CITY OF HELSINKI APPOINTED WORLD DESIGN CAPITAL 2012

2009-11-27

Singapore, 25 November 2009 –

announced today, that the appointment of World Design Capital™ (WDC) 2012 has been conferredto 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.

Appointed to cities based on their accomplishments and commitment to design as an effective tool for social, cultural and economic development, the WDC designation is an ambitious project initiated and managed by Icsid to promote the impact of design on quality of life. Since its inception in 2004, the project has developed into a tangible venture and is being recognised internationally for its ability to howcase the merits of design-led initiatives within various municipalities. Icsid President Prof. Carlos Hinrichsen stated “The WDC designation impresses upon cities, the importance of design as a primary developmental tool. As the world seeks to understand the changing fabric of urban environments, the initiative is uniquely positioned to reflect on the many equations that collectively impact the quality of urban 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.”

The International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) For the City of Helsinki, design has for decades been a pivotal enabler to building an open city. The concept of needs of its inhabitants. Helsinki Design is also part of world design 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.

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Dilki de Silva, Icsid Secretary General, +1-514-448-4949 ext. 227 ddesilva@icsid.org

Ms. Andrea Springer, Icsid Communications Manager, +1-514-448-4949 ext. 232 aspringer@icsid.org

Pekka Timonen, Cultural Director, City of Helsinki, Chairman of the WDC 2012 Helsinki Project Team, +358 50 337 4386, +358 9 310 37001 pekka.timonen@hel.fi

Eero Waronen, Chief Communications Officer, City of Helsinki +358 50 547 73734 eero.waronen@hel.fi

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