World Design Capital® (WDC), designated every two years by the World Design Organization™ (WDO), recognizes cities for their effective use of design to drive economic, social, cultural, and environmental development. Through a year-long programme of events, the designated city showcases best practices in sustainable design-led urban policy and innovation that improve quality of life. Previous WDCs include Torino (Italy) in 2008, followed by Seoul (South Korea) in 2010, Helsinki (Finland) in 2012, Cape Town (South Africa) in 2014, Taipei (Taiwan, Chinese Taipei) in 2016 and Mexico City (Mexico) in 2018. Lille Metropole (France) holds the title for 2020 and Valencia (Spain) has been awarded the designation for 2022. Thinking about WDC? Download our guide on becoming a WDC !

About WDC

Learn about the impact and legacy.

Become A WDC

Bid process for WDC 2024 is now closed

WDC Cycle

Learn more about the process of WDC.

Selection Committee

Learn about our seven appointed experts.

Partnerships

Learn how to become a partner of WDC

WDC Lille Metropole 2020

Highlights from the
WDC2020 programme

WDC Valencia 2022

Valencia promises a vibrant WDC 2022 cycle

Past WDC Cities

Read up on our past WDC cities since 2008.