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2011 IDA Congress explores the intersection of design and issues of global relevance

16.02.2011 News

Keynote speakers announced for Urbanism and the Internet plenary sessions

MontrÃ©al (Canada) - A maverick among Taiwanese businessmen, and the man responsible for the development of urban strategies to transform East London during and after the 2012 Olympics, will be two of the five keynote speakers at the inaugural International Design Alliance (IDA) Congress in Taipei from 24-26 October 2011. Barry Lam, Chairman & CEO of Quanta Computer Inc., and Peter Bishop, Deputy Chief Executive of the London Development Agency, will set the stage for the Internet and Urbanism sessions of the Congress when more than 3000 delegates gather at the Taipei International Convention Center.

The IDA Congress will bridge design disciplines with fields having a stake in design, including science, technology, government and technology, promoting the value of design-based collaborations.

The Internet - the 3C's - cloud computing, connectivity and client devices

Cloud computing is a driving force for the global digital economy, where scalable and virtualised resources are provided as a service over the Internet. For the new generation of "digital natives", the Internet is entirely natural and always instantly available, anywhere, anytime, on any device.

At the 2011 IDA Congress, Barry Lam will address the challenge of making technology work for culture and humanity, instead of the other way around, finishing the unfinished revolution.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Mr. Lam (Taiwan, Chinese Taipei) moved to Taiwan to attend university. In 2002, he was highlighted on Business Week's Top 25 Managers for making Quanta the number one notebook maker in the world. In 2005, Quanta and MIT announced "TParty", a five-year, $20M joint research collaboration project aimed at developing the next generation of platforms for computing and communication beyond personal computers.

Urbanism - shaping cities through urban design strategies

It is only by the thoughtful weaving together of strategies for transportation, climate change, housing and public space that we can create cites that will be economically successful, beautiful and socially cohesive. Urbanism can bring together all of the design disciplines to create cities that are designed at human scale around the needs of the citizen.

Over the past 20 years, Peter Bishop (United Kingdom) has been a Planning Director in four different Central London Boroughs and has worked on major projects including Canary Wharf and the Kings Cross developments, one of the largest and most complex sites in London. He was appointed as the first Director of Design for London in 2006 and in 2008 as Deputy Chief Executive of the London Development Agency, responsible for design, land development and its environmental, housing and public space programmes.

During his keynote session, Peter Bishop will explore examples where cities across the world are beginning to creatively tackle development issues and define an approach to urbanism that could set the conditions for successful urban growth in the challenging 21st century.

"The programme developed by the IDA Partners and host organiser, the Taiwan Design Center, highlights the relevance and importance of design within all aspects of business," stated Dr. Mark Breitenberg, Icsid President and Chair of the Programme Committee.

"These keynote sessions will illustrate how the integration of design within all facets of society has the potential to improve quality of life throughout the world." continued Breitenberg.

An innovative format

The IDA Congress will be a unique gathering of thought leadership exploring the intersection between design and five key sectors of global relevance: economic development, the Internet, biotechnology, urbanism and international migration. Five keynote addresses by invited international experts will introduce leading-edge thinking on the topic areas over the course of three mornings. Each address will be responded to by a panel of designers representing the disciplines of industrial, communications and interior architecture/design to promote the value of design and explore design-led approaches as an enabler of innovation.?

The Congress theme - Design at the Edges - will highlight the edges between design practice and other fields having a stake in design; the blurring of the boundaries between the design disciplines, as well as their unique attributes; and Â‘cutting edge' work and ideas - thinking that pushes the boundaries of all disciplines.

Exceptional savings for a limited time

A 60% discounted rate of TWD $8600 TWD (approx. USD $295 / EUR Â€220) is offered until 31 March 2011. Limited tickets are available on a first come, first served basis for students at TWD $6500 (approx. USD $225/ EUR Â€165). Early bird registration includes a three day Congress Pass, lunch, Congress kit and admission to the Welcome Party, Culture Night and Taipei Night social events. Detailed information on registration, including preferred hotel rates and travel partners, is available online.

Visit the Congress website for further details: www.2011idacongress.com

For more information, please contact:

International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid)
Mr. Rafael Mayor-Mora
Communications Manager
T: +1 514 448 4949 x 223
E: rmayor@icsid.org

International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda)
Mr. Fareed Ramezani
Project Manager - Event Production,
T: +1 514 448 4949 x 222
E: framezani@icograda.org

International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI)
Ms. Deirdre Gould
Secretary General
T: +1 514 286 0122
E: secretary@ifiworld.org

About the IDA Congress

The IDA Congress is the primary event for dialogue between designers and non-design stakeholders in a summit format. The 2011 IDA Congress marks the alliance's inaugural event since its establishment in 2005. Taipei was selected as the host city after an international competitive bid process. www.2011idacongress.com

About the International Design Alliance (IDA)

Established in 2005, by founding partners Icsid and Icograda, the International Design Alliance (IDA) is a strategic venture between the international organisations representing design. The IDA serves as the collective voice for all disciplines, advocating the mutual interest of all design professions. In 2008, the IDA welcomed IFI to the alliance as the third partner.

About the IDA Partners

Icsid - The International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) is a non-profit organisation that protects and promotes the interests of the profession of industrial design. Founded in 1957, Icsid serves as a unified voice of over 50 nations through which members can express their views and be heard on an international platform. Since its inception, Icsid has continued to develop its wide-reaching network of students and professionals devoted to the recognition, success and growth of the industrial design community. Together, professional associations, promotional societies, educational institutions, government bodies and corporations create a comprehensive and diverse system on the forefront of industrial design education and progress. www.icsid.org

Icograda - The International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda) is the world body for professional communication design. Founded in 1963, it is a voluntary assembly of organisations concerned with graphic design, visual communication, design management, promotion, education, research and journalism. Icograda promotes communication designers' vital role in society and commerce and unifies the voices of graphic designers and visual communicators worldwide. The vision, mission and core values of the Council are collectively embodied in the statement Â‘leading creatively' and manifested through our Members' diverse activities to use design as a medium for progressive change.

IFI - The International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI) is the global voice and authority for professional interior architects/designers. As the sole international federating body for interior architecture/design organisations, IFI acts as a global forum for the exchange and development of knowledge and experience, in worldwide education, research and practice. IFI works to connect the international community of interior architecture/design in order to further the impact, influence and application of the design of interiors, promote global social responsibility, and raise the status of the profession worldwide. Founded in 1963 as a not-for-profit, limited liability Company to expand the international network of professional interior architects/ designers, IFI now includes member associations, institutions and schools in every continent, collectively representing practising interior architects/ designers worldwide. www.ifiworld.org