The contest will be held in partnership with the Institute of Architects of Brazil (IAB) and coordinated by the Instituto Rio 2014/2016, the body set-up last year to oversee the city's preparations for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics and Paralympics and which monitors municipal projects for both events. 

The Olympic Park, which is located in Barra da Tijuca, west of the city, is spread over more than a million square metres and is due to host 15 different competitions during the Games.

Some of the facilities will be permanent and others might be used for other purposes after the Olympics, including setting up the Olympic Training Centre (TOC) which it is hoped will train future elite members of Brazil's Olympic team.

At least least 60 per cent of the area will be used after the Games for projects like hotels, and commercial and residential use.

According to Rio's Economic Development Secretary, Felipe Goes, the projects will have to take into consideration the existing facilities built for the 2007 Pan-American Games, such as the Maria Lenk Aqua Park and the basketball arena.

But the majority of the facilities will be built on Rio's race track - the Nelson Piquet Autodrome - in Jacarepagua which will be demolished as part of the redevelopment.

Officials also stressed that the environmental aspects of the project will be taken into consideration, such as the low water and energy use and the preservation of nearby lagoons.

"The chosen project must consider environmental concerns and avoid unnecessary Governmental expenditures," said Felipe Garcia, the secretary of Municipal Development for Rio.

"The project is of paramount importance, because the world will see the Games through the Olympic Park.

"The winner is the one that best combine the Olympics infrastructure with an excellent exploration of the urban area."


Companies will have to present the projects by the end of June.

Foreign firms can enter providing they have an office or representative in Brazil.

The winning project is due to be announced by mid-July.

The jury that will decide the winner will consist of representatives from Rio 2016, the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB), Rio City Hall, the Federal Government, five consultants from IAB and two international judges.

Another contest will be held to choose the design of the facilities.

"The concern is we will be ready to stage the test events a year before," said Carlos Nuzman, the President of Rio 2016 and the COB.

"But the IOC are satisfied that we are acting within the time and have enough time to build the Olympic Park."

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