By Design: The Olympic Games

Another enduring emblem is the Olympic torch. Inspired by practices from ancient Greece, the modern Olympic torch travels from Olympia in Greece over a number of weeks to the host city of the Games, spreading peace and friendship along the way. This ritual was the brainchild of university lecturer and sports theorist Carl Diem. The first torch relay took place at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany after it was approved by the International Olympic Committee. The original torch was designed by German sculptor Walter Lemcke using polished steel. This custom has continued for every summer games since.

Beyond this, there are many more elements at the Olympic Games where the presence of design is strongly felt. Here we explore a few key moments:

1992 | Javier Mariscal

Spanish artist and designer Javier Mariscal created “Cobi”, the iconic, cubist-style Catalan sheepdog, which served as the mascot for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. To mark the 30th anniversary, Mariscal has this year released an updated and more colourful version of the beloved mascot — now wearing glasses and a beard. Mariscal’s extensive body of work also includes designs for leading furniture manufacturing companies Moroso and Nanimarquina.

2000 | Marc Newson

Influential Australian industrial designer Marc Newson was commissioned to create a lighting show for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The animated sequences inspired by the Australian environment were projected onto the Sydney Opera House during the Opening Ceremony. Newson also created the futuristic Gluon chair for Moroso in the early 1990s. This was conceived as a modular chair and footstool pair that was produced in two versions - one with four legs for commercial use and the other with a pedestal base for residences.

2020 | Tokujin Yoshioka

Japanese designer and artist Tokujin Yoshioka was the chief torch designer for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The torch was formed to resemble a cherry blossom (also known as “sakura”), a flower associated with regeneration and seasonal beauty. Aside from his Olympic creations, Tokujin’s extensive body of work also includes a series of pieces that were originally designed for the Issey Miyake flagship store in London and produced by Moroso.

2020 | Nendo

Japanese design firm Nendo created a spherical cauldron to hold the Olympic torch at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The dynamic, white form, which was informed by the shape of the sun, was the centre of attention at the opening ceremony. Meaning “modelling clay” in Japanese, Nendo has a sculptural approach to design, which can be seen across its work for brands including Moroso, Glas Italia and Fritz Hansen.

Designer Philippe Starck has created several designs for the Olympic Games. Photograph: Élodie Daguin

Philippe Stack's Olympic medal design concept splits into four pieces. Image: courtesy Philippe Starck.

2024 | Philippe Starck

Having previously designed the torch for the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France, Philippe Starck was asked to create a new medal concept as part of the country’s bid to host the Games in 2024. Starck’s design allows the medal to be split into four, with the intention that winning Olympic athletes will be able to share their success with family or friends.

​​Stark’s innovation shows that the work of architects, designers and artists will continue to play an important role in the evolution and identity of the Olympic Games, bringing people from all around the world, and different walks of life, together.

Designed by Javier Mariscal, Cobi was the official mascot for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Image: courtesy of the International Olympic Committee.