The International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) has announced that the design-effective city of Mexico City, Mexico has been selected as the World Design Capital® for 2018.
Zócalo, 2016. Photo credit:
Storm Cunningham.
“The WDC designation showcases design’s inextricable role in the solutions economy,” said Icsid President-elect and member of the WDC Selection Committee, Mugendi M’Rithaa. “Mexico City has demonstrated innovative, design-led city development plans to address urban challenges and create a better world for their citizens.”
Mexico City officially joined the network of World Design Capital cities following a signing ceremony held at the Museum of the City of Mexico on March 8, 2016.
Dr. Miguel Ángel Mancera Espinosa, Mayor of Mexico City, and Prof. M’Rithaa addressed the 300-strong crowd, which included members of the Mexico City government and diplomatic corps, members of the media, as well as representatives of the local and international design community.
WDC Mexico City 2018’s signature colour was also unveiled during the ceremony. Already used as an identifying colour by the Mexico City government, Mexican Pink is a colour seen throughout traditional Mexican clothing and culture. This vivid and saturated tone, similar to magenta, represents well the dynamic and creative nature of the upcoming WDC city.
Being World Design Capital® 2018 will help already-thriving Mexico City revitalize further by build more bridges from Latin America to the world, promoting international exchanges on design and urban planning. “Mexico City is a flourishing ground for designers, since it is only through design that we can achieve real change,” said Emilio Cabrero of Design Week Mexico. “We envision… making design permeate across all aspects of our megalopolis to offer a wide perspective; as well as aesthetic and cultural exchanges, which determine the development and purpose of design… to make a better future.”
World Design Capital® is a biennial designation celebrating cities that use design to improve economic, social and cultural life. Previous designations include Torino (Italy) in 2008, Seoul (South Korea) in 2010, Helsinki (Finland) in 2012, Cape Town (South Africa) in 2014, and Taipei (Taiwan) in 2016.
While there are many awards that recognize individual accomplishments in design, the World Design Capital designation is unique as it aims to focus on the broader essence of design’s impact on urban spaces, economies and citizens. The designation provides a distinctive opportunity for cities to feature their accomplishments in attracting and promoting innovative design, as well as highlight their successes in urban revitalisation strategies. The World Design Capital is an initiative established and managed by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design. Past cities to hold the title include Torino (Italy) in 2008, Seoul (South Korea) in 2010, Helsinki (Finland) in 2012 and Cape Town (South Africa) in 2014. Preparations for Taipei (Taiwan, Chinese Taipei) are currently underway for 2016.
The International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) is a non-profit organisation that protects and promotes the interests of the profession of industrial design. Founded in 1957, Icsid serves as a unified voice of over 50 nations through which members can express their views and be heard on an international platform. Since its inception, Icsid has continued to develop its wide-reaching network of students and professionals devoted to the recognition, success and growth of the industrial design community. Together, professional associations, promotional societies, educational institutions, government bodies and corporations create a comprehensive and diverse system on the forefront of industrial design education and progress.
See World Design Capital – Mexico City website & photo credits.