Designing the Olympics: Representation, Participation, Contestation

The Olympic Games are regarded as hallmark events capable of regenerating host cities and placing them on the global map. In this book, Jilly Traganou examines the relationship between design and national identity in the age of globalization. By merging studies of architecture (Olympic venues), graphic design (Olympic emblems), product design (mascots), fashion, stage and event design (as appearing in Opening and Closing ceremonies) this book offers a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted design enterprises that are involved in the making of an Olympic Games as a combined physical and mediated mega-event. Traganou argues that the production of the Olympic Games involves a design milieu, a manifold project that unfolds from the construction of infrastructure and Olympic venues and the creation of emblems, mascots and ceremonies to the consumption, interpretation and appropriation of these artifacts by wider populations in different localities throughout the world. This book will be of interest to students and scholars of Design, National Identity and Globalization, and Sports Studies.