Aalto University involved in Cape Town, the World Design Capital 2014
24.02.2014
The University takes the WDC Helsinki 2012 legacy further by taking projects and an exhibition to Cape Town.
– Universities have an important role in capacity building and knowledge sharing. Aalto University wants to help students build their know-how and test their skills in interactive, real-life learning environments, with design and design thinking serving as tools. This is also what our World Design Capital Cape Town projects strive for, says Tuula Teeri, President of Aalto University.
Aalto University, together with the Cape Peninsula University (CPUT) have curated an exhibition based on the Masters of Aalto 2013 themes: Me and We, Wellsphere, Old and New – Fast and Slow, Urban Age, New Rules.
The Shaping a Shared World exhibition showcases works from both universities, demonstrating pragmatic strategies for creating positive change. The exhibition runs from 25 February to 15 March, at the District 6 Homecoming Centre.
Aalto University, together with CPUT, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Finland, World Design Capital Helsinki and World Design Capital Cape Town will hold a joint opening event on 24 February to present their respective exhibitions including Shaping a Shared World. Aalto University will present its Living+ programme to the Capetonian community during the opening event of the exhibition. The programme aims to design better living environments.
The Aalto University presents also two projects in Cape Town.
The TalkootTAXI - Social Impact on Wheels project aims to develop citizen-driven solutions to everyday problems in the parts of Cape Town where people have limited means. A bus will serve as a travelling design touch point for citizens. The second project, Aidbrella is a volunteer project and an online platform, which aims to connect and empower non-governmental organizations.
World Design Capital Cape Town 2014 year brings happenings also to Helsinki. A series of design workshops will be held between 12 and 27 March as a joint educational project organised by the Department of Media at Aalto University, the Department of Informatics and Design at the Cape Peninsula University and various local community partners from Cape Town.
Further information:
Communications Manager Anne Tapanainen
anne.tapanainen [at] aalto [dot] fi
World Design Capital Cape Town 2014 (wdccapetown2014.com)