Nice fireworks, but poor show for Chinese design

I was reminded by Margaret Manning’s comments (Voxpop, DW 21 August) that Jack Morton Productions – which started in the US and apparently also has an office in London – was responsible for the design of Beijing’s ‘stunning opening sequence’.

I cannot understand why the Chinese relied on foreign architects and designers for all the important physical venues and visual aspects of the games – including the symbols for the games and sports (designed by a Chinese -born designer who was educated in the US and works there as a designer).

This is a subject worthy of investigative journalism or a PhD thesis. London has great designers and the 2012 Olympics will be a perfect opportunity to showcase their abilities to the world.

I don’t understand why the Chinese did not have confidence in their own designers’ abilities, and didn’t use the occasion to do the same.

RitaSue Siegel, RitaSue Siegel Resources, by e-mail