Beyond venues and for cultural influence and city attractions

Another marvelous design is the Olympic torch, which was done by Li Jianye, an AADTHU alumnus and current chief industrial designer of Alibaba Group. The torch, named "Flying," spirals upward to resemble two fluttering ribbons that overlap. 

According to Li, the torch is an upward spiral that resembles a budding plant, signifying continuous sprouting and growth. He also hopes the design can deliver a message of lighting a fire of hope to the world.

He added, "for me personally, designing this to serve my motherland is my honor. And the designing process of the torch is a journey to seek the roots of Chinese culture and spirit." On Feb. 2, he proudly ran with the torch during the torch relay in Beijing.

Besides these symbolic art designs, the efforts of AADTHU artists spread beyond the events and venues. A team led by Professor Du Yi from the Department of Environmental Art Design is responsible for city landscape designs, including promotional banners, signs, lighting, sculptures, decor and artwork installations across the Olympic parks and various locations in Beijing and Zhangjiakou.