Bilbao in Spain and Dublin in Ireland also made the shortlist in the biennial bid for the title of World Design Capital 2014, announced at the International Design Alliance Congress in Taipei this week.

WDC proprietors, the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid), considered a record 56 entries from 24 different countries, before making the final appointment. 

Cape Town is a growing city, where design has for decades been a significant factor in its desire to build an open city. The marriage of need and innovative design has resulted in unique solutions to address the issues of a developing city. Design in Cape Town is also reaching beyond city limits by aspiring to become the design hub for South Africa and for the African continent.

Judges said the promise of Cape Town’s approach to broaden the scope of the World Design Capital and shape the future of this initiative, were the deciding factors that ultimately led to the city’s appointment for 2014.

“The story of transformation is about sustainability, urban development and embracing a global community in light of its drive to improve its social and economic environment. We expect tangible benefits will be reaped to help reposition Cape Town on an international scale,” said Icsid President and Member of the selection committee Dr Mark Breitenberg.

The City of Cape Town will follow the examples of past World Design Capitals to develop an engaging programme for 2014. More on the World Design Capital here.