The Beijing Organizing Committee for the XXIX Olympiad (or BOCOG) has unveiled the official 2008 Olympic Torch, developed by the renowned computer manufacturer, Lenovo Group Ltd.
This unique design known as ‘Cloud of Promise’, that symbolize the custom of China is selected from an album of more than 300 competitor’s ideas and is produced from a polished aluminum-magnesium alloy.
By combining ‘a sleek and modern design with historical Chinese symbolism’ the torch weighs slightly above 2 pounds and will be carried worldwide in the Olympic Torch Relay.
According to Lenovo, it took 10 months to design the torch in conjunction with other international designer groups from Germany, Singapore, U.S and Japan.
The executive director of Lenovo’s Innovation Design Center in Beijing, Yingjia Yao said, the shape, texture, and technology of the torch are meant to evoke the Olympic spirit. He further asserted,
We approached the design of the torch with the same process we use in designing our personal computers. First we explore the connection between the user and the solution we create for them, looking at factors like size, weight, features, etc. Then we encourage the Lenovo design team to take a fresh approach to make the product uniquely and friendly to the customer.
Some supplementary features of the torch design encompass:
- Primary coloring of deep red and bright silver, a fusion of traditional Chinese art and contemporary design, blending symbols of Chinese culture, philosophy and art.
- A handle designed not only for comfort, but to emulate the unique sensation of one hand holding another thanks to a coating of rubber-based paint.
- An embossed pattern of clouds, which represent the ever-developing Chinese culture.
The official lighting of this 28-inch-tall red-and-silver tube-shaped torch will take place in Olympia, Greece, in March 2008.
Via: Gearlog
