Athletes Village Temporary Kitchen and Dining at Rio 2016

The Rio 2016 Summer Games was the largest mutli-sport event ever held in Brazil. 16,500 athletes and officials were housed in the athlete’s village – with all being fed from a single main dining facility. PKL’s contract, direct with Rio Olympic Committee, was for the final design and fitout of the main dining facility – a huge 25,000sqm temporary structure.

The restaurant consisted of five different buffets so that all national nutritional and dietary requirements were met. The five specialist cooking stations offered: Brazilian, Asian, International, Pizza/Pasta, Halal and Kosher choices. A team of 20 master chefs developed the diverse menu to ensure all athletes felt at home.

Within PKL’s fit-out scope was the distribution of electrical, plumbing, mechanical and refrigeration systems necessary to install the kitchen. PKL’s installation needed to meet national construction and hygiene standards. This was achieved by managing local contractors as well as assisting the Committee in the management of their own supply chain.

As you would expect, the installation itself couldn’t start until carnival was over. From beginning of construction at the end of February, work was completed in early July – on time and on budget. PKL also provided a 24-hour maintenance cover throughout the duration of the games, with specialist engineers based on site.

Project Overview

  • 16,500 athletes and officials
  • 207 countries represented
  • 60,000 meals produced a day
  • 100,000kgs of raw ingredients used a day
  • 2,500 foodeservice employees

Athletes Village Main Dining

  • 25,000 sqm2
  • Largest ever athletes village dining facility
  • Equivalent to five soccer pitches