Cape Town as World Design Capital

Expert Info

Posted by

on 6 Dec 2011

With Cape Town being the World Design Capital 2014, I wanted to do a tour of the sights, sounds and specifically areas where design and people centered solutions have changed real life problems for real people.

Can you suggest a good place to start?

Anonymous (not verified) on 7 Dec 2011 - 06:44

While I might be biased, I would say a great place to start a tour of Cape Town if you're interested in the city as a World Design Capital, would be the fringe. This is an area of the centre that was formerly downtrodden and derelict. It was home to a number of abandoned buildings, beggar fights and the police station, ironically enough. These days though, it's been transformed, and is now the seat of innovation in the city centre. You can pop into the Cape Craft Institute to see how crafts projects in impoverished areas have given the people some basic income, you can enjoy the newly created craft market on Saturdays, or you can pop into any one of the uber-hip eateries (Field Office or Charley's Bakery) to see how an entrepreneurial spirit and an appreciation for creativity have laid the groundwork for some fantastic small businesses.

Anonymous (not verified) on 28 Sep 2012 - 12:37

Hi Jenny

Check out www.creativecapetown.net for more info, events and updates on the fringe district in Cape Town.

Also, if you're around then, the annual Design Indaba in March (http://www.designindaba.com/) is an absolute must if you're at all interested in design in Cape Town - it's a big expo with lots of exhibitions by just the sort of initiative you'd be interested in and is lots of fun. You will make some great contacts and find some excellent buys as well.

Woodstock is another up-and-coming area in Cape Town (once a run-down industrial area but now being gentrified) if you're interested in urban art movements and design. The area has some fantastic graffiti although you should be careful of walking around on your own.

Read through See and Do in Cape Town for more ideas :)

Expat Health Insurance

Offer Extended! Save 10% For Life on Cigna Global Health Insurance

Offer extended until 31st December! Moving your family abroad is an exciting time, but for peace of mind, ensure you get health insurance. Insure with Cigna Healthcare before December 31st, 2025, and benefit from 10% off for the lifetime of your policy. Cigna Global Health Insurance gives you access to the best health professionals and includes a Multilingual Customer Care team you can call 24/7. Your discount lasts as long as your policy does!

Get a Free Quote Now

Moving Internationally?

International Movers. Get Quotes. Compare Prices.

Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.

Get your free no-obligation quotes from select removal companies now!