The International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) has revealed the shortlist for the World Design Capital 2018.
Evaluated by the WDC Selection Committee, Curitiba (Brazil) and Mexico City (Mexico) have distinguished themselves by illustrating the ways in which their citizens have benefitted and will continue to benefit from their city's achievements in using design for city development.
"The WDC designation showcases design's inextricable role in the solutions economy," commented Icsid President-elect and member of the WDC Selection Committee, Mugendi M'Rithaa. "Both Curitiba and Mexico City have demonstrated innovative, design-led city development plans to address urban challenges and create a better world for their citizens."
Curitiba aims to build on its legacy in design and urban planning, developing multidisciplinary and innovative projects that continue to effect positive change. "For 50 years, Curitiba has been leading distinct projects in areas of urban planning, mobility, and design, as well as environmental preservation, sustainability, and quality of life," said Gustavo Fruet, Mayor of Curitiba. "It is time for Curitiba to consolidate itself as a design pole, connecting the various segments related to design in order to reward innovative projects, which improve the quality of the urban environment and people's lives."
For Mexico City, becoming World Design Capital 2018 would help to build 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 and Cape Town (South Africa) in 2014. Taipei will be World Design Capital 2016.