For its crucial role in the fields of design, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship, the city of Turin has been officially named the World Capital of Design 2008 by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design.
The nomination rewards areas that have proven their ability to steadfastly depend on design, planning, research and innovation as factors for economic, social and cultural development and success. A city in transformation, Turin has continuously made use of design to foster new equilibriums for a more sustainable and collective future.
For the next year, the city of Turin will host a far-reaching calendar of events, subdivided in four key phases or ‘four different ways to view design’: public design, economy and design, education and design, and design policies. Each individual phase will feature a plethora of exhibits, conferences, trade fairs, competitions and school projects. In an effort to provide ample inspiration for design buffs from around the globe, organizers hope to facilitate dialogue between citizens and city, business and the economy, students and design. Added focus will also be placed on design policy and environmentally sustainable solutions.
Most importantly, for the next year, Turin is the place where design will be considered a tool that can effect social change and improve lives.
For a full calendar of events see www.torinoworlddesigncapital.it
