Valencia
瓦伦西亚

A Model City Powered by Design
设计驱动的城市典范

Abstract

Valencia, located on Spain’s eastern coast, is the country’s third-largest city. Known for its rich historical and cultural heritage, including the Valencia Cathedral and Central Market, the city is also renowned for its distinctive design industry. In 2022, Valencia was named the 'World Design Capital' (WDC), marking global recognition of its design sector and injecting momentum into the industry, positioning the city as a model for innovation, sustainability, and socially responsible design.

Valencia’s design industry began in the early 20th century during the Art Nouveau movement, where design merged with architecture and other artistic forms, creating a unique Valencia style. In the 1990s, the city used design to enhance its urban image, promote tourism, and support creative industries. The frst Valencia Design Week in 2009 marked the city’s offcial rise in the design sector. Since then, Valencia has become a focal point in the global design world, driven by its rich heritage and innovative policies.

The growth of Valencia’s design industry is closely tied to strong government support through strategic plans and initiatives. The city established a Design Committee to position design as a key driver of urban development. Various policy measures have integrated design into urban planning, industrial upgrading, and social innovation. For example, the government invited local designers to participate in revitalizing the old town and transforming the Turia Riverbed, promoting modern design. The City of Arts and Sciences, a flagship project, has become a globally recognized landmark. Valencia has also empowered traditional industries like ceramics, footwear, and furniture by using design innovation to improve market competitiveness.

Today, Valencia’s design industry has evolved into a diverse ecosystem. The city is home to 17 design training institutions and several cultural centers, contributing approximately €3.76 million annually to the local economy. Valencia also boasts four design-related universities offering 82 programs, with enrollment in design courses growing by 200% between 2010 and 2018. These institutions provide a steady stream of talent to support the city’s thriving design industry.

Valencia’s design industry has spurred economic growth and enhanced the city’s cultural infuence. Through design, the city has built a unique brand, securing a prominent position in the global design sector. Going forward, Valencia will continue to place design at the core of its development, exploring sustainable growth and further solidifying its leadership in the global design industry.

摘要

瓦伦西亚，位于西班牙东部的沿海地区。作为西班牙第三大城市，这座城市不仅拥有丰富的历史文化遗产，如瓦伦西亚大教堂、中央市场等，还因其独特的设计产业而闻名于世。2022年，瓦伦西亚当选为“世界设计之都”（WDC），这一殊荣标志着其设计产业的国际地位得到了全球认可，也为其设计行业注入了新的动力，使其成为创新、可持续和社会责任设计的典范。

瓦伦西亚的设计产业起步于20世纪初的新艺术运动，当时的设计与建筑、绘画等艺术形式相结合，形成了独特的瓦伦西亚风格。1990年代，瓦伦西亚开始转型，通过设计提升城市形象，推动旅游业和创意产业发展。2009年，第一届瓦伦西亚设计周的举办标志着设计产业的正式崛起。此后，瓦伦西亚凭借其深厚的设计底蕴和创新的设计政策，逐渐成为全球设计领域的焦点。

瓦伦西亚的设计产业发展离不开政府的强力支持，但具体操作并非基于单一的政策文件，而是通过一系列战略规划和行动计划推动的。市政府设立了设计委员会，推动设计成为城市发展的核心驱动力。通过一系列政策措施，瓦伦西亚成功将设计融入城市建设、产业升级和社会创新。例如，政府实施创新项目邀请本土设计师参与老城区的改造，还借助图里亚河道的改造，推动了现代设计的应用，其中以艺术科学城为代表，已成为全球知名的城市地标。瓦伦西亚还通过设计赋能传统产业，如陶瓷、制鞋和家具等，借助设计创新，提升了这些行业的市场竞争力和品牌价值。

瓦伦西亚的设计产业目前已形成多元化格局。城市内拥有17个设计培训机构和多个文化中心，设计产业每年为当地经济贡献约376.2万欧元。此外，瓦伦西亚拥有四所与设计相关的院校，提供82种设计类学位，设计类学生录取率在2010-2018年间增长了200%。这些院校为城市的设计产业提供着源源不断的活力。

瓦伦西亚的设计产业不仅推动了经济发展，还提升了城市的文化软实力。设计赋予瓦伦西亚独特的城市品牌，使其在全球设计领域占有重要地位。未来，瓦伦西亚将继续以设计为核心，探索可持续发展的新路径，进一步巩固其在全球设计产业的领先地位。