Summarize and humanize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs in EnglishAs anticipation builds for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, a powerful new symbol of innovation and sustainability designed by Carlo Ratti Associati comes into focus: the Olympic torch. Alongside its Paralympic counterpart, this reimagined icon reflects a bold design philosophy rooted in essentialism and environmental responsibility—reshaping our understanding of what it means to carry a flame across generations and geographies.The torches will embark on their journey following the ceremonial lighting of the flame in Olympia, Greece, on November 26, 2025. From there, they will traverse Italy’s rich and diverse landscape—passing through every province, connecting cities, mountains, and people, culminating in the opening ceremonies in Milan and Verona for the Olympics and Paralympics, respectively.Reimagining the torch: a radical transparencyAt first glance, the torches for Milano Cortina 2026 appear almost weightless. Their open-frame design eliminates any sense of heaviness or enclosure, inviting viewers to witness the flame in its rawest, most intimate form. This departure from the traditional enclosed torch structure is intentional—every curve and opening is designed to draw attention to the fire itself, the true protagonist of the Olympic ritual.In fact, the core innovation lies in the way the flame is revealed rather than concealed. A vertical slit slices through the body of the torch, exposing the combustion chamber. The result is a design that tells a story in motion, a flame that seems to float, flicker, and dance in open air.A lightweight, durable, and sustainable Olympic torchFar from being just a visual statement, the torch exemplifies a rigorous commitment to sustainability. Made from recycled aluminum and brass, the torch weighs just over one kilogram, yet it’s engineered for resilience. Its surface finish, achieved through a Physical Vapor Deposition process, adapts to ambient light—glimmering with icy whites under daylight, and shifting to cooler tones in the dusk. More than an aesthetic gesture, this finish is highly resistant to heat and wear.Perhaps most impressively, each torch is designed for multiple uses. Unlike traditional torches created solely for single use in relays, these models are refuelable up to ten times. This dramatically reduces the number of units required and showcases a smarter approach to large-scale ceremonial production.Fuelling the futureThe torches are powered by bio-LPG—a renewable fuel derived from organic waste streams like used cooking oils and agro-industrial byproducts. The fuel ensures a strong, steady flame while dramatically lowering the carbon footprint of the entire relay process. It’s a quiet but firm statement: performance and sustainability are no longer at odds.The handgrip further complements this ethos. Developed with a cutting-edge bio-based polymer, the grip offers ergonomic comfort and a low environmental impact, emphasizing both material innovation and user experience.One structure, two storiesWhile the Olympic and Paralympic torches share the same architecture, their color palettes tell distinct narratives. The Olympic version, painted in luminous sky-inspired hues, symbolizes momentum and transformation. The Paralympic torch, with its deep mountain tones, celebrates resilience and determination. It’s a subtle but meaningful way to distinguish the stories of two equally powerful events.Design that enduresBeyond the Games, the torches are destined for lasting impact. They will be showcased in Milan’s Triennale and at the Italian Pavilion in Expo 2025 Osaka before entering the permanent collection at the Olympic Museum. But perhaps their true legacy lies in their quiet revolution: a torch that doesn’t shout with extravagance, but instead burns with clarity, purpose, and respect for the planet.Through a poetic balance of form and function, Carlo Ratti’s design for Milano Cortina 2026 reminds us that sometimes, the most powerful designs are those that disappear—allowing the flame to shine, unfiltered and alive.
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