TORINO 2008 WORLD DESIGN CAPITAL
12.02.2006 News
The competition, initiated by Icsid under the direction of its President Professor Dr. Peter Zec, was envisioned following the astounding interest generated as a result of the participation of 34 cities in the bid to host the joint Secretariats of Icsid and the International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda). Following the unbelievable success of the Host City Project, it became apparent that a number of cities aspired to be recognized for their contributions to the industry of design, stated Zec. Further contemplation supported the proposal that a competition of this nature would not only generate interest among a number of communities worldwide, but that it could be developed in a manner that would ensure the longevity of this interest by cities willing to be recognised for their achievements in design.
There are many benefits for cities to become a World Design Capital. The list includes gaining visibility as a creative city, attracting investors and creative people, strengthening economic development, positioning itself as a leading city of design, improving the quality of life within the city, building a global image and taking part in an international network of design.
Icsid's initiative to launch the World Design Capital designation has since become a project of the IDA a joint venture and partnership between Icsid and Icograda. Following the 2008 pilot project, the IDA will spearhead the competition in an attempt to advocate design on an increasingly committed international platform. "As an honorary designation, we believe that the World Design Capital will help to highlight the importance of design as a driving force for economic, social and cultural development in the age of globalisation," stated Zec.
"For Torino - expressed Torino Mayor Sergio Chiamparino - this important appointment will link the 2006 Winter Olympic Games with the 2008 UIA XXIII World Congress of Architecture. The events showcased during this year of design will be a fundamental lever for our territory s economic development and will increase the value of organisational and territorial resources that have been implemented for the Olympic event."
"This is a new opportunity to put Torino on the national and world map of design - stated Andrea Pininfarina - and to show "Made in Italy" products and creativity to the international press and to design professionals."
"The World Design Capital designation to Torino and Piedmont region confirms our traditional project culture. - concluded Giorgetto Giugiaro - The key words will be Research and Innovation. For this year, all resources will be directed to the promotion of education, international networks, as well as our reputation for a creative image within our industrial and technological district. "
As Torino 2008 approaches, the next steps will focus on the organisation and investments in design-related events for a period of one year. During that time, celebrated activities will promote local design initiatives to a global audience, with a focus on industrial and graphic design. These events and ideas are expected to inspire other cities to implement similar initiatives and spread the merits of using good design around the world.
Call for entries for the 2010 designation will be launched later this year by the IDA. A complete application package will be available on the Icsid and Icograda websites.
For further information please contact:
Press Office
Stilema - Silvia Macchetto
T: +39 011 5069062
Icsid
The
International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) was
created in 1957 by a group of international organisations committed to
industrial design. Today, Icsid counts over 160 members in more than 50
countries, representing approximately 150,000 designers. Icsid members
are professional associations, promotional societies, educational
institutions, government bodies, corporations and institutions which
aim to contribute to the development of the profession of industrial
design.
Icsid supports and highlights design as
a valuable tool to serve key issues discussed in international forums.
This requires collaboration with individuals, governments, NGO's,
companies and organizations, in order to guarantee and strengthen the
presence of design at all level. Icsid holds consultative status with
UNESCO, UNIDO, ISO and WIPO.
Icograda
The
International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda) is the
world body for professional graphic design and visual communication. It
is the representative international non-governmental organisation for
graphic design, unifying the voice of designers worldwide and promoting
their dynamic role in society and commerce. Founded in London in 1963,
Icograda holds consultative status with UNESCO, UNIDO, ISO, IFFRO and
WIPO.
From its core membership of graphic
design associations, Icograda has expanded to include affiliated
organisations promoting the value of design, a worldwide network of
individuals and corporations who share a common interest in graphic
design and visual communication, the community of graphic design
educational institutions and design media. Today, Icograda has 184
Members and numerous friends in 56 countries worldwide.
IDA
In
a major step for the global design community, Icsid and Icograda have
committed themselves to forming the collective voice for all
disciplines of design through the creation of IDA. The IDA will be
positioned as the design advocate working with international
organisations, governments and industry.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Dilki de Silva
Icsid Secretary General
T: +1 514 448 4949, x 227
E: ddesilva@icsid.org
Ms. Andrea Springer
Icsid Communications Manager
T: +1 514 448 4949, x 232
E: aspringer@icsid.org
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