Dublin is one of three (the others are Bilbao and Cape Town) to have been shortlisted out of 56 cities competing for the designation of World Design Capital in 2014. The bid has been organised by Pivot Dublin, led by Ali Grehan the City Architect and a highly committed team of designers. Barry Sheehan, lecturer in Interior Design at DIT is also a key member of the team.

John O'Connor, Head of the School of Art, Design & Printing commented:

"The short-listing of Dublin for designation as World Design Capital 2014 provides an unprecedented opportunity for the design sector to demonstrate the power of design to lead change and foster economic redevelopment. It showcases the importance of design nationally and firmly catapults us into global visibility. Design programs in DIT range from Product and Furniture Design, to Architecture, Spatial Planning, Interior Design, Visual Communications, Digital Media, Film and Television. All of our programs together with the lecturers and students from apprentice to PhD levels will get a boost from the short listing. DIT takes an active interest in Design Organisations both in Ireland and Internationally. DIT are enthusiastic members of Icsid and are looking forward to running the Icsid World Industrial Design Day with Pivot Dublin for the second consecutive year. Congratulations to the team at Pivot Dublin for believing in this project and for the tremendous bid submission, as well as our counterparts in Bilbao and Cape Town with whom we look forward to developing International links."