Turin was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Design in 2014, and in 2008 it became the first World Design Capital. But why does it deserve this accolade, and what does it mean in practice? And what should visitors look out for when they visit the city?
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Why Is Turin A Creative City Of Design?
The recognition of Turin as a UNESCO Creative City of Design is rooted in its civic and industrial history and its dynamic vision for the future. Since the late 19th century, the city has been a major industrial centre, home to giants like Fiat and Pininfarina. This legacy of automotive and mechanical design embedded an ethos of creative thinking, and laid the groundwork for Turin to become a hub of innovation.
Today, Turin’s design identity is multifaceted. It encompasses urban planning, product innovation, and cultural programming, all contributing to the creative potential of the city. The UNESCO designation celebrates Turin’s ability to unify its industrial past with new directions in technology, education and art.
What Does It Mean In Practice?
Being part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network means that Turin actively promotes design as a tool for sustainable development, cultural diversity, and community well-being. This is evident in several key areas, including urban planning, industrial heritage, design-focused initiatives and global collaboration.
Events like Torino Design City, held each October, spotlight local and international creative talent, and explore the ways in which design shapes the city of the future. Turin also shares ideas with other cities in the network, fostering cross-cultural exchange and aesthetic solutions in urban planning.
Exploring The Built Environment
The principles of good design are embedded in Turin’s built environment, from Roman times to the present day. The ancient grid-like layout of the Quadrilatero Romano is still evident, but overlaid with the baroque grandeur of spaces like the Piazza San Carlo, and with 19th century icons like the Mole Antonelliana.
The same principles apply today. Walking around the city you will see examples of creatively crafted contemporary spaces and sustainable architecture such as the award-winning Porta Susa Station.
Turin’s Industrial Heritage
Turin’s identity as an industrial city continues into the 21st century. Modern redevelopment projects focus on the regeneration of urban spaces while preserving their historical significance. For instance, the Lingotto Building, a former Fiat factory now hosts shops, hotels and a rooftop test track, a symbol of urban renewal through innovation. Other regenerated sites include OGR, a train repair facility that is now a hub for art, music and technology, and Dora Park, a green space built on former industrial land.
The Lavazza Coffee Museum is a good example of the importance of the interaction between industry and design. The museum is devoted to the production and sale of Lavazza Coffee, but also showcases the coffee tins, labels, and advertising campaigns that contributed to the company’s success.
Street Art In Turin
Creativity also thrives informally, with public art evident throughout the city. The Museum of Urban Art of Turin (MAU), in the Borgo Campidoglio district, is an open air museum with more than 200 murals painted on the sides of buildings. And you’ll find lots of street art and a graffiti wall in the Borgo San Paolo area.
But you’re likely to spot colourful murals wherever you go. Have a look at the Arte per Strada website for more information.
Exploring Turin, Creative City Of Design
Turin invites you to witness how creativity can shape a city’s development, enrich its cultural heritage, and inspire its people. Here are a few suggestions for exploring the city’s design culture.
- Museums and Galleries. The Museo dell’Automobile celebrates Italian car production, while the National Cinema Museum explores the relationship between visual storytelling, art, and technology.
- Guided tours. The FIAT Historic Museum and Lingotto District Tour covers technology, design and innovation, while the Street Art Tour takes you round some of the areas noted for their murals.
- Shopping and Craftsmanship. Venture beyond the main shopping streets and you can find lots of shops offering locally made furniture, jewellery, and textiles.
- And, for more inspiration for your visit to Turin, have a look at this post – What To See And Do In Turin: Plan Your City Break.
This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Turin.
