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Helsinki will be the World Design Capital in 2012

26/11/2009

The City of Helsinki has been designated World Design Capital 2012 at the World Design Congress held in Singapore by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid).

The prestigious title is appointed by Icsid every other year to a city based on its accomplishments and commitment to design as an effective tool for social, cultural and economic development. Helsinki emerged as the winner against 45 cities from 27 countries and will be the third city to hold the honour, following Torino (Italy) and Seoul (South Korea).

Icsid describes Helsinki as a “vibrant community – a great place to work, live and explore. A modern landscape where talented individuals encompass every sphere of international and Finnish society, it is a hotbed for innovation and a positive environment for creative industries.”

According to Icsid design has for decades been a pivotal enabler to building Helsinki into an open city: “The concept of 'Embedded Design' has tied design to innovation and has enabled desirable solutions that have addressed the needs of its inhabitants. Helsinki Design is also part of world design – it is created together with the international design community and the people of the world.”

Icsid also draws attention to Helsinki Design, which includes well-known global brands, such as Nokia, Kone and Marimekko, popular events, like the annual Helsinki Design Week, outstanding education and research institutions, such as the University of Art and Design Helsinki, and exemplary architects and designers such as Eliel Saarinen and Alvar Aalto.

Jussi Pajunen, Mayor of the City of Helsinki was delighted to accept the honour in Singapore. "The decision to designate Helsinki as WDC 2012 brings great responsibility and we accept this title with an open mind and with great enthusiasm. It is an important accomplishment for the metropolitan region, as well as for Finland and will be celebrated with the consortium of municipalities and partners that supported our bid," he said.

Helsinki's application also included the cities of Espoo, Vantaa, Kauniainen and Lahti, which will all start planning a feast of design events for 2012, when the international spotlight will focus brightly on Finland.

"The WDC designation allows cities to demonstrate that design can be a catalyst for change. Helsinki is ready to be one of those cities and is eager to become a global role model in 2012," said Pajunen.