Lessons for 2014

As exciting as the prospect of being named World Design Capital 2014 is, we are essentially moving forward into unchartered terrain. The World Design Capital has only been in existence since 2008, with three other cities holding the title before Cape Town.

Yes, we can learn from all of the previous recipients of the coveted title, but there is no cut-and-paste method to ensure the title is used to its full capacity. Even if there were one, it would never completely encapsulate the idiosyncratic design world of each unique city.

Just like Helsinki and Seoul differ greatly in their approaches to design, city planning, and architecture, so too does Cape Town. And perhaps the Mother City – at the apex of the African continent – deviates from ‘the norm’ more than the first world cities that have previously held the title. 

It is important to remember that the World Design Capital 2014 title does not just represent Table Mountain and its surrounds, arguably the most Eurocentric area in the country. The bid organisers have repeatedly stated that Cape Town’s appellation and the benefits attached to it will reach far beyond the borders of the Western Cape. The African identity must therefore be a core component of projects and events that emerge from 2014. 

The second consideration informing the way forward is the connection between design and social change in our country. The effects of our checkered past are still visible throughout South Africa. Cape Town’s duty now is to show how design can ameliorate these social issues. With the title funding and the hype that comes with this win, Cape Town must continue to come up with design-oriented projects and events and with renewed vigour. By highlighting what works and reconsidering plans that don’t, the year 2014 has the potential to not only change the city’s landscape but also the lives of the people who live here.

That said, Cape Town can still learn from previous winners and Helsinki has made it that much easier for us to do so. Katja Hagelstam, Piëtke Visser and Eva Lamppu have put together a hardcover book, 20+12 Design Stories from Helsinki, filled with stories from the 2012-winning city. In 20 interviews, a range of Helsinki-based cultural movers and shakers take the reader on a journey into the city’s different neighbourhoods, to their studios and homes. The book’s 12 inspiring essays then reflect on the essence of Helsinki, encompassing topics from street art to city planning.

20+12 Design Stories from Helsinki shows the potential of a city and shares its hidden design gems, further concretising why the city earned the 2012 title. Not only is this an excellent marketing strategy, it also contributes to the build-up of Helsinki’s reign next year. Cape Town, take note.