Since the Olympics are pretty much the only thing really going on in Vancouver these days, thought I’d highlight a few cool things about it!  The medals that are being given to the athletes were designed by Vancouver based Industrial Designer and Architect Omer Arbel in association with Aboriginal Artist Corrine Hunt.  Omer is probably best known for his design of the Bocci 14-series chandelier and 2.4 Chair. 

Bocci Chandelier - Image from http://www.bocci.ca

2.4 Chair - Image from http://3rings.designerpages.com

Apparently with the design of the Olympic medals, there were 2 other designs that were proposed to the Olympic Committee by Omar Arbel’s design office but rejected before the final design was decided upon.  I thought this first concept was pretty neat.  It was based on that of a locket.  The medal would be made of 2 parts held together by magnets and in the centre of it, there would be a charm or pendant that the athlete could wear day-to-day as a reminder of their achievement.  However, this idea was not passed due to manufacturing and budget constraints.

I do love the final chosen design. 

[via: Design Boom]