WDC 2012 sparks interest from over 40 cities

Interest from a total of 46 cities in 27 countries was reported at the close of the World Design Capital™ (WDC) 2012 application process on 31 March 2009. In recognition of their focus on design as a driving force for economic, social and cultural development, WDC 2012 will be the third designation awarded to a city since the project's launch in 2006.
[Image: WDC 2012 banner image]

Interest in the designation has more than doubled since the application period for WDC 2010, which generated interest from 20 cities in 2007.

The WDC designation offers cities an opportunity to be recognised for their commitment to integrate design into the city's strategic development and provides a platform to demonstrate the merits of design as a sustainable factor to improving quality of life for its citizens.

"We have seen and heard of some great examples [...], where design has made outstanding contributions with regards to the reinvention of the city, [...]," commented Icsid President, Prof. Carlos Hinrichsen.

"We have shared these examples internationally in an attempt to demonstrate the substantial impact of design as a key constituent for urban revival and are currently undertaking initiatives to further develop the WDC project with the aim of identifying the tangible effects of the designation for future potential WDC designated cities."

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