The Olympic torch

Mathieu Lehanneur resists categorisation. From the very beginnings of his career, he has been a creator at the crossroads of science and the arts, marrying technique and poetry.

This approach can be seen in the torch he designed for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where artificial intelligence (AI) and recycled materials converge. AI was used to optimise the forms, evoke the energy flow of the flame and minimise the amount of material used.

Lehanneur explains: “There were a few prerequisites in terms of size and weight, so that the torch would be easy to carry, and the flame would never go out.”* As such, the torch, equipped with a burner fuelled by gas cylinder, is both functional and aesthetic.

Made from 100% recycled steel, with a thickness of just 0.7 mm, it is as thin as a sheet of paper. This engineering choice kept the torch’s weight to just 1.6 kg, meaning that even a small child could carry it. The perfect symmetry of the torch, a first in Olympic history, was the subject of many tests in order to ensure that it could be handled by hands of all sizes.

Manufactured entirely in France, this torch embodies the values of sustainability and has a considerably reduced carbon footprint. It reflects harmony between technological innovation, craftsmanship, and respect for the environment.

By combining artificial intelligence, recycled materials and an eco-friendly approach, Mathieu Lehanneur has created an iconic object that celebrates not only the Olympic spirit but also a responsible future for design and architecture. •

*www.numero.com/art/design/interview-mathieu-lehanneur-jeux-olympiques-paris-2024-flamme-ceremonie