Materials selection for a bio-inspired and symbolic product: The Trentino Winter Universiade 2013 torch 'Gentian of Alps'

The torch is one of the most emblematic elements of the Olympic and Universiade Games protocols. This object, together with its functional aspects, has to highlight the symbolic and positive values of the event. For this reason, the design process of the torch is not easy. In this article, the inspiration, the ideation, and the design process of the Winter Universiade Trentino 2013 torch will be illustrated. The focus is to highlight the perceptive and symbolic use of materials. For the structure, an innovative coloured steel is used. Five different materials, one for each class, are used to represent the five symbols of the winter sports and culture connected with the colours of the Olympiad and Universiade flags. In this edition, for the first time, an Olympics and Universiade torch has a biomorphic appearance.