World Design Capital 2012 embeds design in life

21 December 2009

Helsinki will be the World Design Capital of the year 2012. The designation was announced by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) at the Icsid World Design Congress 2009 in Singapore on 25 November 2009.

“This is a magnificent achievement for Helsinki. It is an important recognition for us and our collaborators Espoo, Vantaa, Kauniainen and Lahti, as well as for all the participating organizations and individuals. We have received a unique opportunity and will be taking every advantage of it, for both enjoyment and good for all,” says Helsinki Mayor Jussi Pajunen, accepting the World Design Capital 2012 designation at the Icsid World Design Congress 2009.

The title of Helsinki’s bid for the designation was Open Helsinki – Embedding Design in Life. The concept expressed by the title will form the basis of Helsinki’s ambitious programme for the design year 2012.

Important recognition to all of Finland
Lahti Mayor Jyrki Myllyvirta sees Helsinki’s designation as an important recognition to all of Finland. “Participation in the project is a logical step in Lahti’s strategy, according to which design will be one of our key strengths in the future. Owing to close interaction of industry and design education, enterprises in Lahti are well-known for their competence in industrial design. In 2012 Lahti will offer an industrial design forum for enterprises, products, designers and consumers,” Mayor Myllyvirta says.

“We will invite all citizens, enterprises and organizations in Helsinki, as well as visiting design professionals and enthusiasts, to participate in the preparations and the events of the design year 2012. This is a major challenge for us to use design in Helsinki and in the other participating cities to further the development of our cities from the social, economic and cultural perspectives, as the World Design Capital project states in its designation criteria,” Mayor Pajunen says.

“The work begins now. The effort will extend well beyond one year and one city. The World Design Capital 2012 project will support the long-ranging development of the entire region. The project will also strengthen our role in the international community.”

Mayor Pajunen commends the excellent co-operation between all players in the bidding process that earned Helsinki the designation. The Helsinki bid was supported by the Finnish government, many schools and universities, and design enterprises and organizations.

27 countries applied
Altogether 46 cities from 27 countries applied for the designation. An international jury first shortlisted Helsinki and Eindhoven of the Netherlands and then awarded the designation to Helsinki after careful consideration.

The World Design Capital project will bring a large number of design events and a great deal of visibility for the Helsinki region. Programme planning and preparations begin immediately.

Pease find more information at www.wdc2012helsinki.fi/en the official website of World Design Capital 2012 Helsinki, and at www.worlddesigncapital.com
Photos to load: pressi.kulttuuri.hel.fi/?cartId=105

Further information:
Mayor Jyrki Myllyvirta, Lahti, mobile phone +358 50 63895

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