residences stand as a testament to Turin’s moment on the world stage, a symbol of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games. The village was a marvel, designed by German architect Otto Steidle. Imagine a miniature city within a city—restaurants, shops, gyms, even a medical center. It was a temporary home designed to house over 2,500 athletes. After the games, the city envisioned the village transforming, becoming a vibrant hub integrated into Turin’s fabric. However, fate, it seems, had other plans. Instead of the envisioned seamless transition, the Old 2006 Olympic Village Residences became a stark illustration of the complex realities of post-Olympic life. While parts were indeed repurposed for social housing and offices, a portion fell into disrepair, becoming, for a time, the site of Europe’s largest squatting occupation. This wasn’t a symbol of neglect, but rather a cry for help, a reflection of social and economic hardship. But through it all, the Old 2006 Olympic Village Residences have persevered. Architects PICCO Architetti spearheaded a project, breathing new life into the complex. They transformed it into student and social housing. This breathed a new kind of energy into these spaces. Today, as you stand before the Old 2006 Olympic Village Residences, you’re witnessing a story of resilience, of adaptation. It’s a reminder that even in the face of unexpected turns. Even when the world’s eyes move on, life finds a way. And within these walls, a new chapter is being written—a chapter filled with the promise of a brighter future.