Manmade climate change and the advancing concentration of wealth in the hands of a few are leading to worldwide migration movements. Democratic structures are becoming porous and current models of autocratic governance in the East and West are finding increasing support. In addition to the power and control the big tech companies have over societies, manipulation in media communication is on the rise.
This calls for processes, structures, and atmospheres that enable reconciliation and cooperative discussions as well as responsible actions and designs in the here and now. It calls for a redesign of imperatives in response to the needs in our immediate environment. For a design with sustainability, reusability and the protection of resources inscribed into its DNA that promotes reduction as a status symbol. A design for liberal democracy, and thus, empowerment, as well as the easing, enhancement, sustainment, and intensification of life.
“Design for Democracy: Atmospheres for a better life” is the title of Frankfurt RheinMain’s competition entry for the World Design Capital 2026. Historically the living, economic, and cultural space Frankfurt RheinMain has often been an exemplary region for comprehensive social changes. The project focuses on the collective courage for necessary action and the potential to shape a future worth living. It is about responsibility, optimism, and protagonists who are truly willing to conceive and develop new possibilities for democracy, for a democratic culture of freedom and a better life—a better life that benefits not only the current generation but also generations to come.
The sponsor of the application Frankfurt RheinMain World Design Capital 2026 is the City of Frankfurt am Main under the lead of the Department of Science and Culture in cooperation with the cities, districts and municipalities of the Frankfurt RheinMain region and the State of Hesse, supported by the Kulturfonds Frankfurt RheinMain and on the initiative of the Werkbundakademie Darmstadt e.V.
About World Design Capital
The World Design Organisation (WDO), based in Canada, has been awarding the title World Design Capital (WDC) every two years since 2008. The WDO awards cities for their effective use of design to promote cultural, economic, social and environmental development. Previous WDCs include Torino (Italy), Seoul (South Korea), Helsinki (Finland), Cape Town (South Africa), Taipei (Taiwan, Chinese Taipei), Mexico City (Mexico) and the metropolis of Lille (France). The city of Valencia (Spain) has been awarded the title for 2022. In 2024, a binational duo will hold the title for the first time: San Diego (US)/Tijuana (Mexico).
Management and coordination
Matthias Wagner K, director of the Museum Angewandte Kunst in Frankfurt am Main, is responsible for the management and coordination of the proposal. Daniela Kupetz is the project leader.
Contact
Frankfurt RheinMain
Application World Design Capital 2026
Project Office at Museum Angewandte Kunst
Schaumainkai 17, 60594 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Management / CEO: Matthias Wagner K
Project Management: Daniela Kupetz
T +49 (0)69 212 37991 / hello@designfrm.de
