From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Nov 27: A delegation led by International Skill Development Council (ISDC) Director Tom Joseph made a PowerPoint presentation on the intended Bengaluru Design District (BD2) in presence of DrCNAshwath Narayan, Minister for IT/BT and S&T on Friday late evening.
Once implemented, it will become the nation’s first Design District, Dr Narayan said.
It can be remembered that the delegation of ministers of had visited Dubai Design District (D3) during the Dubai Expo held in October.
Taking a cue from D3, Jain Deemed to be University, ISDC and World Design Council (WDC) have come forward to set up BD2.
Tom Joseph explained that the BD2 envisioned as the creative hub of the world will be a space where the world of Design, Art, and Technology co-exists. It will become a home for young designers, artists, creators, freelancers, and creative startups.
“The commissioning of the project is estimated to create 63,500 economic opportunities including 12,500 direct and 25,000 indirect jobs in 5 years,’’ he said.
Members of the delegation explained it would be an exclusive workspace in a creative environment for global and regional design and creative brands.
He also stated that as per the terms of the project, Bangalore Design Festival will be held annually as a global scale event and Bangalore Design Biennale will also be organized.
The delegation has sought 150 acres of Land in Bengaluru City limit/near to the airport in a phase-wise manner allocation of 25 acres each and quality road, power, and water connectivity to the plots at the government's cost.
Other supports which the delegation is seeking includes Formulating Design Policy for the state, Inclusion of Design Startups to Startup and Incubation schemes of the state and at least 50% Govt sponsorship of the budget to host world’s largest Design Festival.
Replying to the demands of the delegation, Dr Narayan asked them to submit a concrete proposal including all the modalities with regard to the project.
He said action will be taken following the submission of a concrete proposal by the delegation representing three organizations that have come forward to take up the project.
BD2 has the objective of transforming Bengaluru as a design hub of the world through nurturing creative talents, common infrastructure and focused initiatives.
The government will set up a super fab lab and design incubator at the design district. For the first two years, Design District will provide the space for Super Fab Lab and design incubator and the State Government will establish a design museum at a later stage.
It is expected to help organizations and enterprises use design as a tool for business growth and for proficient delivery of public services. It facilitates the presentation of local art, culture, handicrafts, and artisans to the world through design transformations.
BD2 will house Global Core Design Cos, Design Centre of MNCs, Content Studios by digital majors, ad & media cos, Infrastructure & Smart city design companies, Design Start-ups among others.
Dr EV Ramana Reddy, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT/BT and S&T, Meena Nagaraj, Director, Department of Electronics, IT/BT, Pradeep P, Commissioner, Department of Collegiate and Technical Education, Suby Kurian, Director of ISDC, John Xavier, Director - New Initiatives, ISDC, Arun Balachandran, Director - Digital ISDC, were present.