The buzz surrounding Cape Town’s selection as World Design Capital 2014 has inevitably begun to die down. Now it’s time to start planning.
Yesterday the bid committee, along with delegates from Cape Town Tourism, Stellenbosch and the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID) presented their thoughts on the merits of this achievement and, more importantly, the plan moving forward.
All speakers agreed that this prestigious accolade ought to be aimed at resolving problems from the bottom up, rather than just punting high-end, exclusive design. The implementation of socially cohesive projects associated with this title will help benefit Cape Town, South Africa and Africa as a whole. The Chief Executive of the Cape Town Partnership, Andrew Boraine, believes that a good starting point is to take a few notes out of Helsinki’s book, as the Finnish capital gears up for its reign as 2012 World Design Capital.
“The focus should be on design for people, not on people for design.” He says this title should use the minds and skills of the design community and other interested and capable parties to identify and address the needs of everyday citizens.
Another important lesson to be learnt form Helsinki is that strict distinctions should be made between events for the year and projects that will continue well after 2014 has come to an end. While projects have the ability to leave a lasting legacy, events will help secure funding and resources.
Boraine says that the World Design Capital should be seen as a partnership; that it belongs to everyone in Cape Town and that this is an opportunity for anyone and everyone to get involved. Conrad Sidego, the Mayor of Stellenbosch, concurred by affirming Stellenbosch’s role as the “supporting cast” of this incredible achievement.
“This is an opportunity to demystify the idea of design – to give design ordinary clothes and allow every person to become a designer,” he says.
From a tourism point of view, Mariette Du Toit Helmbold, the CEO of Cape Town Tourism believes that this title will make Cape Town a microcosm of solutions driven by design.
“It’s high time we showcase what Cape Town has to offer, beyond the obvious”.
And we can all get involved. Councillor Brett Herron of the City of Cape Town insists that we should see World Design Capital 2014 as a mandate rather than a mere title, one that commits the city, country and continent at large to make use of design to transform life.
You can send ideas for transformation to the committee or post on their Facebook page.
More information: www.capetown2014.co.za
