Short answer

When designing for large-scale events or public projects, consider how the project's sustainability goals can be framed as a lasting, positive legacy that aligns with evolving societal values.

Field
Sustainability
Source
Sustainability (2013)
Method
Historical analysis and case study
Evidence
Moderate effect

The definition and implementation of sustainability within Olympic Games have evolved significantly, influenced by changing societal values and the concept of 'legacy'. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2013 study published in Sustainability. Using Historical analysis and case study, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing for large-scale events or public projects, consider how the project's sustainability goals can be framed as a lasting, positive legacy that aligns with evolving societal values.

Study
SustainabilityHigh ImpactModerate effect

Olympic 'Legacy' Frameworks Shift Sustainability Focus Over Time

The definition and implementation of sustainability within Olympic Games have evolved significantly, influenced by changing societal values and the concept of 'legacy'.

Sustainability · 2013

01

Key Findings

  • 01The concept of sustainability within the Olympics has shifted from environmental protection to a broader 'legacy' agenda.
  • 02The framing of sustainability outcomes is influenced by the prevailing values and needs of each era.
  • 03Implementing sustainability plans and ensuring long-term legacy presents ongoing challenges for host cities.
02

Application

Design takeaway

When designing for large-scale events or public projects, consider how the project's sustainability goals can be framed as a lasting, positive legacy that aligns with evolving societal values.

How to apply

When developing a design proposal for a community project or event, consider how to articulate its sustainability benefits not just in immediate terms, but as a contribution to a long-term, positive legacy for the users and environment.

Project actions

  • 01When researching your product's environmental impact, look for how similar products or projects have addressed sustainability over time.
  • 02Consider how your design could contribute to a 'legacy' beyond its immediate function, such as promoting sustainable user habits or using materials that can be repurposed.
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo analyze the evolution of the Olympic movement's sustainability agenda and its relationship with the concept of 'legacy' across different Games.
MethodHistorical analysis and case study
ProcedureThe paper examines the historical emergence of environmental concerns in the Winter Games, the integration of sustainability into official Olympic practices, and the interplay between sustainability and legacy. It uses the London 2012 Games as a case study to illustrate these concepts, focusing on the 'One Planet Games' initiative, carbon footprint management, the creation of the Olympic Park, and the promotion of sustainable living.
ContextOlympic Games host cities and their sustainability planning

Variables

IVTime/Era, Framing of Sustainability (e.g., environmental protection vs. legacy)
DVImplementation of sustainability measures, perceived success of sustainability agenda
CVNature of the event (Olympic Games), host city context
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Provides a historical perspective on the evolution of sustainability in a high-profile context.
  • +Uses a relevant case study (London 2012) to illustrate theoretical concepts.

Limitations

The focus on the Olympics might limit direct application to smaller, individual product designs. The 'legacy' concept can be subjective and difficult to measure objectively.

Reliability & validity

The historical analysis relies on documented evidence and interpretations of past events, which can be subject to bias. The case study provides specific examples but may not be generalizable to all Olympic Games or other types of projects.

Think critically

To what extent can the 'legacy' of a sustainable design be objectively measured, and who should be responsible for defining and evaluating it?

05

Design Principles

"Sustainability goals should be adaptable and framed within a broader, long-term legacy vision."

Understanding how sustainability goals are framed and adapted is crucial for designing long-term, impactful projects. This evolution highlights the dynamic nature of sustainable development and the need for flexible strategies that can accommodate changing priorities and stakeholder expectations.

06

What This Means for Your Design

How the Olympics think about being 'green' has changed over the years, and they now often link it to leaving a lasting positive impact (legacy) on the host city.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Use this paper to justify the importance of considering long-term sustainability and legacy in your design process, especially if your project has a community or environmental focus.
  • 2.Discuss how your design's sustainability features contribute to a broader, lasting benefit, drawing parallels to the 'legacy' concept explored in the paper.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The evolution of sustainability agendas in large-scale projects, as exemplified by the Olympic Games, demonstrates the dynamic nature of environmental responsibility. The shift from purely environmental protection to a broader 'legacy' framework, as discussed by Gold and Gold (2013), highlights the importance of designing for long-term impact and adaptability. This suggests that effective sustainable design must consider not only immediate environmental benefits but also how the product or project contributes to enduring positive outcomes for users and the environment, aligning with evolving societal values.

09

Source

Sustainability

“Bring It under the Legacy Umbrella”: Olympic Host Cities and the Changing Fortunes of the Sustainability Agenda

journal · 2013

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about olympic 'legacy' frameworks shift sustainability focus over time?
When designing for large-scale events or public projects, consider how the project's sustainability goals can be framed as a lasting, positive legacy that aligns with evolving societal values. Evidence: Sustainability (2013).
Why does "Olympic 'Legacy' Frameworks Shift Sustainability Focus Over Time" matter for design?
Understanding how sustainability goals are framed and adapted is crucial for designing long-term, impactful projects. This evolution highlights the dynamic nature of sustainable development and the need for flexible strategies that can accommodate changing priorities and stakeholder expectations.
How can designers apply this research?
When designing for large-scale events or public projects, consider how the project's sustainability goals can be framed as a lasting, positive legacy that aligns with evolving societal values.
What were the main findings?
The concept of sustainability within the Olympics has shifted from environmental protection to a broader 'legacy' agenda.. The framing of sustainability outcomes is influenced by the prevailing values and needs of each era.. Implementing sustainability plans and ensuring long-term legacy presents ongoing challenges for host cities.
What research method was used?
Historical analysis and case study.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2013 journal from Sustainability.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When developing a design proposal for a community project or event, consider how to articulate its sustainability benefits not just in immediate terms, but as a contribution to a long-term, positive legacy for the users and environment.
What are the limitations?
The study focuses primarily on the Olympic Games, and findings may not be directly transferable to all design contexts. The analysis of London 2012 is presented from a 2013 perspective, and long-term legacy outcomes may have changed since publication.