Milano cortina 2026’s mini cauldron by Carlo Ratti
For the Milano Cortina 2026 relay, CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati designs a mobile mini cauldron that casts the flame into a vertical vortex. Developed for selected cities during the Games, it accompanies the torch relay in around 80 public events. The design of the mini cauldron displays sculpted blades formed in the shape of a bigger torch.
The opening on the sides allows for ventilation and a peek at the flames, and the CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati team says that the arrangement relies on the Venturi effect, drawing in more air to keep the combustion going. The team adds that the system can operate for up to negative 20 degrees Celsius and other extreme conditions. Visitors to the Milano Cortina 2026 may see the mini cauldron by Carlo Ratti in selected cities between February 6th and 22nd for the Olympic Winter Games and March 6th and 15th for the Paralympic Winter Games.
all images courtesy of CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati | photos by Alessio Keilty
Relay torch features the same iridescent surface
The material used to create the mini cauldron by CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati shares the same PVD and metallic blue finish as the torch, which the team also designed. For the torch, the firm adds a burner that runs on bio-LPG, which is made from renewable raw materials and mainly waste resources, including used cooking oil, animal fats, and residues from the agricultural industry. Wrapped around the torch is an insert made from polymeric material by Finproject, which uses 60 percent bio-naphtha derived from renewable raw materials.
The iridescent effect on the exterior of both the mini cauldron and torches by Carlo Ratti comes from the Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) technology used, allowing for a reflective surface. Just like the mini cauldron, the torches also feature an ‘open’ design, so the bearers and viewers can see and understand how the Olympic flame is produced. The team shapes the torch using recycled aluminum and brass alloy, and it is set to appear, together with the mini cauldron, during both the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
the opening on the sides allows for ventilation and a peek at the flames
the design of the mini cauldron displays sculpted blades formed in the shape of a bigger torc
the team adds that the system can operate for up to negative 20 degrees Celsius
the design relies on the Venturi effect, drawing in more air to keep the combustion going
view of the torch designed by CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati
the torch and cauldron share the same iridescent effect on the surface
project info:
firm: CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati | @crassociati
event: Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games | @milanocortina2026
dates: February 6th to 22nd for the Olympics and March 6th and 15th for the Paralympics
photography: Alessio Keilty | @alessiokeilty
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