The Finnish capital beat out the Dutch city of Eindhoven in the final 'showdown' during the World Design Congress in Singapore.
Icsid (the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design) announced November 25 that the designation was conferred to Helsinki because of the city's design initiatives' positive impact on everyday life. "From urban regeneration and planning policies, to product development and technology, these and other developmental initiatives have proven that design can be used for the betterment of the human condition," Icsid president Carlos Hinrichsen explained the jury's choice.
Helsinki's mayor Jussi Pajunen said: "The decision to designate Helsinki as WDC 2012 brings great responsibility and we accept this title with an open mind and with great enthusiasm," adding that he hoped the title would serve as a "catalyst for change:" "Helsinki is eager to become a global role model in 2012." It is only the third time that the biennial designation has been bestowed with Seoul, South Korea having carried the title from 2008 and Turin, Italy preparing to take over next year.
Helsinki has the intention of teaming up with runner up Eindhoven. Design has, for decades, been embedded in the DNA of Eindhoven, the central city of the top technological region Brainport. The city has grown from its industrial, technological history into an innovative, creative city. Recognisable in the many innovative products which are thought up, developed and manufactured in Brainport Eindhoven. Evident in design icons such as the Design Academy Eindhoven (dubbed by Time Magazine the ‘School of Cool'), the top design studio Philips Design, the renowned Van Abbe Museum, the Industrial Design faculty of the Technical University Eindhoven and an annual Dutch Design Week which attracts thousands of visitors.
Via: TheIndependent
