Western Cape Library Services Take On The WDC 2014 Challenge

The Western Cape Library Services invited public librarians to showcase their exhibition savvy in its World Design Capital 2014 (WDC 2014) competition as part of the World Design Capital Cape Town 2014 project.

The aim of these exhibitions was twofold: To promote library stock as well as to promote career possibilities within the area of design. The career fields which were identified were: Architecture (April/May), Civil engineering (June/July) Urban planning (Aug/Sept); Graphic design (Sept/Oct) and Landscape design (Nov/Dec).

Brackenfell Public Library was declared the winner in the Architecture theme with Slangrivier Library Depot walking away with the runner-up title. Brackenfell Public Library focused on the more practical side of architecture by bringing the books to life, showcasing the career “from plan to perfection” as well as giving library goers glimpses into the life of an architect. 

For the theme “Civil Engineering” it was Robertson Public Library who walked away with the spoils. Robertson chose bridges as their main focus for their civil engineering display since bridges connect things as well as people – something the library strives to do on a daily basis. Franschhoek Public Library was chosen as the runner-up.

WDC 2014 is an initiative of the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design, an international NGO that aims to protect the profession of industrial design.  Its vision is to promote and encourage the use of design to further the social, economic, and cultural development of the world’s cities.

This year, Cape Town has been identified as the World Design Capital for the developing world with the theme, Live, design and transform life. By making these opportunities available to our public libraries, the community can get involved and expand their knowledge pertaining to a potential career path. Let us celebrate our unique design in the Cape and encourage new ideas to support local artists BETTER TOGETHER.