I’ve spoken to a few people about the Olympic graphics campaign in Chicago, the consensus, nice, but not strong enough and memorable. Chicago, Tokyo, Rio and Madrid are in the final four. Read through the meaning of each logo and cast a vote.
Tokyo: “The Tokyo 2016 logo takes the form of a traditional Japanese knot known as “MUSUBI”. It integrates the five Olympic colours into a motif of colourful and decorative knotted strings which have long been utilised in Japan to signify blessings during times of celebration.”
Madrid: “A bright and colourful open hand that, in the words of its author, represents “unity among the different cultures, people, and nationalities that coexist in Madrid.” As well as “a friendly greeting where one appreciates the freshness of Madrid and its people.”
Rio: “The Sugarloaf Mountain was chosen as a symbol, representing the natural richness of Rio de Janeiro. According to the ROCOG, the design as a whole conveys a heart shape, representing Brazilians’ passion and enthusiasm for sports.Through its mirroring effect, the symbol also forms a stylized clover.”
Chicago: “a unique six-pointed Chicago star represents a compass pointing in all directions reaching out to the world. Each point represents an Olympic value: Hope, Respect, Harmony, Friendship, Excellence and Celebration. The warm colors represent the flame and the sun, the cool colors represent the green parklands and blue waters of Lake Michigan.”
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I like Madrid’s the best, nice story and very “Spanish”. Resembles Mirò, Marineé, etc.
Pretty bold as well, I think.
But, it would be nice to see the games happen in Rio, though…
I always thought the Chicago one was nice but still felt very designed having graphic strength as primary goal. But it somehow lacked the natural and cultural amiability the games represent. I was in Madrid during the 1st phases of the city’s Olympic efforts and it was interesting that they had the public (residents and tourists alike) vote on the 1 identity to move forward with.
The Chicago one is a variation of the original thought (the first was much better in my opinion). The first one had the Sears Tower reflected on the lake, the combination of both images resulted on the Olympic torch. VSA had to go back since you do not have the rights to use the torch until you are chosen as the host. I with Brazil’s was better. The country has a history of constructivist modernism but when it comes to something like this it always ends up being clearly a design by committee.
Otl Aicher’s job for the Munich Olympics still stand in my mind as the best graphic design project of all times (sounds like an exaggeration and it might be but I have not bumped into anything better to date).
Peace be upon you
I am from Egypt and I study in the historical development of publications, the Olympics, do you have any information on the impact of technology on the printing of posters and slogans and declarations of the summer and winter sessions? And raw materials used in printing?
And technical schools to which belong these publications?
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The Madrid logo looks too much like the NBC peacock. Chicago’s looks the most elegant but Rio’s is nice too. I don’t like the knot.
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