Helsinki to become the centre of the design world

Helsinki’s year as World Design Capital will start on New Year’s Eve, when the start of 2012 is celebrated at Senate Square with the Celebration of Helsinki 3D projection and the Resolution Bar, among other things. The year will introduce expert encounters, novel perspectives of usability and over 100 events.

The World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 comprises actually five cities, i.e., Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Kauniainen and Lahti. The term WDC emphasises the broader sense of design for the urban environment, economy and residents.

The WDC programme includes approximately 250 projects, some of which are already familiar from Turku. The 2012 programme is the most extensive design entity ever implemented in Finland, and one of the largest in the entire world.

Half of the WDC programme comprises various development projects, where different forms of design are used with great variety. During the year, the Design Capital will assemble design forces from all around the world here in Finland. Reciprocally, WDC Helsinki 2012 and Finnish design will be showcased in metropolises around the world.

Events targeted at city residents and tourists form approximately one third of the programme. Over 100 events and exhibitions will be offered.

Design plays an important role in developing the city

Helsinki’s WDC 2012 is not a year-long festival of events; the goal is to develop the city using design. Openness, among other things, was key in preparations for the year, and projects for the WDC programme were sought through open applications, in the manner used by the Capital of Culture year programme.

The city belongs to its residents. One of the most important goals of the World Design Capital is to provide means for city residents to become actively involved in developing their living environment. Another goal is to make room for design possibilities in promoting well-being and competitiveness as well as to consider the social role of design.

In addition to projects that develop the cityscape, attention will be paid to various publications and applications, service concepts, developing education and, for example, solutions for the home. New operating methods may come along in business life, health care, public transport, cafés or bicycle lanes.

Design runs the world we live in.