“Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future.” – Robert L. Peters
Live Design. Transform Life. That’s the theme for this year’s World Design Capital. Cape Town is not only the 2014 host city, but also the first city to completely change the meaning of what being a Design Capital means. At least that’s what we believe.
The World Design Capital is a project that celebrates the merits of design in its chosen city. Held biennially, it seeks to highlight the accomplishments that are truly leveraging design as a tool to improve the social, cultural and economic life of cities.
Whether or not you’re a design maven, culture cravin’ or fashion laden, there is no denying the opportunities 2014 can offer any one of the many design enthusiasts roaming the streets of the colourful Mother City.
The South African Tourism Board, which played a major role in the bid for the World Design Capital title, said that this year will not be about the competition between high art and low art, like the age-old ‘New Yorkian’ debate of “Upper East side” or “Lower West Side”. Instead the focus is on how design can change and improve the lives of our community. It aims to show the world how much our design community has developed over the last decade.
Get With The Programme
This is set to be an exciting year for the Mother City, with a host of design-focused activities and projects emerging. For tourists and locals alike, this is a time to get out and about and experience being at the focal centre of the international design industry. For the full list of events, from design-thinking boot camps to trans-media dance operas, take a look at the World Design Capital 2014 Programme Calender.
If you’re heading to Cape Town during this time make the most of your stay and visit the other great destinations in Southern and East Africa. Find out when the best times to visit Africa are in our calender.
This year’s programme will include four themes, to shape the events and activities (held at the Clock Tower at the V&A Waterfront – 28 February 2013)
- “African Innovation. Global Conversation” – This focuses on African ideas that can communicate across borders and aid in globally transforming universal design.
- “Bridging The Divide” – This looks at design that reconnects our city and reconciles our communities.
- “Today For Tomorrow” – Sustainable solutions for people and planet. This focuses on re-purposed goods used in design – a huge trend in South African furniture, interior and lighting design over the past few years.
- “Beautiful Spaces. Beautiful Things” – A look at what Cape Town has to offer in terms of architecture, fashion, art, interiors and food.
Why Cape Town?
It wasn’t a surprise that Cape Town was chosen as the representative city for this year’s Design Capital. One simply has to look at what Cape Town has offered in terms of design over the past few years. The cosmopolitan city recently hosted the first World Cup on African soil and boasts first class infrastructure, a vast treasure trove of history and tradition, the highest standard of living of all South African cities. And on top of that Cape Town was recently touted by The New York Times as the number one place to go for 2014.
Cape Town’s Design Indaba is a perfect example of the creative talent brewing here. Held annually, the event showcases all forms of innovative design created within the various sectors of this multicultural city, from cutting edge green design to motor vehicle manufacturing.
Another example is Cape Town’s ever-growing fashion industry. Cape Town Fashion Week has been held to one of the highest standards in the world, and year after year garners great attention, with designers exhibiting their rare South African flare for design. With Helsinki, 2012’s World Design Capital, being crowned one of the newest fashion capitals of the world, having the design capital throne handed over by them is a great step in the right direction in terms of where the fashion industry is heading for Cape Town.
‘Design Thinking’
The rise of the term “design thinking” has encouraged people worldwide to change the way they approach things, not only problems but all aspects of life. Design has the power to change lives, to uplift, to challenge the status quo. Good design makes us feel good about ourselves, but it can also go further. Clever and sustainable design can affect the future, can make the world a better place. The possibilities are limitless once we step out of the box.
David Ryan, Rhino Africa CEO, says, “That’s what makes Rhino Africa different. We strive to pioneer and innovate, to challenge traditional models.”
Now go and find some inspiration, grab something creative and sashay away.
Contact one of our travel experts for more about the ins and outs of travel to Cape Town and to book your tailor-made trip to the Mother City and beyond.
the place to go an come back!
The only place to be. No matter where you’ve been, it’s always a home coming. Breathtakingly beautiful and as welcoming as your fondest memory of a childhood keepsake.
Cape Town is wonderful !!!!! love
What’s to come in 2014 by Travel + Leisure – “Culture seekers will be drawn to Cape Town, which has more than 450 events in the works as part of its World Design Capital designation in 2014, along with hip boutiques and forward-thinking restaurants. StumbleUpon revealed that Cape Town is one of the top 10 destinations generating interest among its community of 30 million users.”