October 22, 2010

By: Daarina A. from Pasadena, CA
Comments: 18

Posted By: Daarina Abdus-Samad
On: 5/14/2008 2:02:13 AM

Wow, I can't believe that it has been almost a year since our visit to NYC for our emergence in design at Copper Hewitt. Now that the school year is almost over (state testing complete etc) I am feeling freer to delve into design projects that will sow sensitivity in my students about the other 90%. Does anyone have projects that where successful to share. I teach second grade and I've found Dr. Seuss books are an amazing resource to use to introduce students to issues of sensitive social and environmental consciousness. Any great ideas for Open House. Share your success stories! Daarina Abdus-Samad Pasadena, CA

Posted By: Don Domes
On: 5/17/2008 2:06:14 PM

Several of my high school students decided to do their senior projects around Design for the Other 90%. We had 3 working water pumps, a 8x10 habitat building, a solar battery recharging project, a tillage tool project, and some general design planning and site layout work that occured for an outdoor area behind my classroom. The community loves the concept and my students were swamped with people interested in their work at our Senior Projects Showcase on Thursday night, May 15. This theme resonates with so many people. We are creating our own outdoor exhibit with all student designs that is intended to be a live experience like the exhibit at the Cooper Hewitt in summer 2007! Several of my juniors are already talking and planning about what they are going to do to add to the exhibit next year. Don Domes of Hillsboro High School, Oregon.

Posted By: Jacqueline Taylor
On: 5/17/2008 10:22:30 PM

what a great design idea! Maybe it could be turned into some friendly competition with other high schools in your area. This way it could get the exposure you need. After the recent tragedies in Asia, we will need more innovative ideas for the other 90% . Your community will support the expansionof the project. Jacqueline Taylor, John Dibert School, New Orleans, LA

Posted By: Cynthia Eaton
On: 5/20/2008 7:51:40 AM

Hi Daarina and Don! I wish I were going back to NYC for another Summer Design Institute. Daarina--through World Relief, Spokane is receiving many new refugees from Burma--especially. I am working ith two students currently. There are 135 fefugees in this city with only three cars among them and a variety of basic needs. I don't know what your situation is in So Cal, but perhaps 2nd graders could get involved with designing help for this countries newest and neediest residents. Congratulations, Don, on your high school projects!! Have a great summer!

Posted By: Jeri Schmenk
On: 5/21/2008 8:44:52 PM

These sound like great ideas for high school students in service clubs. I think that even they could benefit from inspiration from Dr. Seuss! Perhaps second graders could embark on a letter writing campaign to partner with high school students or a local company. That way they can bring their fresh ideas but be able to depend on the experience of others in the implementation stage. Hooray for sunshine!

Posted By: Daarina Abdus-Samad
On: 5/23/2008 10:43:27 PM

It's nice to hear pro-active design ideas are happening. What a good idea for younger kids to partner with older mentors who are also thinking of inventive ways to design for the other 90%. It's also important to become aware that, natural disasters came put any of us in situations that can call for inventive survival ideas.

Posted By: Cynthia Eaton
On: 6/2/2008 1:36:47 AM

Yesterday, I read an article in Vanity Fair--"Industrial Revolution, Take Two" featuring William McDonough, architect, and designer for the future and sustainablity. What a profound and interesting year this has been. My understanding of design and its impact --for the other 90% and all of us has been forever impacted by SDI 2007. Thanks to everyone across the country and the staff at Cooper-Hewitt for making the experience so enlightening and rich! cce