Helsinki as World Design Capital 2012 grew larger than planned
26.03.2013
The World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 year grew larger than originally planned, states International Design Foundation, the managing body of WDC Helsinki 2012, in its final report. The design year exceeded expectations on media coverage both in Finland and internationally.
In addition to the final report an impact assessment of the results of World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 year has been completed. The study on the social impact of WDC Helsinki 2012 is made by Deloitte. The partnering design cities of Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Kauniainen and Lahti also made their report on actions during 2012.
The final report concludes that design became a topic of public discussion in Finland and Helsinki emerged as an increasingly appealing design city. WDC Helsinki 2012 activated citizens and supported the participating cities in creating new types of practices that include citizens.
Deloitte assesses that the design year gave birth to projects that have remarkable direct impact both on private and public sector. WDC Helsinki 2012 especially promoted projects focusing on design education, user-oriented services and comprehensive solutions utilizing methods inherent in design.
WDC Helsinki 2012 promoted design with 550 projects and 2,800 events. The programme was implemented by a network of 290 organisations in Finland and abroad. The year’s exhibitions, events and sites attracted 2.5 million visitors. About 90 percent of the events were open to the public and 80 percent were free of charge.
According to the final report, the media covered design extensively and from various angles. WDC Helsinki 2012 also roused criticism, which helped the organisation to achieve its goals.
The year strengthened the understanding of design in Finnish society, increased citizen interest in urban development and enhanced the international image of Finland as a design nation.
More information on the City of Helsinki website