A Danish Design Installation Bringing Calm, Materiality and Interaction to the Paris Olympics
For the Paris 2024 Olympics, VisitDenmark needed a pavilion that showcased Danish culture through design and playful interaction. Placed in a high-traffic urban setting, the installation had to stand out visually while remaining warm, inviting and unmistakably Scandinavian. The result is an experience that brings together design, interaction and Danish design heritage.
Client
VisitDenmark
Project
The Danish Pavilion, Paris Olympics
Design
BRIQ
Photo
Nathan Besse, Thomas Deron & VisitDenmark
A Scandinavian Expression
The pavilion is shaped by soft curves and warm materials. Natural wood, muted tones and detailing create a welcoming setting that contrasts the busy Olympic surroundings. The circular form encourages flow and openness, inviting visitors to step inside rather than simply pass by. Layered surfaces and gentle height variations add depth and movement without overwhelming the space.
Interactive Elements That Invite Play and Curiosity
VisitDenmark wanted the pavilion to feel playful while still grounded in Danish design values. Interactive elements were therefore embedded directly into the installation, from rotating modules to tactile surfaces and touchpoints that encourage exploration. These elements ensure that visitors not only observe the pavilion, but actively engage with it, creating memorable encounters rooted in participation and curiosity.
Successful installation in the middle of olympic preparations
The material palette is grounded in natural textures and crafted transitions. Wood and textile components introduce warmth, while integrated lighting ensures the pavilion remains inviting from morning to evening. The Scandinavian atmosphere is further supported by clean lines, a calm tonal range and minimal visual noise, creating a clear contrast to the intense sensory landscape around the Olympics.
Rather than relying on heavy messaging, the pavilion communicates Danish culture through calmness, human scale, thoughtful detail and tactile authenticity. Placed in the heart of Paris during one of the world’s biggest events, the installation acts as an ambassador for Denmark, offering visitors a brief but strong encounter with Danish design values.
