The power of design to strengthen democracy

With white facades, clean lines and functional layouts, Frankfurt am Main symbolises a design tradition where architecture has a social responsibility. The “New Frankfurt” project of the 1920s was an early influence on the idea that design was more than just form, but rather a tool to advance social progress. Around 30 kilometres away, an artists’ colony in Mathildenhöhehad already taken root as a workshop for experimentation in art, the handicrafts and urban life, inspired by the spirit of Art Nouveau.

In 2026, the region will be building on its remarkable design heritage, with Frankfurt and the surrounding Rhine-Main region holding the title of World Design Capital (WDC). The title is awarded biannually by the World Design Organization in recognition of cities and regions that take a holistic approach to design in conjunction with social, environmental and economic issues. It is the first time the award has come to Germany.

Under the motto of “Design for Democracy. Atmospheres for a better life”, a range of events are being held to show how design can strengthen democratic processes and improve daily life in cities. “Democracy is always changing – it’s a constant challenge for design” says Carolina Romahn, Managing Director of the region’s WDC programme. 

Some 2,000 events are planned in conjunction with 450 partners from museums, universities, charities and industry. Highlights will include Open Design Week Frankfurt RheinMain in June 2026 as a ten-day showcase featuring installations, workshops and talks. The Module Festival will follow in August to unite art and music. Away from the major events, a large number of local initiatives will also be in the spotlight, from new green spaces to participative urban areas. “We’re transforming the region into a huge experimental workshop,” Romahn says. 

Three international conferences will accompany the year of design, beginning in Wiesbaden in May, followed by Offenbach in September, and concluding with a conference in Frankfurt in November. The programme plans to present a manifesto to policymakers in St Paul’s Church in Frankfurt. Romahn explains that the presentation aims to ensure that “WDC 2026 continues to make an impact long into the future.” 

Read full details of the programme.