LONDON 2012: Organisers to leave no stone unturned in torch relay design

LONDON 2012 organisers are leaving no stone unturned to ensure they hit all the right notes with their Olympic torch design.

BURNING ISSUE: The design of the Olympic torch and the route the relay will take are two things on Locog's agenda at present (Getty Images)

The London organising committee came in for a barrage of criticism over their official logo design but undid some of the damage with the mascots, which, albeit a touch garish, saw extra points scored for their thoughtful choices of names - Wenlock and Mandeville.

The torch design will provoke similar debates and there will be those who love it, those who hate it and those who couldn't care less.

But much in the same way that opening ceremonies must be lavish, drawn out and mind-boggling, so must think-tank after think-tank be employed to bring plenty of blue-sky-thinking to the torch design table.

But Locog would do well to avoid the mistakes made by their Vancouver 2010 counterparts, who employed industrial designers Bombardier - the Canadian aerospace and transportation giant and a team of scientists and designers began working on the project in November 2007.

The sleek design, just like pretty much everything at Vancouver 2010, was quick to celebrate 'Canadianism' and showcased a maple leaf.

And it took its inspiration from the cool, crisp and modern lines that are left behind in the snow and ice from winter sports [so they said]. 

The only problem being that a number of onlookers were left rubbing their eyes, stating that, especially when lit, it resembled a marijuana joint.

But it was received well enough and in-keeping with tradition was completely different from its predecessors - the racy blue curve of Turin, the red scroll of Beijing, and the Athenian olive leaf - and Locog must follow suit.

They are not without their own design mishaps however. Upon the official logo release, criticism was rife on the grounds that it was downright ugly while speculation in internet chat rooms high and wide suggested it looked like character Lisa Simpson doing something she shouldn't.

But buoyed by their relative mascot success, Locog have today launched their search for design consultancies, engineering firms and manufacturers for the Olympic and Paralympic torch relays.

Locog chief executive Paul Deighton said: "The creation of the torches to carry the Olympic and Paralympic Flame is a unique opportunity for London 2012 to literally shine a light on the UK's best design, engineering and manufacturing talent.

"We are looking for an expert team to create the torches that will be held by thousands of people that represent the very best of our nation as the UK begins its Olympic and Paralympic celebrations with the Torch Relays in the summer of 2012."

In conjunction with the Design Council, Locog are encouraging companies to express their interest on website - www.competefor.com - which matches potential suppliers with Games-related business opportunities.

The deadline for expressions of interest is midnight on August 22, 2010 while a special panel will then select a shortlist of five designers from which the winner will be selected in October.

The Olympic torch relay itself will tour the UK for 70 days, passing through the hands of at least 8000 torchbearers but unlike the Beijing relay, will not be international.

With the big build entering its closing stages and the vast majority of venues set to be completed this time next year, the emphasis is switching from construction-based to operational and Locog will take the lead role.

It will not make or break the London Olympics but with the torch design set to be announced at the one year to go mark, Locog will certainly not want to get their fingers burnt.