Cape Town named World Design Capital 2014

Wednesday, 26 October 2011

Cape Town was this morning announced as the World Design Capital for 2014, ahead of fellow short-listed cities, Dublin and Bilbao. The official announcement was made in Taipei, where the Cape Town Executive Mayor, Alderman Patricia de Lille, accepted the honour.

In her acceptance speech De Lille said: "It is an honour for me to be addressing you here today as mayor of the first African city to be named a World Design Capital."

Explaining the importance of the year 2014, De Lille said it will be the celebration of 20 years of democracy in South Africa.

"2014 then is the moment when the past and the future will come together for Cape Town, in contemplation and in action. In South Africa, cities were designed over decades to divide people. But since our new democratic era, we have been focused on trying to bring people together, to create a sustainable city that fosters real social inclusion."

Cape Town Tourism CEO Mariëtte du Toit-Helmbold said: "Cape Town’s bid for the title of World Design Capital 2014 has showcased the important role design and the creative sector at large play in transforming a city, making it not just a great place to visit, but a greater place to live."

The World Design Capital title is awarded bi-annually by the International Council for Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID) to give global prominence to cities that use design for their social, economic and cultural development.

Founded in 1957 and active in 50 countries, ICSID has awarded the World Design Capital designation three times – to Torino, Italy (2008); Seoul, South Korea (2010) and Helsinki, Finland (designated for 2012).

The World Design Capital title is awarded in advance, allowing winning cities sufficient time to plan, develop and promote a year-long programme of World Design Capital-themed events for their designated year.

Capetonians were up early to hear the news and celebrations have been taking place throughout the Mother City and beyond.