Minimalist Design of 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Torches Puts Spotlight on the Flame by Carlo Ratti
In a fusion of minimalist Italian design and advanced engineering precision, architect Carlo Ratti has unveiled the "Essential" torches for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. The torches, named after their simplistic yet impactful design philosophy, are set to be a design and engineering landmark for the Games.
The torches, with their minimalist and pure design, place the flame at the forefront, emphasising purity and essence in both form and function. This approach reflects a design philosophy that values simplicity and clarity in volumes.
One of the most distinctive features of these torches is their open structure, a rarity in torch design. This openness allows viewers and torchbearers to see the internal mechanisms responsible for producing and sustaining the flame, revealing what is typically hidden. This transparency connects the symbolic and technical elements of the torch in a new and engaging way.
The torches also boast reflective finishes that shift in appearance with changing light conditions. The Olympic torch is rendered in blue-green tones, while the Paralympic torch features a bronze finish. This dynamic surface enhances the visual appeal and symbolizes change and movement.
Both torches incorporate a longitudinal opening along their shaft, visually exposing the technological heart of the burner to the torchbearers. This emphasis on visibility and openness in design further reinforces the theme of transparency.
The design merges symbolic significance—purity, connection, essence of the flame—with technical sophistication, blending art and engineering seamlessly. This results in a torch that is both a functional object and a powerful symbol for the Games, aligning with Italy's tradition of craftsmanship and innovation.
The torch is made from a reflective recycled aluminum and brass alloy, reflecting the commitment to sustainability in the Games' organisation. The torch's burner fuel is bio-LPG, made from renewable raw materials like cooking oil.
Carlo Ratti Associatti, based in Milan, collaborated with Eni and its subsidiary company Versalis in the development of the torches for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The torch design process was a collaborative effort between Carlo Ratti Associatti, Eni, Versalis, and the Olympics, reflecting the spirit of the Games.
Carlo Ratti, an architect, curator, and educator, has been involved in various prestigious projects such as the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025, the French Pavilion at the 2025 Expo Osaka, and the 2026 Winter Olympics in his home country. He designed the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Torches for the Milano Cortina games, a testament to his expertise and passion for innovative design.
The "Essential" torches for Milano Cortina 2026 are a reflection of the collaborative spirit of the Olympics, as well as the ongoing innovation in Italy. They are set to be a symbol of the Games, emphasising the power and beauty of the flame, while celebrating high technical innovation and Italy's rich tradition of craftsmanship and design.
The "Essential" torches for Milano Cortina 2026, with their open structure and reflective finishes, not only showcase advanced technology but also provide a transparent view of the internal mechanisms and the fuel source, symbolizing unity between the symbolic and technical elements. Furthermore, these torches are a demonstration of the collaboration between art, engineering, and sustainability, a testament to Italy's commitment to innovation and tradition.
