The Olympics and urban development: A study of Seoul, Barcelona and Atlanta

Every four years, the world comes together to celebrate athletic achievement at the Olympic Games. Originally intended to spread amateur competition between nations, the Olympics have experienced many changes over their 108 years. With the evolution of television, the games have taken on a larger role in giving the public an impression of the host city. Accompanying this is the emerging view of the Olympics as a conductor of urban redevelopment. However, hosting the games does not guarantee a positive view of the city. This thesis examines the impact of the games on the cities of Seoul, Barcelona, and Atlanta through examination of what was built and the impression of the international media at each event. It also explores the evolution of the games and shows how they have become less about the athletes and more about showcasing the host city to the rest of the world.