Danish studio Henning Larsen Architects have been commissioned to create a special cultural pavilion in Rio de Janeiro to celebrate the 2016 Olympic Games.

The public pavilion will be located on the world-famous Ipanema Beach with the statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain providing a dramatic backdrop.

The 300sq m (3,200sq ft) installation is intended to provide a destination for cultural exchange between Denmark and Brazil for the duration of the Games this August. It will host an eclectic programme of events focused around sports, food, music and art.

Conceived as a simple tent construction, the pavilion is composed of four triangular aluminium sections covered with white canvas made from sailcloth and connected by a cross shape in clear acrylic. The open space inside is organised around a bar, an exhibition on sustainable cities, a press room and an amphitheatre from which people can watch Olympic events on a big screen or look out towards the Atlantic Ocean.

Henning Larsen’s design references Rio’s hilly landscape, the lightness and simplicity of Nordic architecture and the work of renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeye. Denmark’s sailing history is another influence, and the metal used will be provided by John Mast, a producer of sailboat masts.

The lighting company Martin Professional is also working on the project and has designed a special LED lighting display to illuminate the pavilion when it gets dark. The structure will glow in the colours of the Danish, Brazilian and Olympic flags and can also be customised for special events.

The pavilion will open from the 4-21 August, from 11am to 10pm every day.

Denmark’s Ministry of Business and Growth and VisitDenmark are developing the project, with support and funding coming from The Danish Industry Foundation, the Nordea Foundation and the grant schemes Realdania and Grundfos.