On 24 November 2009, at the World Design Congress, the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) announced the appointment of World Design Capital™ (WDC) 2012 had been conferred to the City of Helsinki (Finland). Announced during the closing ceremony of the Icsid World Design Congress in Singapore, Helsinki will move on to be the third city to hold the biennial designation in 2012.

For the City of Helsinki, design has for decades been a pivotal enabler to building 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. Helsinki Design 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.


World Design Capital® (WDC) Helsinki 2012 is one of the world's largest ever expeditions into design. With it's year-long programme that consists of 300 events, projects, and initiatives Helsinki will examine the ways in which design is embedded in everyday life. During 2012 Helsinki will offer a unique programme exploring the benefits and value of design, and showcasing the various ways it can improve all our lives. [read more]

News Updates

12 December 2011
Open Helsinki – World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 gears up for New Year's Eve Celebration and 366 days of design

16 June 2011
Monocle selects Helsinki as most liveable city in the world

30 March 2011
World Design Capital Helsinki joins Index Partner City programme

11 February 2011
Corporations eager to join World Design Capital Helsinki 2012

29 November 2010
World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 announces first corporate partners

29 October 2010
Come and build the World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 Year!

27 September 2010
World Design Capital Leaders Meet in Helsinki

16 June 2010
Thousands of ideas collected during WDC Helsinki 2012 Ideas Forum

21 May 2010
World Design Capital Helsinki 2010 starts with an Ideas Forum on 22 May

25 November 2009
Helsinki Named World Design Capital for 2012

24 November 2009
City of Helsinki appointed World Design Capital 2012

19 July 2009
World Design Capital 2012 Shortlisted Cities Announced

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For more information, please contact:

World Design Capital Helsinki 2012
Pekka Timonen
Director
t: +358 9 310 37000
m: +358 50 337 4386
e:
w: www.wdc2012helsinki.fi/en

Maarit Kivistö
Senior Communications Officer
t: +358 40 766 9957
e:
w: www.wdc2012helsinki.fi/en

International Council of Societies of Industrial Design
Ms. Claudia Sighomnou
WDC Programme Coordinator
t: + 1 514 448 4949 ext. 228
e:

About World Design Capital (WDC)

While there are many awards that recognise individual accomplishments in design, the World Design Capital™ (WDC) designation is unique as it aims to focus on the broader essence of design’s impact on urban spaces, economies and citizens. The designation provides a distinctive opportunity for cities to feature their accomplishments in attracting and promoting innovative design, as well as highlight their successes in urban revitalisation strategies. WDC designated cities include Torino, Italy (2008); Seoul, South Korea, 2010 and Helsinki, Finland (2012).

The World Design Capital is an initiative of the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid). Founded in 1957, Icsid is an international not-for-profit organisation committed to the advancement of industrial design.
www.worlddesigncapital.com

About the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid)

The International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) is a non-profit organisation that protects and promotes the interests of the profession of industrial design. Founded in 1957, Icsid serves as a unified voice of over 50 nations through which members can express their views and be heard on an international platform. Since its inception, Icsid has continued to develop its wide-reaching network of students and professionals devoted to the recognition, success and growth of the industrial design community. Together, professional associations, promotional societies, educational institutions, government bodies and corporations create a comprehensive and diverse system on the forefront of industrial design education and progress.
www.icsid.org