SA on international design stage

Designers and profession leaders from all over the world converged in Copenhagen from 25 September to 1 October to participate in ERA05: the joint World Design Congress of the International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda), the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) and the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI).

This ambitious multi-disciplinary design event was organised by 16 Nordic design organisations and endorsed by HRH Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark who presided at the opening ceremony.

ERA05 attracted more than 600 delegates from 46 countries and aimed to address the changing role and challenges that face the design profession and the role that it plays in the world. Among the 100 invited speakers were five South Africans: Esmé Kruger (Design Institute South Africa, SABS), Jacques Lange (Bluprint Design), Gcina Mhlophe (author and storyteller), Bart Verveckken (Cape Peninsula University of Technology) and Adrienne Viljoen (Design Institute South Africa, SABS).

The elected boards for 2003-2005 are constituted as follows: Icograda ten members from nine countries; Icsid 11 members from 11 countries; and IFI nine members from nine countries. Icsid and Icograda constitute the IDA and its executive committee consist of eight members which includes two South Africans.

The achievements of South African individuals reflect the constructive role that the country's design industry plays in the management of the international design industry.

For more information visit: www.icograda.org, www.icsid.org and www.ifiworld.org.