In 2008, Turin (Italy) became the first World Design Capital®. A metropolis with a long history of manufacturing in the transport sector (automotive, aerospace, nautical), electronics and electrotechnology and new technologies, Turin already had a natural link with Design. Its designation as World Design Capital gave it the opportunity to position itself as a leading design city.
AMBITITION
Throughout 2008, Turin was keen to emphasise the importance of design as a tool to meet urban challenges. It was therefore able to attract new investment, bring increased visibility to the city and create a model of public-private urban networking, involving the public authorities, businesses, designers, opinion leaders, schools and the local community.
SYMBOLIC WDC 2008 PROJECTS
During Turin 2008, World Design Capital, over 340 initiatives were organised, specifically exhibitions, conferences, workshops, design activities, seminars and trade fairs. These projects included:
INTERNATIONAL DESIGN CASA – Ten exhibitions from fifteen countries were presented across the city, in famous and less well known spots. These exhibitions gave a unique perspective on design culture and how it is expressed in other parts of the world.
GEODESIGN – The Turin geodesign project allowed businesses, designers and local, national and international citizens to share and offer solutions to urban challenges in 43 communities. A “Geodesign” exhibition was then opened to the public to share the results.
WDC POLICY CONFERENCE 2008
This international conference, held on the theme of “Shaping the Global Design Agenda”, contributed to a more in-depth understanding of design as an essential component of national strategy, to stimulate the development of economic and social projects and cultural growth.