Since my previous post about Cape Town being in the running for the host of the World Design Capital 2014, Cape Town has indeed been awarded this prestigious right on 26 October 2011, beating hopefuls Bilboa in Spain and Dublin in Ireland.
This basically means that there will now be a heightened awareness of how design impacts on our city and how we can encourage our creative citizens to partake in the initiatives. So if you’re walking around Cape Town, look around. REALLY LOOK AROUND. From the bridge built over Buitengracht Street as part of the fan walk down Waterkant street to the statues telling a story about a girl and a dragonfly (illustrating learning how to understand each other and walking alongside each other), from the strange rocking horses (also on Sea Point promenade) to the developing area around Harrington street in a rather neglected and forgotten part of town, etc. These are only some of the creative initiatives around our city, if you look around and explore the city, you will find more.
The focus of this period up until 2014 is to facilitate the impact of design on urban space, economies and our citizens. As more and more people globally move into cities, we have to prepare our cities to be resilient to this influx and to offer sustainable solutions to all its inhabitants.
2014 is also the 20 year anniversary of South African democracy which will present an opportunity to imagine the next 20 years as a period of further growth and inclusivity for our city.
To support one of the city’s design initiatives, we will be attending the Food & Film night at Freeworld Design Centre. Food & Film is a “delectable series of themed evenings where renowned foodies introduce their favourite food movie accompanied by a feast designed to fit the film by food artist Jacques Erasmus of Hemelhuijs”. We will be watching “Babette’s Feast” with food prepared by Clare Mack from Spill.co.za – I’m so excited about it! Such a creative yet simple idea!
As a further celebration of Cape Town and ultimately, South Africa, as an emerging nation of designers and creative explorers, the latest issue of Wallpaper magazine features South Africa as one of the world's ten leading style and design nations. Their fabulous November 2011 issue features eight pages of South Africa’s emerging fashion designers, latest architectural projects and its growing art scene. Apparently the ipad edition has some additional bits, can’t wait to see it.
So, discover Cape Town and its little idiosyncrasies, this is what give our city character and in my opinion, what keeps my fascination with her alive and well. Till next time!