In a private design competition staged by FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation) for the creation of medals to be presented at the 2013 Swimming World Championship in Barcelona, the participants were reduced to 5 shortlisted studios. The design which impressed FINA most of all and was ultimately chosen was the one by the local multidisciplinary practice of La Granja.
Concentrating on the sport of swimming as a vital theme for the design concept of the new medals, La Granja took their inspiration from the silicone strap of swimming goggles which they incorporated into their design. The translucent underwater look of silicone made it a perfect substitute for the usual ribbons which are conventionally attached to the medal and tend to suffer from fraying through wear and tear over a period of time. The silicone strap was became a continuation of the mount which encircles the heavy metal medals thus embracing them and enabling them to be held or displayed in a more rigid form.
The prize winning medals which were not only designed but manufactured by La Granja were presented to the victorious swimmers at the event which was held from July 19th to August 8th, 2013.
