2008 Beijing Olympics

Working with the Beijing Olympics and the Office of the Mayor of Beijing, Thinkwell developed concepts for a prodigious Olympic Rings structure to be featured at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The goal of the massive iconic sculpture was to enliven the water on the Olympic Green – the public gathering space at the Olympic Games – and to create a dynamic and impactful statement that would activate the space both day and night.

Measuring 17 meters in diameter and 25 meters tall, each of the five Olympic Rings are individually controlled to move, rotate and spin, creating an awe-inspiring series of enormous kinetic sculptures. Additional features include LED lights that allow for changes in luminosity and color, an array of computer controlled water nozzles for show use, rigging for acrobatic performers, and flame effects for night use.

During the day the rings appear to “float” with the winds, but in reality the movement is actuated real-time by interpolating the raw data output from the Olympic Games (scores, timings, event data, etc.) and converting that data into motion profiles that are then sent to the rings – meaning the rings are actually moved via the Olympic athletes themselves.

At night, the rings become a dazzling showpiece on the water – a hybrid of elegant movement, stunning water and fire effects, and live performers, plus building-sized projections of the Olympic athletes – an unforgettable experience for TV audiences and spectators alike.