Excerpt from the press release:
“16 October 2014
Montreal (Canada) – On 16 October 2014, the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) announced the launch of the World Design Capital® (WDC) application cycle for the 2018 designation, which will mark the sixth cycle for this global initiative. Icsid invites design effective cities from around the globe to submit bids that showcase the impact of design in their city and demonstrate examples of design as a development tool.
The WDC initiative is one of Icsid’s international programmes established to support the organisation’s vision to create a better world through design. Previous WDC designated cities have leveraged this platform for city promotion, to nurture economic activity and encourage peer-learning experiences. The initiative also provides unique opportunities for municipal leaders to apply effective design methodologies into city administration. “In times of financial constraints, cities are interested in delivering value to its citizens in more cost efficient and innovative ways,” stated Icsid President Dr. Brandon Gien. “The WDC designation provides the opportunity for cities to fast-track the implementation of design-led objectives to improve quality of life for citizens.””