There are four cities who are in contention to host the 2016 Olympic Summer Games: Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, and Tokyo.. The final decision will be made Friday.
I’m sure there is plenty in favor of each of them. But what if we were to judge them by the logos alone? Who would get the bid? Let’s take a look. (I’ve also included the logos from the failed bids of Prague and Doha just for kicks.)
Madrid
This makes Madrid look like a kindergarten student trying out fingerpainting. I really don’t like it.
Rio de Janeiro
I like the Brazilian colors, but I’m not sure it works for the Olympics. It’s also not clear what the heart-shaped thing is. Is it a heart? Is it supposed to be both a heart and something else? I’m not sure. The exclamation point in 2016 is a nice touch, and works well with Rio.
Prague
Understated, I suppose. But it doesn’t scream Olympics.
Doha
Doha’s logo looks like some Arabic characters exploding around a Shamrock. It’s a mess.
Tokyo
I rather like Tokyo’s. The ribbon is nice, but also the simple allusion to their flag with the rising sun between Tokyo and 2016.
Chicago
Truth be told, I wouldn’t give Chicago the games based on their current logo (on the right). It’s just too generic. But I love love love their logo on the left. The city as a torch, coming out of the water of Lake Michigan … I think it’s awesome. Too bad for them, it was rejected by the Olympic committee because cities can’t use torch iconography until they actually get the games. So they could go back to the logo if they get it.