Building industry invited to get involved in WDC 2014

They have also been informed of the role the construction industry plays in using design as a tool for social, cultural and economic development.

In a presentation given by Professor Francis Petersen, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the University of Cape Town, he explained that Cape Town received its World Design Capital designation from the International Council for Societies of Industrial which bestows this honour on cities that use design as a social, cultural and economic development tool.

He said that the mission of WDC 2014 is to identify, nurture and promote projects that offer tangible evidence of how design can improve lives. Over 460 transformative design projects have been officially recognised, and form part of the WDC 2014 programme. Those related to the built environment, amongst others, include The Better Living Challenge, Salt River Village, Oude Molen Eco Village Design Project, Shaping Stellenbosch, Rex Trueform Office Park Refurbishment, Future Tyger, and Two Rivers Urban Park Regeneration.

Proactive response

"World Design Capital 2014 asks for all to assist in transforming the city socially, economically and culturally. Everyone in the built environment industry - from architecture and construction to landscaping and surveying - must respond proactively, leveraging knowledge, opening innovation, co-design and ICT in addressing the challenges of social and cultural cohesion as well as economic development," urged Petersen.

Rob Johnson, executive director of the Master Builders Association of the Western Cape, concluded the event. "To quote Alderman Patricia de Lille, 'When we broaden our horizon, we discover the tremendous energy and innovation of individuals, communities and firms using design every day to create solutions.' Today's presentation has cemented the idea that WDC 2014 is not simply an event but an invitation that will bring collaborators together in ways that create new conversations, new connections and new possibilities, that will last long after 2014."