WDC Helsinki 2012

WDC Helsinki 2012 -
Open Helsinki: Embedding Design in Life

The news came on 25 November 2009: Helsinki had been appointed the World Design Capital for 2012. From the start, our application had emphasised openness, continuity, collaboration and the social dimensions of design. These same themes remain the basis for all our activities.
WDC Helsinki 2012 -
What is the World Design Capital?

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.
WDC Helsinki 2012 -
The Organisation

The World Design Capital initiative promotes and supports the cultural, social and financial uses of design. The title is assigned every other year by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid).
WDC Helsinki 2012 -
Open Helsinki - Open City

Like every city in the world, Helsinki exists for its people. An enjoyable urban culture is the result of many factors, perhaps the most important of which is openness.The concept of Open Helsinki is literal – a city where information, ideas, thoughts and people can move freely without unnecessary creativity-hampering obstacles.
WDC Helsinki 2012 -
Global responsibility: the new role of design

Design can be old or new; large or small. Pretty or controversial. Visible or invisible. Design often also has a social or public dimension. For example public transport, municipal and private health care, political systems or schooling would not work without proper design.
WDC Helsinki 2012 -
Roots of the new growth

The term 'embedded design' is one of our points of departure. It means expanding the realm of design from products to various systems and public services such as healthcare. Embedded design also focuses on taking users' needs into account from the very initial phase of design.
WDC Helsinki 2012 -
Helsinki
Helsinki is one of the newest success stories among European metropolitan areas. It is also officially one of the world's best places to live – at least according to esteemed British lifestyle magazine Monocle, in whose June 2011 issue Helsinki was designated as the most liveable city in the world.
WDC Helsinki 2012 -
Espoo
Espoo is the second largest city in Finland and has a reputation for being a youthful and dynamic growth centre. Science, art and economics are combined with a safe and vibrant residential and business environment alongside the westward metro line that is currently under construction. Unspoiled nature and the Archipelago Sea are also close at hand.
WDC Helsinki 2012 -
Vantaa
One thing defines Vantaa more than anything else: the airport. The award-winning Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is one of Europe’s most important transit airports.
WDC Helsinki 2012 -
Lahti
Lahti, located on the shore of Lake Vesijärvi, is a major centre of industrial design. Design is an important competitive factor for the businesses in the region.
WDC Helsinki 2012 -
Kauniainen
The idyllic garden town of Kauniainen still abides by the same principles according to which it was established a century ago: a modern, people-oriented, functional and developing community, where interpersonal interaction forms a significant part of everyday life.