Cape Town (South Africa) – Cape Town Design NPC, the implementation company of World Design Capital Cape Town 2014, launched the four themes that will shape and focus a year-long programme of design-focused events and activities at the historic Clock Tower at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront on 28 February 2013.

The event was attended by board members of Cape Town Design NPC, dignitaries from the City of Cape Town, key strategic partners and the broader design community.

In a bold move to signal the advent of the implementation phase of World Design Capital Cape Town 2014, this historic landmark usual eye-catching red colour was painted yellow (the primary branding colour for WDC 2014 that was also prominently used in the bid process as part of supporter branding).

Cape Town Design NPC CEO, Alayne Reesberg, introduced the themes before asking some of the guests to help her to finish the painting of the building, which was completed in 1882 as the first Port Captain’s office. In her address, she emphasised that the under the overarching theme of “Live Design. Transform Life”, four themes were developed to bring clarity and simplicity to the process of submission and curation of proposals; “We will use the World Design Capital 2014 opportunity to identify, nurture and promote projects that offer tangible evidence of how design can improve lives, within our uniquely South African and African context. Our focus will be on projects that bridge historic divides, reconnect our city in structure and in spirit, rebuild social and economic inclusion, and reposition Cape Town for a sustainable future.”

The four themes are:

  1. African Innovation. Global Conversation: African ideas that speak to the world.
  2. Bridging The Divide: Design that reconnects our city and reconciles our communities.
  3. Today For Tomorrow: Sustainable solutions for people and planet.
  4. Beautiful Spaces. Beautiful Things: Inspiring architecture, interiors, food, fashion, jewellery, craft, art and creativity.

More information about themes will be available on the new official WDC 2014 website from midday on 28 February, www.wdccapetown2014.com.

Please note that the Executive Mayor of Cape Town, alderman Patricia de Lille, will officially open the call for submissions at the World Design Capital Cape Town 2014 Stand at the Design Indaba this afternoon. More information about the submission process will be made available thereafter.

For more information please contact:

Cape Town Design NPC
Implementation Company of World Design Capital Cape Town 2014
Ben-Carl Havemann
Communications Director
t: +27 (0)82 872 4208
e: bc@wdccapetown2014.com
w: www.wdccapetown2014.com
t: @wdc2014

About World Design Capital® (WDC)

While there are many awards that recognise 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 and Seoul (South Korea) in 2010. The City of Helsinki (Finland) is concluding its programme for 2012 under the theme of Open Helsinki: Embedding Design in Life, whilst preparations for Cape Town (South Africa) are underway for 2014. Bids for the 2016 designatio