The 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China: Introduction of “The Tide” Torch Design
Geschreven op 12-10-2010 - Erik van Erne. Geplaatst in Agenda, Design, Sport
The torch is an important symbol of the Asian Games. It embodys vision and the host city’s image. The Guangzhou Asian games Organising committee or GAGOC asked a number of expert design teams to create the torch but only one company would be successful – An entry entitled “Tide” emerged the winner.
“Tide” was designed by the Industrial Design Department at the University of Science and Technology Beijing. Key member of the design team, Hong Hua, says the team traveled to Guangdong several times for inspiration. There they learned about the local people’s way of life. Many of these aspects were included in the final design of “Tide”.
The pierced part of the flame brings to mind the qualities of a flickering flame. The solid part looks like flowing water, symbolizing the spirits of the local Lingnan culture such as inclusiveness and innovation. The exterior of the torch displays the distinctive reddish color of the bombax ceiba flower, the emblem of the city of Guangzhou. In Chinese folk culture, “high tide” indicates “fortune.” High tide is often seen as the best time to hold ceremonies and important activities. This is another reason the design team chose the name, as a symbol of hope and confidence.
“The Tide” is tall and straight in terms of shape while dynamic in terms of image. The upper part of the exterior of the torch is pierced with Guangzhou’s delicate ivory carving techniques. The pierced part looks like rising and flowing flames; the solid part looks like flowing water symbolising spirits of the Lingnan culture such as inclusiveness and innovation. The exterior of the torch is in the distinctive reddish colour of the flower of bombax ceiba, the flower emblem of Guangzhou, embodying the power and passion of life. The overall style of “The Tide” is in line with the Emblem and Pictograms of the Games. Source: CNTV
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