24/06/2011 00:00:00
Dublin will be a very inspiring conference destination for delegates to experience if its bid for World Design Capital 2014 wins. The city is one of three worldwide to be shortlisted by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design for this prestigious accolade.
The Dublin bid, ‘Pivot Dublin, Turn Design Inside Out’ is a collaboration between the four Dublin local authorities. It includes proposals to improve quality of life in cities, using Dublin as a testbed, under four themes - ‘Connecting Cities’; ‘Making Cities Flow’; ‘Making Cities Lighter’ and ‘Making Cities Smile’. Work on developing and implementing these proposals, described in the bid as ‘seed projects’, will begin immediately.
John Tierney, Dublin City Manager, explains “cities that value and apply design in the way they think, plan and act are more humane, attractive and competitive cities and that is how we want to position Dublin”.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Gerry Breen said the bid celebrates ambiguity, diversity and difference. “We look forward to sharing that experience with the world – come what may – now, in 2014 and beyond.”
The bid, according to Ali Grehan, Dublin City Architect identifies an opportunity where Dublin can be a test bed for new ideas which address local need, yet have global relevance.
IDA Ireland CEO, Barry O’Leary added: “To be shortlisted for this prestigious award is wonderful recognition of Dublin’s position as a leading global centre for innovation, talent, design and creativity.”
Dublin is up against Bilbao and Cape Town and the winner will be announced this autumn. Details of the Dublin bid can be seen on www.pivotdublin.com.
Pictured: The Spire on Dublin's O'Connell Street.