2012 Olympic’s Cauldron Goes Green
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Even if you’re not into the Olympics, it’s always hard to resist the opening ceremony.
This year was no exception as the highlight was the lighting of the Olympic cauldron.
The master behind this year’s design was London-based Thomas Heatherwick; and even though Heatherwick is known for his studio’s extraordinary projects in architecture, urban infrastructure, sculpture, and furniture design, this artist still had to get his idea approved by the powers that be.
The panel of officials approving the amazing structure included Prime Minister David Cameron and London 2012 chairman Lord Coe, as well as a host of others.
Known for his strategic thinking, Heatherwick was thrilled when his design of 204 separate copper “petals” making up one humungous flame was approved. Each of the 204 petals represented one of the 204 nations coming together to compete in the 2012 Games.
The crowd was more than thrilled to be part of history in more ways than one.
According to Daily Mail, this Olympic cauldron “measuring just 8.5 meters high and weighing 16 tons is far smaller and lighter than ones from previous events. The one lit in Beijing four years ago weighed a staggering 300 tons.”
It may have been smaller than Olympics past, but the impact was astounding and larger than life!
Heatherwick wasn’t interested in competing with the massive cauldrons of the past; however, it is the Olympics and the “wow” factor had to translate not only to the on-site crowd, but to the world-wide viewers at home watching.
In line with the sustainability factor, Heatherwick obliged the London Organizing Committee’s request that the Olympic cauldron be powered by natural gas.
In accordance with a reduction in gas consumption, this Olympic cauldron burns minimum gas without reducing the spectacular visual the structure gives off.
After the 2012 Games are over, the cauldron will be dismantled and a piece given to each competing nation.
Amazing, sustainable, and historic – all the things that are the Olympics.
