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The International Council of Societies of Industrial Design announces the designation during the XX Winter Olympic Games
Torino, February 13th, 2006 — On behalf of the International Design Alliance (IDA), the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) and the City of Torino are honoured to announce today the designation appointed to the City of Torino as the first “World Design Capital™” following the signing of the agreement. As the first municipality to hold the title, the City of Torino accepts the designation as the 2008 Pilot Project for the World Design Capital competition – a biennial international competition created to identify and recognise cities that have effectively used design from a social, cultural and economical point of view to revive the city.
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 www.icsid.org and Icograda www.icograda.org websites.
