Mathieu Lehanneur, a renowned designer from Rochefort, has created the torch for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The flame has a unique, curved and symmetrical design, with a sleek and minimalist look that resembles the movement of water.
The announcement was made on Tuesday morning during a press conference organized by the Games’ organizing committee, where the design was unveiled through images. “For the first time in its history, it is absolutely symmetrical,” explained Lehanneur, adding that this design choice allows the flame to be highlighted even more.
The torch, designed by Mathieu Lehanneur, will be manufactured in recycled steel by Arcelor Mittal in 2,000 copies, with 1,500 for the Olympics and 500 for the Paralympic Games. In his workshops, the designer has also incorporated a slit to ensure that the flame never weakens. “We wanted to find a way for the flame to always be like beautiful hair, regardless of the weather conditions,” he explained during the press conference.
Born in Rochefort in 1974, Mathieu Lehanneur is a highly acclaimed designer, known for his projects related to mobility such as hybrid motorboats and foldable electric bicycles. He has also made a name for himself as the artistic director of the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei and for his redesign of the Renault R4.
A graduate of the École nationale supérieure de création industrielle in Paris, Lehanneur’s works are exhibited in prestigious institutions such as the MoMA in New York, the Centre Pompidou, and the Musée des arts décoratifs in Paris.
The Olympic flame will arrive in Nouvelle-Aquitaine on Monday, May 20, 2024. It will pass through various cities, including Angoulême on May 24, Poitiers on May 25, and Niort on June 2, 2024. However, there will be no stop in Rochefort, the hometown of the designer behind this unique flame for the Paris Olympics.
What impact has Mathieu Lehanneur’s work had on the field of architectural acoustics in France and beyond
Mathieu Lehanneur is a well-known designer from France.
“Mathieu Lehanneur’s innovative torch design for the Paris 2024 Olympics showcases his exceptional creativity and forward-thinking approach. Excited to witness the perfect blend of technology and aesthetics illuminating the Olympic spirit!”