Publication
Design for Democracy Reader
Heading towards World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026
The Frankfurt RheinMain region has won the title of World Design Capital 2026 with the theme Design for Democracy. Atmospheres for a Better Life. In this context, the reader explores the power of design to shape collective processes, develop solutions and drive social change. By addressing key areas such as Work, Construction & Housing, Education, Health, Industry, Consumption, Culture & Media, Mobility, Public Space and Sports, the authors illustrate how design intersects with everyday life.
Editors
Matthias Wagner K, Anna Scheuermann
Design FRM gGmbH, Frankfurt
With contributions by:
Lena Marbacher, Bundesstiftung Baukultur, Marina Weisband, Ben van Berkel, Christian Holl, Ruben Pater, Juergen Boos, Francesca Bria, Hanna Harris, Philipp Wollrab
Frankfurt RheinMain is a diverse and dynamic region – an ideal setting for a real-world laboratory that provides space for discussion, development and realisation of outstanding, experimental and tangible projects. As we move towards WDC 2026, we have invited 10 of our companions to contribute to this publication, each offering their personal perspective on one of our key action areas with a focus on Design for Democracy. But this is just the beginning: With this publication, all creatives and designers are invited to think, discuss, debate, and actively shape the conversation.
10 Fields of Action
Lena Marbacher (Work)
Bundesstiftung Baukultur (Building & Living)
Marina Weisband (Education)
Ben van Berkel (Health)
Christian Holl (Industry)
Ruben Pater ( Consumption)
Juergen Boos (Culture)
Francesca Bria (Mobility)
Hanna Harris (Public Space)
Philipp Wollrab (Sport)
