Highlight of Design: Milano Cortina's Olympic Torch, originally conceptualized by Carlo Ratti
The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic torches, designed by Carlo Ratti and Studio Carlo Ratti Associati, are a testament to innovation and sustainability. Named "Essential," these torches have a unique open-structure design that reveals the inner workings of the flame for the first time, creating a blend of Italian design heritage and engineering precision.
The design process for Essential was rooted in restraint and sustainability, with the aim of making the flame the central focus. The team removed everything that was not necessary, prioritizing ethics over aesthetics. This minimalist approach was influenced by the need to honor tradition while evolving with changing rituals, and was also inspired by Sori Yanagi's torch for the 1964 Games.
Essential torches are made from recycled materials and powered by renewable bio-LPG, produced from waste oils, fats, and agricultural residues. In fact, these torches are composed of 89% certified recycled material, reflecting the Games' commitment to environmental responsibility.
The torch's handle is made from a Versalis-developed polymer derived from renewable sources, while the refillable burner can be used up to ten times, reducing the number of torches produced. Data and digital tools, such as simulations, wind tunnel tests, and digital twins, were used in the design process to ensure the torch's functionality and durability.
Carlo Ratti, the designer, describes Essential as a design that "isn't a torch seeking attention-it recedes, so that the flame can speak." This philosophy is evident in the torch's design, which emphasizes the flame as the central element, inviting viewers to witness the creative and technical process behind the flame. The torch's design is not just a symbolic object, but also a technical one, celebrating the essence of the Olympic spirit through functional aesthetics.
The 2026 Olympic Torch's design was a collaborative effort involving Cavagna Group, Versalis, Eni, and other partners. The torch will have distinct finishes: blue-green for the Olympics and bronze for the Paralympics.
Carlo Ratti advises younger architects and designers to always challenge the brief and design from the effect they want to produce. This approach is evident in the design of Essential, which reimagines the torch as a vessel for the flame rather than focusing on form alone.
[1] Studio Carlo Ratti Associati [2] Eni [3] Versalis [4] Cavagna Group
The collaboration between Studio Carlo Ratti Associati, Eni, Versalis, and Cavagna Group played a significant role in the design of the 2026 Olympic Torch, offering a blend of innovation and sustainability.
Technology played a crucial part in the design process, as digital tools such as simulations, wind tunnel tests, and digital twins were used to ensure the torch's functionality and durability.
With the aim of reducing environmental impact, the Essential torches are made from recycled materials, powered by renewable bio-LPG, and emphasize sustainability in design, making them perfect for those interested in eco-friendly travel news and sports technology.
