The London 2012 Olympic medals have been unveiled in a special ceremony at Trafalgar Square as Britain starts the countdown with one year to go.

LONDON 2012
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/special/uk/11/olympic_medals/timeline/img/summer/2012.jpg?cachebuster=cb123456789

More images Here - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/8665946/London-2012-Olympics-medal-designs-unveiled.html

Must say they look Excellent, i wasn't expecting them to be good to be honest!

Look nice but the logo is still the weak point of the games.

Look nice but the logo is still the weak point of the games.

Yeah the Logo is pretty poor, Compared to past Olympic logo's.

Looking at this computer image, the logo is by far the best part of the medal for me. I think it looks beautiful embossed like that, almost like a jewel. A shame it's surrounded by so much busyness. Perhaps it'll look better on the real thing but there's so much going on, it's a bit much.

That said, we won't see the detail on TV when they're being put round the athletes' necks, and from the glimpse we saw on TV, they looked quite classy from a distance with their purple ribbons.

Also, they're the biggest Summer Olympic medals ever apparently. More comparable in size to Winter Olympic medals apparently.

When I was watching the news and the reporter said "here's a clue, they're larger than medals before" I thought oh c***, they will try to be different, and just fail, but looking at the medals they are really really good! I like the back of the medal design but I agree with RobH, the logo does look very nice on the medal! :cheers:

I Was expecting them to be Crap, But they look excellent, Very Very surprised well done to the people who Created them. :banana:

When I was watching the news and the reporter said "here's a clue, they're larger than medals before" I thought oh c***, they will try to be different, and just fail

That did cross my mind too! :lol:

http://www.fashion-victims.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/flavor-flav-clock.jpg

very nice medal..i like it!

That did cross my mind too! :lol:

http://www.fashion-victims.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/flavor-flav-clock.jpg

That wouldn't have even surprised me! Haha put the 2012 logo behind the center of the clock hands :lol:

I don't like the back. Ugly and messy IMO.

(as it were...)

I don't like the back. Ugly and messy IMO.

its not ugly,its beautiful on its way,modern n energetic and very young

They don't have a WOW factor, but they don't need to - they're Olympic medals!!!
The medals are in my opinion one of the few 2012 components that aren't "the best ever."

After the torch, veledrome, swimming pool, and Olympic Park - I can't wait to see the cauldron next! :D

sory out off topic,my ranking list for olympic most best stuff
1.torch
2.logo
3.opening ceremony
4.mascot
5.cauldron
6.main stadium
7.theme song
8.branding
9.medal
10.result

They look amazing, I am SO excited for next year - will not be able to get enough tv shows, specials and what not counting down to next summer. There is something a bit Beijing 'Birdnest' about them, mind...All those crossing lines.

I love the embezzled logo (is that the right word?). Nice to see the river and the triangles again (a la torch). What does the square represent?

Olympic medals unveiled to the world
(http://www.london2012.com/news/2011/07/olympic-medals-unveiled-to-the-world.php)27 Jul 2011

The London 2012 Olympic medals were unveiled tonight by Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal and London 2012 Organising Committee Chair Seb Coe at an event in Trafalgar Square to mark one year to go to the Olympic Games.

http://www.london2012.com/images/editorial/olympic-medals-unveiling.jpg

The London 2012 Olympic medals, designed by British artist David Watkins.
IOC President Jacques Rogge and IOC Coordination Commission Chairman Denis Oswald were also present at the special ceremony.

The medals will be produced in Britain and have been designed by British artist David Watkins, who is an established artist in the field of decorative art.

When creating the brief, the Victory Ceremonies team of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) worked closely with the British Museum’s Keeper of Coins and Medals, Philip Attwood, to look at the symbolic history of medals in Europe in the last century. The LOCOG Athletes’ Committee, chaired by Olympic gold medallist Jonathan Edwards, was also heavily involved in its development.

Following the initial tender, six artists were selected for the second stage of design and development. Based on their work, the panel – which comprised experienced creative leaders and sports personalities – felt that David Watkins' design for the London 2012 Olympic medals held a narrative that befitted the athletes achievements.

The medals' circular form is a metaphor for the world. The front of the medal always depicts the same imagery at the summer Games – the Greek Goddess of Victory, Nike, stepping out of the depiction of the Parthenon to arrive in the Host City.

The design for the reverse features five symbolic elements:

- The curved background implies a bowl similar to the design of an amphitheatre.
-The core emblem is an architectural expression, a metaphor for the modern City, and is deliberately jewel-like.
-The grid suggests both a pulling together and a sense of outreach – an image of radiating energy that represents the athletes' efforts.
-The River Thames in the background is a symbol for London and also suggests a fluttering baroque ribbon, adding a sense of celebration.
-The square is the final balancing motif of the design, opposing the overall circularity of the design, emphasising its focus on the centre and reinforcing the sense of 'place' as in a map inset.

David Watkins said of his design: ‘It is exciting to think that the finest athletes in the world will be wearing my medal design next summer. Its key symbols juxtapose, front and back, the goddess Nike for the spirit and tradition of the Games, and the River Thames for the city of London. I hope the medal will be enjoyed and treasured as a record of great personal achievements in 2012.'

Seb Coe, LOCOG Chair, said: 'I hope that seeing the design of the London 2012 Olympic medals will be a source of inspiration for the thousands of athletes around the world who are counting down the year before they compete at the greatest show on earth. All of our preparations are focused on ensuring the athletes are at the heart of the Games, and I believe that through this rigorous process the panel of experts have selected an artist and a design for medals that all athletes would be proud to own.'

IOC President Jacques Rogge added: ‘Highlighting the effort and achievement of the athletes, as well as the city where the Games are held, these beautiful medals will be a fitting reward for the Olympic medallists of 2012. It is the pinnacle of a sporting career to become an Olympic champion but I am confident that receiving one of these medals will make it all the more special in London next year. Congratulations to LOCOG for creating a design that will inspire the Olympians of 2012.’

The ore for the medals is supplied by London 2012 sponsor Rio Tinto and is mined at Rio Tinto’s Kennecott Utah Copper Mine near Salt Lake City in America, as well as from the Oyu Tolgoi project in Mongolia. The medals will go into production later this year at Royal Mint’s headquarters in Llantrisant, South Wales.

The design of the London 2012 Paralympic medals will be released later this year.

I think they should use this more "3D" logo with its raised crystal shape..looks really nice

Olympic medals unveiled to the world
(http://www.london2012.com/news/2011/07/olympic-medals-unveiled-to-the-world.php)The medals' circular form is a metaphor for the world. The front of the medal always depicts the same imagery at the summer Games – the Greek Goddess of Victory, Nike, stepping out of the depiction of the Parthenon to arrive in the Host City.

Am I the only one who has realised that Nike is actually stepping out of the Stadia at Olympia, not the Parthenon? I would have thought that someone else would have picked up on this..

http://washingtonexaminer.com/files/54d864e8c0a92a10f40e6a7067007393_1.jpg

Clearly not the Parthenon :nuts:

Although the Parthenon is in the background, that is a clear geographical cockup!

http://washingtonexaminer.com/files/acff09c1c0a82a10f40e6a70670036c8_1.jpg
Extra Large pic of the medals and ribbons.

http://washingtonexaminer.com/files/acff09c1c0a82a10f40e6a70670036c8_1.jpg
Extra Large pic of the medals and ribbons.

Just posted that exact same pic in my previous post :lol:

Am I the only one who has realised that Nike is actually stepping out of the Stadia at Olympia, not the Parthenon? I would have thought that someone else would have picked up on this..

Clearly not the Parthenon :nuts:

Although the Parthenon is in the background, that is a clear geographical cockup!

She isn't stepping out of the stadium in Olympia either, for the Partheon to be in the background stadium has to be in Athens, Olympia is 250km to the west of Athens. The Stadium is the Panathinaiko Stadium, host of the first modern Olympic games, but still they made a mistake, perhaps they meant to say stepping out in front of the Partheon.

Woops you are right. Still doesn’t look like Nike is stepping out of the Parthenon at all though. Quite why the acropolis has to be included at all is a bit of a mystery. I guess just because it is the symbol of Greece.

LIKE! Very impressed indeed. I kind of expected them not to be circular but just in the shape of the 2012 logo

The representation of Nike seems the weak point to me. She's looking downwards(?), seems to be wearing a helmet and looks a little, ahem, underdressed. Surely we can have a bit of artistic licence and make her beautiful by modern standards. She is a goddess after all.

The back in my opinion is truly excellent.

The Obverse is similar in design to the medals of the last 3 Olympic games. Nike and the Panathenaic stadium with the Acropolis in the background.

http://www.livingroom.org.au/olympics/archives/images/thumbnails/athens_medal.jpg


The medals used to have the Colosseum from Rome on them... now that was a stupid.

Not sure if anyone else has noticed this, I surely didn't but when my boyfriend looked at the medals for the first time he said 'what are all those lines? I like how they bounce off the logo'. And he's right all the lines on the medal are parallel to different sides of the logo, so although at first the lines look random, they are actually show the construction lines of the logo. And a theme of triangles is defiantly coming through, even the logo was designed it seems that it's outer limits are within a triangle.

I like the medals, at first I thought they were too busy, but now I see what they were trying to convey, I like like them more, however I feel they would be better without the Thames ribbon and perhaps the square, but that's just my personal preference.


http://www.the2012londonolympics.com/forum/attachments/london-2012-olympics-news/8205d1311805539-london-2012-medals-unveiled-party-marks-one-year-go-before-olympics-london-2012-olympic-medals.jpg

Check this larger image for a close up
http://washingtonexaminer.com/files/171865dec0a82a10f40e6a7067004a1b_1.jpg

Amazing.

Are the lines coming out of the emblem or are they coming towards London to make the shape of the emblem...?

Notice the triangle formed around the left edge of the top 2, the right edge of the 0 and bottom edge of the bottom 2, ZION!!!!! hahaha :lol:

Amazing.

Are the lines coming out of the emblem or are they coming towards London to make the shape of the emblem...?

It looks like the lines are projecting out rather than being carved in.

Perhaps they are lines representing the journey to London from places around the world and they form the logo? Not sure, a nice touch though. I wonder if the medal was based on a construction image of the logo, perhaps everything is more linked than we thought!!

Perhaps they are lines representing the journey to London from places around the world and they form the logo?

Amazing.

I like the repetition of the lines on the ribbon.

Also, the use of the lines as a background motif was previewed at the Aquatics Centre launch:
Images from london2012.com

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/8121/ae4q7377x1600.jpg



Finally, there is this explanation...
The Secret Ley Lines Of The Olympic Gold Medal
http://londonist.com/2011/07/the-secret-ley-lines-of-the-olympic-gold-medal.php

I like them. The GOLD looks, as it should, far superior to the silver and bronze. Encouragement to all athletes to try harder. The only drawback is the winning synchronised swimming team will each receive a GOLD. Might as well have juggling, or line dancing.

So is it just me ... the silver & bronze are quite lovely, whereas that logo on the gold is nothing short of a national disgrace?

For years I was hoping they'd realised that logo was a big mistake ... but no, they are running with it. :ohno:

So is it just me ... the silver & bronze are quite lovely, whereas that logo on the gold is nothing short of a national disgrace?

For years I was hoping they'd realised that logo was a big mistake ... but no, they are running with it. :ohno:

A national disgrace, surely you overreact?! The slave trade was a national disgrace, Bloody Sunday was a national disgrace, allowing old people live to die alone and without dignity is a national disgrace, a logo for a sporting event that divides opinion is merely tittle tattle!

I'm still intrigued as to why this logo is such a big mistake seeing as London is on track to produce the greatest Games ever seen.

Something to do with those zionists!! all the logo haters out there are just racists (!) :rolls:

I changed my mind about the logo a while ago - I actually think the design team were way ahead of the game. They've created something modern, vibrant and instantly engaging...

And to see how it works on the medal, embossed with a single colour, seals the deal for me.

Something to do with those zionists!! all the logo haters out there are just racists (!) :rolls:

Oh, I hope we're not going with that ridiculous argument that the logo can be made to spell "Zion" again :ohno:

london olympic logo is best so far..just my opinion,its look more vibrant with the diamond cutting design on medal..i love london 2012 logo!

Oh, I hope we're not going with that ridiculous argument that the logo can be made to spell "Zion" again :ohno:

Iron like a Lion in Zion.

I hate the logo, but then I am a hate filled racist. :banana:

The Olympic Logo Coca-Cola are using on their products at the moment is of an embossed style.

I've always loved the logo, it has upset me to see such hate being brought upon it. From the day it was first released the anti-Olympic media were always going to hate it... and that opinion stuck.

http://www.london2012.com/images/torch/logo2.png

Thankfully we didnt do square medals to be 'edgy', 'funky' and 'urban'.

Unfortunately the Logo is so rubbish it ruins anything it comes into contact with. Therefore I give these medals 0 out of 10.

^^ Your opinion is wrong, please punish yourself.

...resistance is futile...

Unfortunately the Logo is so rubbish it ruins anything it comes into contact with.

It looked amazing as Tom walked up in front of it on the diving stairs. It's brilliant strength is even when it is not in full view you can tell what it is- jumping out at you shaking you out of the mindset of a safe, corporate, just-like-all-other-past Olympic brands.

The notion of it being an emblem on the medals, a three dimensional 'crystal growth' that pulls in the people of the world, harnesses their energy and propels it out to inspire others along the radiating lines is an incredibly powerful statement of intent. It's the first time I've seen an Olympics actually have a 'story' to it's brand that is based on much more deeper psychology of power and inspiration than basing in on geography and national culture that other previous host cities have. London is a universal city and it's only right London has a universal brand. It's heading towards being the most advanced and inspiring Olympic brand of all time.

I agree, the logo, along with the park regeneration, the architecture of the stadium and a few key venues and the external kapoor sculpture are completely anti-corporate. People should be excited about that rather than just jumping feet first into the base aesthetic.

Thankfully we didnt do square medals to be 'edgy', 'funky' and 'urban'.

Unfortunately the Logo is so rubbish it ruins anything it comes into contact with. Therefore I give these medals 0 out of 10.

:ohno:sometime people just talk to much,.i really excited to see your idea n design!please...

Some powerful arguments.

But whilst I fight my inherent feet-first aesthetic fancy, the commanding anti-corporate in me says there's no denying this apparent chav-pleasing mother of all mal-design is in fact nothing but sneaky 100% nasty corporate stratagem.

I do not believe the logo was ever intended to please. There are deeper forces at work here.

I still am a big supporter of it all. I think they are getting better at using it too. At first, the colours and use were a little haphazard, but now, the 1 year to go ceremony made it look awesomein red White and blue on the stages. It looked striking and modern in the new pool and I think the medal really does look fantastic, a really nice blend of tradition and modern.

I hate the logo, and because of it I am unlikely to buy any Olympic merchandise.

I dont hate the logo, but it doesn't take my breath away. I prefer Beijings or Sydneys, that style of logo I really like. But on the medals though, it looks really good, and it did look really good on the 1 year to go banners

Think its a but ott how some people are slagging it off, but its personal opinion. Everyone's different

From daveypodmore on Gamesbids


A video of the medals from Daybreak. Gives a better feel for the proportions and the 3D design

http://www.itv.com/daybreak/sport/london-2012-medals-unveiled/


After watching that, I have to say they look much better 'in the flesh' than in the flat images we've seen of them on the black background (really, why didn't they show more of them during the One Year to Go programme on the BBC - it was a bit of a weak reveal?). The embossing is much deeper than I thought so the design doesn't look so busy in real-life and the different layers are obvious. Much happier with them now I've seen them properly.

i love london logo...it look very energetic..a taste of young and enjoyment..

just look at both shirt..logon2012 look more athletic style
http://i763.photobucket.com/albums/xx276/afiqnadzir/Img214329987.jpghttp://i763.photobucket.com/albums/xx276/afiqnadzir/adidas-london-2012-tshirt.jpg

I do not believe the logo was ever intended to please.

"Wolff Olins creative director Patrick Cox claimed that “Its design is intentionally raw, it doesn’t… ask to be liked very much. It was meant to provoke a response, like the little thorn in the chair that gets you to breathe in, sit up and take notice.”

Creative Review, 30 August 2007

I prefer Beijings or Sydneys, that style of logo I really like. B

I think you would have to remind most people in the world what those actually looked like!

I think you would have to remind most people in the world what those actually looked like!

Sydney's was like a saw-tooth squiggle, and Beijing's was a running stick person.

edit: Oh, Sydney's logo also had a running person underneath the squiggle, but they were at least wearing culottes, which I guess is the fashion in Sydney?

I think you would have to remind most people in the world what those actually looked like!
Oki doki

Sydney:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/57/Sydney_2000_Logo.svg/453px-Sydney_2000_Logo.svg.png

Beijing:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/18/Beijing_2008_Olympics_logo.svg

Et Voila

Sydney, Beijing, Vancouver, Barcelona, Singapore YOG...the single human figure has been done to death for Olympic logos. I very much doubt, even if London had been more conservative with their design, they'd have gone for another logo in this mould.

I wasn't at all a fan of the logo when it was first revealed - and its still not my favourite bit of design - but the use of it has made it immeasurably better over the course of the past few years. The depiction on the medals are the best yet and the 'lines' theme integrates well with it and could be a dynamic 'look' for the games. I also love the regal purple - very classy.

I think one of the main things I hated about the initial logo reveal was the nasty block luminous colours. If they'd revealed, for instance, the graded golden infill of that Coca-Cola design, or the British flag infill I've seen on a lot of pin badges, I'm sure I'd have felt a lot more comfortable with it. The orange and blue of the huge banner in the Aquatics Centre also struck a nice balance of being bright and energetic, without seeming too garish.

I love the medal - and I still love the logo. As I said years ago, it's bound to go down as a design classic in the history books even if a lot of people do not appriciate it at the moment. Especially now that Rio has gone back to the same old designs of the past.

The only thing that is letting this medal down is that it's too busy. If you look at it again, and take the Thames out of it, it would be perfect. The river just clashes with the rest of the design, and the embossed emblem would stand out much more against the energy lines without it.

Not sure if anyone else has noticed this, I surely didn't but when my boyfriend looked at the medals for the first time he said 'what are all those lines? I like how they bounce off the logo'. And he's right all the lines on the medal are parallel to different sides of the logo, so although at first the lines look random, they are actually show the construction lines of the logo. And a theme of triangles is defiantly coming through, even the logo was designed it seems that it's outer limits are within a triangle.

I like the medals, at first I thought they were too busy, but now I see what they were trying to convey, I like like them more, however I feel they would be better without the Thames ribbon and perhaps the square, but that's just my personal preference.


http://www.the2012londonolympics.com/forum/attachments/london-2012-olympics-news/8205d1311805539-london-2012-medals-unveiled-party-marks-one-year-go-before-olympics-london-2012-olympic-medals.jpg

Check this larger image for a close up
http://washingtonexaminer.com/files/171865dec0a82a10f40e6a7067004a1b_1.jpgThe side not designed by London 2012 is great. It screams "Olympics" and everything that makes the event sacred. The Olympic Committee are clearly professionals whose design team are on-message.

The side chosen by London 2012 committee is absolutely awful and completely inharmonious with the Olympic spirit and everything the Games stand for. It's an ugly, noisy, mess, an embarrassment for London, and shows a total failure of taste and aesthetic judgment, along with the crappy logo itself.

The side chosen by London 2012 committee is absolutely awful and completely inharmonious with the Olympic spirit and everything the Games stand for. It's an ugly, noisy, mess, an embarrassment for London, and shows a total failure of taste and aesthetic judgment, along with the crappy logo itself.

Couldn't have put it better myself.

The side not designed by London 2012 is great. It screams "Olympics" and everything that makes the event sacred. The Olympic Committee are clearly professionals whose design team are on-message.

The side chosen by London 2012 committee is absolutely awful and completely inharmonious with the Olympic spirit and everything the Games stand for. It's an ugly, noisy, mess, an embarrassment for London, and shows a total failure of taste and aesthetic judgment, along with the crappy logo itself.

So, do you like it or not?

The side chosen by London 2012 committee is absolutely awful and completely inharmonious with the Olympic spirit and everything the Games stand for.

Wrong.

It's an ugly, noisy, mess, an embarrassment for London, and shows a total failure of taste and aesthetic judgment, along with the crappy logo itself.

I'd like to see your designs for an alternative brand, Langur. I expect, however, you'd fall at the first hurdle as it seems you've totally misunderstood what the London Games stand for.

Come on, people are allowed opinions on things aren't they? Everyone's not going to like everything about these Games.

I have to say, when I saw the above image on the black backround I thought it quite messy too. I think the design looks better when you see the medals in the flesh though.

Wrong.

Wrong? ... but even Wolff Olins creative director Patrick Cox claimed that “Its design is intentionally raw, it doesn’t… ask to be liked very much. It was meant to provoke a response, like the little thorn in the chair that gets you to breathe in, sit up and take notice.”

In other words: even the people responsible admit it is absolutely awful and completely inharmonious with the Olympic spirit and everything the Games stand for.

:nuts:

Wrong? ... but even Wolff Olins creative director Patrick Cox claimed that “Its design is intentionally raw, it doesn’t… ask to be liked very much. It was meant to provoke a response, like the little thorn in the chair that gets you to breathe in, sit up and take notice.”

In other words: even the people responsible admit it is absolutely awful and completely inharmonious with the Olympic spirit and everything the Games stand for.

:nuts:

How do intentionally raw and not ask to be liked very much equate to absolutely awful and completely inharmonious with the Olympic spirit?

It doesn't.

It's fine having your own opinion querido - if you happen to think it's not suitable for the Games that's your choice. But when you deliberaltey misinterpret what other people (in this case the agency) have said to back it up your thoughts....well, that is wrong.

I love it and think the 2012 side looks ace. Taste is objective of course and what will appeal to the young isn't always going to appeal to the old etc..

The side not designed by London 2012 is great. It screams "Olympics" and everything that makes the event sacred. The Olympic Committee are clearly professionals whose design team are on-message.

The side chosen by London 2012 committee is absolutely awful and completely inharmonious with the Olympic spirit and everything the Games stand for. It's an ugly, noisy, mess, an embarrassment for London, and shows a total failure of taste and aesthetic judgment, along with the crappy logo itself.

u wrong...u should learn art&design to understand the meaning of contrast,moderism,artistic, energetic ,young and iconic

The main point underpinning all of 2012 from what I can gather is that they want kids around the world during the Games to flick between TV channels and believe they are watching MTV, sit up and take notice, think that's pretty cool and feel they want to be a part of it. It's a universal youthful brand, nothing to do with London and nothing to do with sport. Everything about it is attention seeking, loud, brash, harsh, in your face and demanding your time. And why not? It's a strong message that London 2012 wants to get across over 4 weeks of sport at one point in history. It's unlike anything ever seen at a previous Olympics and I doubt ever will ever again.

Sure, I'm completely signed up to that idea as you know; I think branding the event and its vibe rather than going overtly nationalistic with everything (especially after the last Games) is an inspired decision; and entirely fitting with what was promised in Singapore. Doesn't mean everyone's going to like it though. Something as different as this is going to inspire hate and love in equal measure I suspect.

Incidentally, someone asked over on GB whether London's 2005 presentation was still floating around the tinternet. I did a quick Google and found that it is!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/sol/newsid_4650000/newsid_4657800/4657857.stm?bw=bb&mp=wm&news=1&ms3=6&ms_javascript=true&nol_storyid=4657857&bbcws=2#

Click on "launch in stand alone player" and you should get it. :)

Of course not everyone's going to like it. Just like every older generation lambasts the tastes of the youth of the day - more a case that the overriding message is not for them. But to say that it's "completely inharmonious with the Olympic spirit and everything the Games stand for" is ridiculous. The IOC would have vetoed it if they felt it brought the movement into disrespect. Four years down the line since it was launched nobody's heard anything like that happening.

Of course you guys make a fair point about the artwork being designed to appeal to the young. And DarJoLe I like your depiction of “ ... kids around the world during the Games to flick between TV channels and believe they are watching MTV, sit up and take notice, think that's pretty cool and feel they want to be a part of it ... ”. Around the world being the world outside the UK, maybe.

This logo was unveiled five years prior to the games. Five years is a lifetime to youngsters. The kids here in the UK may have thought it pretty cool when new, but after all these years of it being on display everywhere I don’t believe the logo will drag them away from 2012 MTV. The logo is sooo 2007.

this debate is soooo 2007

The kids here in the UK may have thought it pretty cool when new, but after all these years of it being on display everywhere I don’t believe the logo will drag them away from 2012 MTV.

There's more to a brand than a logo.

There's more to a brand than a logo.


hmmmm ...

this debate is soooo 2007

unfortunately ... yes

I agree, the logo, along with the park regeneration, the architecture of the stadium and a few key venues and the external kapoor sculpture are completely anti-corporate. People should be excited about that rather than just jumping feet first into the base aesthetic.


:ohno:

there is nothing anti-corporate here.

Not that there should be anything anti-corporate about the olympic games.

hmmmm ...

So you honestly think all you'll see at Olympic venues and on the TV during the Games is the logo?

I bet you barely see it once or twice in hours of watching.

The main point underpinning all of 2012 from what I can gather is that they want kids around the world during the Games to flick between TV channels and believe they are watching MTV, sit up and take notice, think that's pretty cool and feel they want to be a part of it. It's a universal youthful brand, nothing to do with London and nothing to do with sport.

I'm afraid I agree with querido here. This logo, the branding etc is simply not with the times anymore. It's far from cool - more outdated if you ask me. It's not the kind of thing that kids would see, sit up and 'take notice'. The nature of olympic sport itself should be enough to do that. Wanting the branding/logo to be well perceived by young people is all well and good, but if you, DarJoLe, argue this tack it seems very much in the vein of 'old politician tries to appeal to the kids'. At the risk of offending, I would guess that DarJoLe is not that youthful himself... (feel free to shoot me down if I'm wrong :))

What's outdated about it? Considering we don't even know what the venues are going to look like at Games time it seems a big presumptuous to say kids have moved on.

The whole pink/yellow/blue sharp angular thing is still massively around in youth culture today. It's not kids who make these music videos after all, so someone of an adult age manages to influence them.

I'm afraid I agree with querido here. This logo, the branding etc is simply not with the times anymore. It's far from cool - more outdated if you ask me. It's not the kind of thing that kids would see, sit up and 'take notice'. The nature of olympic sport itself should be enough to do that. Wanting the branding/logo to be well perceived by young people is all well and good, but if you, DarJoLe, argue this tack it seems very much in the vein of 'old politician tries to appeal to the kids'. At the risk of offending, I would guess that DarJoLe is not that youthful himself... (feel free to shoot me down if I'm wrong :))

I, however, am youthful and can tell you the branding is not out of date. In fact its ahead of it's time.


Looking back, only the mexico games have managed to integrate a whole brand so well.

I wouldn't say the logo and branding is dated, just look at Cher Lloyd's new vid, it could have been made for London 2012. Whatever you think of her or the song, this style of branding is still relevant.

sdbyG2MrBHk

unfortunately ... yes

and beijing,sydney,rio and athens was sooooo 70'...london 2012 its the most modern so far..same with sochi,innsbruck,almaty

So you honestly think all you'll see at Olympic venues and on the TV during the Games is the logo?

I bet you barely see it once or twice in hours of watching.

I'm not sure what to think. You are the one who mentioned kids watching TV.

And DarJoLe, you went on to say: "There's more to a brand than a logo", and perhaps there is but the logo is the only objectionable part.

I'll tell you what I like about it ... The whole pink/yellow/blue sharp angular thing ... borrowing your words of course, and yes I agree! But what I - and most of the country, no doubt - dislike about it is the way it reads "2012". Something abstract that kept the world guessing would have been a million times better. Plus, the way "london" and the 5 olympic rings are included as if in a rushed afterthought.

and beijing,sydney,rio and athens was sooooo 70'...london 2012 its the most modern so far..same with sochi,innsbruck,almaty


I was going to suggest I'm being misquoted here but I'll let you off, as the QUOTE button is not working properly. :)

jdjones

Love the 80s break dance, complete with ghetto blaster.

Seriously, nice retro. And nice artwork: here’s a couple of stills giving inspiration for a nice logo.


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jQFlWLuKF90/TjvHA_nyebI/AAAAAAAAFik/klsCvJjqWC8/Fullscreen%252520capture%25252005082011%252520103703.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tIcRz_vMEGg/TjvHBCclQLI/AAAAAAAAFio/m6s4JvDuHQo/Fullscreen%252520capture%25252005082011%252520103940.jpg

London 2012 Paralympic medals unveiled at new Cultural Olympiad display
19 Sep 2011

http://www.london2012.com/press/media-releases/2011/09/london-2012-paralympic-medals-unveiled-at-new-cultural-o.php

http://www.london2012.com/images/editorial/finished-para-medals.jpg

With one week to go until the application window for tickets for the Paralympic Games closes, the London 2012 Paralympic Games medals have been unveiled at the opening of a new display at the British Museum for the Cultural Olympiad which gives the public their first opportunity to see the medals.

The medals, which are presented in recognition of the incredible achievement of outstanding Paralympic athletes, will be made in Britain and have been designed by Lin Cheung, a practising Jewellery artist and senior lecturer in Jewellery Design at Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, London. In 2012 more than 2,100 Paralympic medals will be presented in 502 Paralympic victory ceremonies in more than 19 venues over 11 days of competition.

Inspired by the endurance, focus and achievement of elite Paralympic athletes, Lin Cheung has created a medal that not only represents the core values, beliefs and spirit of the Games, but that is also a desirable object, tactile and rich in elements of illustration, typography and texture.

The obverse side of the medal represents ‘Spirit in motion’. The image struck into the obverse surface of the Paralympic medal is an imagined close-up section of an outstretched wing of the Greek Goddess of Victory, which has been depicted on the front of the Olympic medal since 2004. This image represents forward flight, power and lightness - a natural metaphor for the spirit of the Paralympic Games.

The reverse of the medal represents ‘The heart of victory’. A depiction of the area close to the heart of the Greek Goddess of Victory is symbolically chosen to reflect inclusion and togetherness at an historical event. To further the concept of modernity and 5th century BC authenticity, the reverse is overlaid with textural qualities moulded directly from the Plaster Cast of ‘The Nike of Paionios’ residing in the British Museum Cast Collection. The original statue: The Nike of Paionios, sculpted in marble by Paionios from Mende between 425-421 BC can be seen in The Museum of Olympia, Ilia, Greece.

Seb Coe, LOCOG Chair, said: ‘I’m sure that the design of the medals will be a source of inspiration for the thousands of Paralympic athletes around the world who are counting down the days before they compete in what will be an amazing festival of elite sport. British Paralympic athletes have had great medal success at previous Games – winning 102 medals at the Beijing 2008 Games alone. If you want to see these medals being hung around the neck of British athletes next summer, I would encourage you to apply for tickets to the Paralympic Games.’

Sir Philip Craven, IPC President, said: ‘For those lucky enough to win one of these stunning medals it will remain a treasured possession for the rest of their lives. It will make all the years of training and dedication to be both physically and mentally ready for London 2012 more than just worthwhile.’

Lin Cheung said: ‘It is very exciting to think that elite Paralympic athletes will be celebrating their achievements next year at London 2012 Paralympic Games by wearing my medal design. The design for the front and back clearly talk to each other through the sculptural qualities of the victory goddess’s tunic on one side and her imagined wings on the other and this was very important to me but, ultimately, I hope the medal will be enjoyed and cherished as a symbol of great personal achievement.’

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE, winner of 16 Paralympic Games medals, said: 'Winning a Paralympic medal is the pinnacle of an athlete’s career and the reward for years of dedication. With less than a year to go I'm sure that seeing these beautiful medals will make Paralympic hopefuls around the world train that little bit harder to ensure they're in the best possible shape to win one.'

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic medals go on display to the public today at a new free display for the Cultural Olympiad in the British Museum. ‘Mine to Medals: The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games medals’ is supported by Rio Tinto, London 2012 sponsor and the provider of the metal for the medals, and tells the story of the designs and production of the medals for the London 2012 Games. It will give the public their first opportunity to see the medals and will remain open until the last day of the Paralympic Games, 9 September 2012. From 9th February 2012 an additional element will be added to the display tracing the connection between the United Kingdom and the Olympic and Paralympic movements from the 19th century.

Jeremy Hunt Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport said: ‘The excitement of hosting the Paralympics Games next summer is building. With Paralympic tickets already on sale, details of the torch relay announced last week and the official unveiling of the medals today, we are in a good place ahead of next year.

‘The British Museum and Rio Tinto have done a great job in displaying the story of the medals creation. I’m sure it will inspire our Paralympians to do everything possible to get their hands on one next summer.’

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: ‘With the goddess of victory emblazoned upon them the Paralympic medals, like their Olympic cousins, are beautifully crafted symbols of strength, speed and victory. It is only right that the achievements of elite athletes should be recognised by medals of such artistry, craftsmanship and design. The grand surroundings of the British Museum will offer a great opportunity to see them up close and to learn the captivating story behind them.’

Philip Attwood, the British Museum’s Keeper of Coins and Medals, said: ‘This display gives the public the opportunity to view the medals and tells the fascinating story of the journey that is taken from the mining of the ore through to the production of the finished medal.

‘The Olympic medal and Paralympic medal hold their own unique stories but seeing them displayed together reveals the way in which the two medals relate to one another. The front of the Olympic medal shows the Greek goddess Nike emerging from Athens' Panathenaic Stadium and heading, as it were, for London, the city that features on the other side. The design of the Paralympic medal includes a detail of the wings that carry her, while the back of the medal is modelled on the tunic of the goddess, now set on London 2012.’ ‪

Tom Albanese, Chief Executive, Rio Tinto said: ‘We’re proud to sponsor the British Museum’s exhibition which provides an excellent illustration of the journey of these symbols of sporting excellent from Mine to Medals. Our 77,000 employees globally are excited that the stunning medals unveiled today started their journey at Rio Tinto’s Kennecott Utah Copper mine in the US, and from Oyu Tolgoi in Mongolia.’

Artists were invited to tender by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), having been chosen by arts bodies from across the UK and a panel made up of experienced creative leaders in their field and sports representatives.

When creating the artists brief LOCOG’s Victory Ceremonies team worked closely with the British Museum’s Keeper of Coins and Medals, Philip Attwood, to look at the symbolic history of medals in Europe in the last century and in particular medals that held stories that travelled symbolically from the front of the medal to the back. It was in Europe that the first medals were made in the fifteenth century and text and images were carefully integrated on both sides.

From this first stage, six artists were selected for the second stage of design and development and asked to develop their designs to create a narrative that went from front to back. From this the panel felt that Lin Cheung’s design for the London 2012 Paralympic medals held a narrative that befitted the athletes achievements.

The independent panel selecting the medal design and advising LOCOG was chaired by Sir John Sorrell (Co-Chair, the Sorrell Foundation) with Ade Adepitan (Paralympian & TV presenter) as deputy chair and Iwona Blazwick OBE (Director of the Whitechapel Gallery), Sir Mark Jones (V&A Director & medals expert), Catherine Johnson (writer) and Martin Green (LOCOG Head of Ceremonies).
The LOCOG Athletes’ Committee, chaired by Jonathan Edwards, were heavily involved in the research development of the medal brief and consulted throughout the selection process.

Sir John Sorrell said: ‘The design is dynamic and very tactile, yet it does possess a gracefulness about it. This medal has a sculptural quality to it and whilst the Olympic and Paralympic medals are very different in style the panel felt that they sat very well together and importantly show the depth of quality in UK design.’

The ore for the medals is supplied by London 2012 sponsor Rio Tinto and is mined at Rio Tinto’s Kennecott Utah Copper Mine near Salt Lake City in America, as well as from the Oyu Tolgoi project in Mongolia.

The medals will go into production later this year at Royal Mint’s headquarters in Llantrisant, South Wales.

from insidethegames.biz

http://www.insidethegames.biz/images/stories/paralympic_medals_19-09-11.jpg

Not bad, even though I do not really understand the pattern on the medals

Not bad, even though I do not really understand the pattern on the medals

Did you read the article?

oops, stupid post. Sorry ;)

I like it, its abstract and original and still looks desirable and professional.

They look pretty retro (Art Neuveau) on the front and modern on the back. I like.

Production has started on the medals for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Some 4,700 gold, silver and bronze medals are being made at the Royal Mint's headquarters in Llantrisant, in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-15482299)

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/56326000/jpg/_56326407_medal.jpg

The medals are available to view for free in the British Museum if anyone wants to see them. Available to see up until Sep 9th.


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They're also being shown at the Hunterian Museum at Glasgow University. I shall pop in to look at them during my lunch break tomorrow! (My office is literally downstairs from the museum)

http://www.gla.ac.uk/hunterian/visit/exhibitions/comingsoon/olympicgold/

Ohh, heading in to town tomorrow, could be worth a visit!

I love the Paralympic medals, moreso than the Olympic ones.

Just sayin'

The paralympic medal is a work of art!


http://douglasbaderfoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Paralympics-Medals.jpg

Compare above with Beijing below...

http://www.ipttc.org/medals/full_size/2008_Beijing.jpg

The paralympic medal is a work of art!


http://douglasbaderfoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Paralympics-Medals.jpg

What are London's ones supposed to be representing with the whole lumpy textures?

The one in the middle looks like a 3D diagram of someones bone showing the marrow and soft tissue. Or possibly even the close up of a vagina, clitoris and pubic hair region.

Look like a range of Viscount biscuits ... :\

They represent close ups of the wings of Nike