Torino 2006 Mascots

"The mascot must reflect the

unique features of the Italian
spirit - innovation and passion,
creativity and dynamism, style
and enthusiasm - in a direct,
new and up-to-date way.
The graphic representation, the
personality and characteristics
of the Mascot must be a clear
and accurate reflection of the

the ethical values of participation,

loyalty, respect and brotherhood

challenge promoted throughout the world

by the Olympic Movement."
adapted from the Briefing of the Torino 2006 Olympic Mascot Competition
the idea
Neve and Gliz mascots are an innovative design concept
specially created to be a fundamental component
of the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games Image.
This friendly couple was born to be a memorable symbol
of the Olympic values: participation, respect, friendship
and loyalty. Their visual nature and personality reflects,
at the same time, the spirit and the uniqueness
of the Italian Olympic event: passion, enthusiasm,
culture, good taste, environment and sports.

snowandice
Innovating from the basic elements of the winter games,
the visual nature of Neve and Gliz represents the two
environments of the winter games: the snow and the ice.
This is a completely original idea regarding the Olympic
mascots of the past, which means a unique opportunity
to highlight the Italian sense of innovation recognized
worldwide. Therefore, the rounded shapes of Neve are
inspired on the snow and the squared shapes of Gliz
are inspired on the ice. This visual concept of "snow for her
and ice for him" is also applicable to the other characters
in the adventures of Neve and Gliz, in order to establish
the difference between male and female genres.
passion
We can see passion in everything they think, feel and do. The "passionate way"
of Neve and Gliz is strongly identified with the Italian culture, made out of dedication,
genius, enthusiasm and good taste. Passion is the "key word" for Torino 2006.
energy
Being teenagers, Neve and Gliz are also symbols of a new generation that loves
sports as well the great challenges of life.
Energy is essential to achieve perfection and the best of performances.
This spirit of motivation and vitality is a part of the whole image of Torino 2006.
style
In the way they look like, in the way they live…
Style stands out naturally on Neve and Gliz as a sign of their healthy bodies as well of their
refined taste. The fluid and rounded forms of Neve, inspired on "snow", are an expression
of elegance and gracefulness, reflecting the imaginative and sensual input of the Italian
fashion design and in the performing arts. The angular and plain forms of Gliz, inspired
on "ice", are the expression of strength and plays a surprising and dramatic contrast with
Neve’s forms, conveying a concept of complementarity.

friends from the heart
For Neve and Gliz, the competitive spirit and friendship are values that should live
together in perfect harmony unifying people from different sides of the world with
different cultures and understanding the Olympic event as a celebration of sport,
emotion and fair-play.
the magic world
The charming and welcoming city of Torino became a magic world of fantasy
with Neve and Gliz. This fantastic and amazing couple love to have fun with friends
and to practice the winter sports by the places where the Olympic Winter Games in 2006
will take place. The coming stories and adventures with these lovely characters from
Torino and their friends are very promising.
Be ready for the amusement!
 makeit
happen
 Awww!!!

here
we are...

key steps of a project

research
Finding out the most useful information to reach a unique and powerful idea
that suits the objectives of the briefing regarding the Olympic Values, the Italian Spirit
and the specific technical demands of the Olympic event.
design concept
Neve and Gliz were born from an intensive thinking and sketching process, focused
on the briefing’s objectives and oriented by the research that was carried out, in order
to put on paper an outstanding idea. This required a visionary spirit and the capability
to generate ideas that have a meaning.

implementation
Torino Olympic Palasport The design Implementation stages implied a whole range of specific activities,
moving from the drawing board to the final digital illustrations and 3D models.
Italian Vespa
...They hanged me to pretend
i was in the air...

The visual concept (snow for her and ice for him) is applicable in the adventures of Neve
and Gliz in order to establish the difference between the other female and male characters.
The research on visual information plays a crucial role in the illustration process,
such as the use of pictures of various sports and many other related technical information,
as a reference to support the right interpretation of the mascots sport poses.
The mascot’s graphic representation for printing and for digital media is always attained
using vector illustration with colorful shapes, surrounded by a strong black stroke.
international judging committee
The members of the international judging committee have been chosen
by TOROC on the basis of their expertise in the fields of visual communications,
animation, creation, development and use of Mascots.
thejury
• Brad Copeland (President of Iconologic and IOC image consultant)
• Remo Lucchi (MD Eurisko)
• Theodora Mantzaris Kindel (Athens 2004 Olympic Games Image Director)
• Javier Mariscal (Designer of the Barcelona Mascot)
• Maurizio Nichetti (Film Director)
• Carlo Rambaldi (Special Effects Director, 3 Oscar prizes)
• Denis Santachiara (Designer)
• Andrea Varnier (Torino 2006 Director of the Communications and Image division)
pedro albuquerque
Born in Lisbon in 1966.
Degree in Design by IADE - Instituto de Artes Visuais,Design e Marketing, Lisbon, in 1987.
Founding partner and creative director of Albuquerque Designers.
thewinner
albuquerque designers
is a multidisciplinary design consultancy operating in Lisbon since 1993.
The list of their clients includes some of the most distinctive Portuguese and international
Corporations. Its creativity is recognized beyond their country, with projects in Spain,
Belgium and now, Italy...
most relevant awards
• Visual Identity of "Porto 2001-Capital Europeia da Cultura".
• "Prémio Sena da Silva 2002" for the best project of communication design attributed
in 2002 by "Centro Português de Design".