World Design Library: First International Public Design Library to Open in Turin
In 2024, Turin will unveil the World Design Library (WDL), marking the inaugural international public library focused on design and environmental sustainability studies. This initiative, backed by the City of Turin, the World Design Organization (WDO), and the Polytechnic University of Turin, will be situated in the renovated Central Civic Library at Palazzo delle Esposizioni. Additionally, a digital platform will be established to provide worldwide access to design heritage. Turin was selected due to its distinction as the first World Design Capital in 2008 and its recognition as a UNESCO Creative City for Design in 2014. The WDL aims to archive and preserve diverse design materials, emphasizing car design, mobility, and sustainability, beginning with the Fondazione Aurelio Peccei collection.
Key facts
- World Design Library (WDL) is the first international public library dedicated to design and sustainability research.
- WDL will open in Turin in 2024.
- Promoted by City of Turin, World Design Organization (WDO), and Polytechnic University of Turin.
- Located at Palazzo delle Esposizioni, which includes a hall designed by Pier Luigi Nervi.
- A digital platform will complement the physical library.
- Turin was the first World Design Capital (2008) and a UNESCO Creative City for Design (2014).
- WDL will preserve and catalog design materials from civic and Polytechnic archives, companies, and professionals.
- Focus areas include car design, mobility, and environmental sustainability.
- International network includes Seoul, Helsinki, Cape Town, Taipei, Mexico City, and Lille.
- Sustainability archives will start with the Fondazione Aurelio Peccei collection.
Entities
Artists
- Pier Luigi Nervi
- Aurelio Peccei
Institutions
- World Design Library (WDL)
- City of Turin
- World Design Organization (WDO)
- Polytechnic University of Turin
- Central Civic Library
- Palazzo delle Esposizioni
- UNESCO
- Fondazione Aurelio Peccei
- Turin Civic Libraries
Locations
- Turin
- Italy
- Seoul
- Helsinki
- Cape Town
- Taipei
- Mexico City
- Lille