Workshops
Introduction to Design
This workshop will expose and highlight the presence of design in our everyday surroundings, providing a basis for understanding the work and the importance of designers. We will explore examples of past and present Canadian design that demonstrates how design thinking is used to spark change and innovation. Disciplines that will be discussed and analyzed include fashion, architecture, industrial, interior, and graphic design. This workshop can be geared towards many different curriculum areas and disciplines. Students will be given a problem, and challenged to create a solution using design thinking and creative problem solving.
New & Unusual Materials
This workshop will explore new and unusual materials employed by architects, interior designers, and industrial designers, with a focus on recycled, sustainable, and environmentally friendly products. A presentation will exemplify current Canadian designers who are taking an environmentally friendly approach to design. We will examine the varying degrees by which the concept of sustainability may be interpreted. This discussion will be followed by a hands-on look at a selection of innovative materials and a group challenge to design an object using an entirely new and unusual substance!
Urban Architecture
This session will provide an introductory look at architecture by examining its guiding principles and relationship to urban environments. Students will learn about form and function by exploring Canadian structures and their architects. Together we will examine advancements in green building initiatives and their effects on developing sustainable urban communities. Students will then be challenged to work cooperatively through the design process to create their own Canadian pavilion.
Eco-Fashion
Eco-fashion, or sustainable fashion, is a fast-growing design concept that moves toward a more socially and environmentally responsible approach to fashion design. This workshop will look at Canadian and international fashion designers who are working in this way. We will learn about eco-conscious techniques, natural materials, and methods of production to develop our own definitions of what it means to be a sustainable fashion designer. Finally, students will engage in the design process and participate in a hands-on activity.
Chair Design
This session will introduce students to the world of design by using an everyday item, the chair, as a case in point. Students will be shown the Design Exchange’s rich collection of chairs and discuss form and function in exploring design concerns including materials, ergonomics, and scale. We will also learn how discussing the design of a chair can reflect the social and political landscape from which it was created. We will highlight leading Canadian industrial designers from both past and present. Finally, students will learn to think like designers themselves as they work through a hands-on design challenge.
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