The Design Network covered the globe in a penetrating showcase of Capetonian and South African design in a global, urban context at the latest Design Network gathering hosted by Freeworld Coatings.
The Intelligent and penetrating analyses from professionals in the design field included Zahira Asmal (Designing South Africa); Mariette Du Toit-Helmbold (Cape Town Tourism) and Mugendi M’Rithaa (Cape Peninsula University of Technology).
Zahira, founder of Designing South Africa spoke about highlighting the new urbanism emerging from the World Cup. The shift in the world’s focus from the savannah to the city streets, she proffered, offers an excellent chance to showcase the South Africa we know and the South Africa we’re going to become. Designing South Africa has been busy in the last year compiling a comprehensive compendium of sports facilities, hotels, and other FIFA World Cup 2010 related developments. It has hosted leaders from influential global media including Wallpaper Magazine, Design Week (UK), Access (Japan) and The Financial Times (USA). The project continues to unfold and expand, encompassing panel discussions with local thinkers and experts on the topic, a multimedia website, a book and publicity for the topic valued at R13, 6 million.
Mariette Du Toit-Helmbold (CEO, Cape Town Tourism)explored the possibilities for brand Cape Town. In her professional opinion, the World Cup “forever inspired the world and changed perceptions” of South Africa. She emphasised the need for a powerful, singular message that encourages the world to continue to live, work, study and invest in Cape Town now that the media crews have gone home; in essence, a brand beyond the World Cup. Her thoughts on the story being a selling point, not a product hit home in a city with a thousand things on offer every day. She pointed out that placing design and creativity in the mix is essential in finding ‘brand Cape Town’. If Cape Town is seen as a great place to live, it will be easier to sell it as a great place to visit, and a focus on integration and holism is essential in developing and communicating this.
Mugendi M’Rithaa is an industrial designer, educator, researcher and senior lecturer at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). He gave a succinct yet informative overview of the World Design Captial Bid (2014)which is now open for entry. World Design Capital recognises and rewards design as an effective tool for attracting investment and engagement in urban spaces. Cities that succeed in using design to create a more sustainable social, cultural and economic environment are awarded recognition from International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID). With urban spaces housing more than half the world’s population, and much of it migrant, the benefits to the award’s contribution to a city and country’s brand are far reaching. Previous winner Seoul (Korea) , known for top consumer brands LG Electronics Inc., Samsung, Hyundai and Daewoo, is now also recognised for its IT infrastructure, green elements and design capabilities. Helsinki (2012 winner) now has a chance to expose its well-knit and integrated institutions to a global audience. Cape Town is in the running for the award, and wants to know about your projects that could help us win the award.
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