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FREE PLAY POST-SECONDARY DESIGN COMPETITION 2016-17
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TABLE OF CONTENTS About the Competition Winning Entries Award Ceremony + Mentorship Day Resources + Info
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FREE PLAY POST-SECONDARY DESIGN COMPETITION 2016-17
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ABOUT
THE COMPETITION A project presented by Design Exchange, Canada’s Design Museum, in partnership with the Government of Ontario, the Free Play Post Secondary Design Competition is a provincial design challenge that emphasizes the importance of the universal design principles across all design disciplines. The competition explores design solutions, with a focus on public space, that are compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 standards and maximize accessibility for the greatest number of people, to the largest extent possible, regardless of age or ability. By instilling students with the knowledge and desire to create a more accessible Ontario, we are seeding universal design principles and challenging students – the future architects, designers, city builders, and changemakers – to become champions of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. The best way to change the world is to start with our youth.
FREE PLAY POST-SECONDARY DESIGN COMPETITION 2016-17
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ARCHITECTURE
1ST PLACE
TREAD LIGHT
The path that guides your way Olivia Sementsova
Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning Tread Light is a modular and temporary pathway system designed to be used outdoors forg events such as concerts and festivals. Its shaped and glowing edges help to guide people in wheelchairs and the visually impaired through tactile feedback, especially at night. It is easy to put together and change depending on the particular terrain of the location. There are three components to the system. The main board is made out of light weight and sustainable bamboo. This is attached to an aluminum bracket. The brackets help support the boards and lift them off the ground. They also snap to each other like a chain to control movement between the boards. And finally, the wedges, that attach between the boards on the sides, are filled with a bioluminescent bacterium that lasts for about a month. The wedges shape the pathway; small ones make up the inside of a curve, large ones the outside and medium ones the straight. The wedges are attached using a snap-in ball and groove. In the future, additional wedge shapes would be created that allow on and off ramps and pathways to be connected perpendicularly.
My objective for this design was to make going to a concert or festival more enjoyable for people of different abilities. Wheelchairs can get stuck in muddy and soft grass or sand and people with visual impairment need to explore the festival or concert with a guide as there are no indicators of location used now. I also wanted to use natural materials and add to the landscape with minimal disturbance. Keeping those constraints in mind I designed the Tread Light. This year’s proposal asked us to look into public spaces and how they can be improved in regards to accessibility. I chose to focus on temporary play spaces for adults, in particular large outdoor concerts and festivals. These types of spaces are almost completely over looked in regards to accessibility. There is little in the way of wayfinding, almost no support for those in wheelchairs or with visual impairments and they are put up and taken down too fast for anyone to have a say in how they are created. The Tread Light pathways system could easily be implemented in these environments. It is light and easy to assemble, doesn’t damage the ground on which it is placed, offers a way to beautify and add wayfinding, and helps many people, including those in wheelchairs to make their way around.
FREE PLAY POST-SECONDARY DESIGN COMPETITION 2016-17
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ARCHITECTURE
2ND PLACE
THOMPSON LOOP
Making nature in urban settings accessible to all Betty Wu, Irina Efremova, Kelechi Onyeije, Phillippe Gagne Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning Thompson Loop is an accessible walkway path which is designed with the end user and environment in mind. This walkway path allows accessibility to the greatest number of individuals to interact with a natural environment within the scope of an urban cityscape. Thompson Loop focuses on creating an accessible interactive experience for all by utilizing minimal infrastructure and materials to developand create a collaborative and tactile experience with the environment and user in mind. Tommy Thompson Park, located on Toronto’s waterfront, poses an excellent case study for this development due to its untapped potential as an urban green space. This project focuses on creating accessible green spaces experienced in an untapped conservation area without having to travel far from the reach of the city, or greatly disturbing the natural environment in which it is located. Tommy Thompson park is one of Toronto’s greatest hidden treasures with fascinating beaches of eroded masonry and natural marshlands. Many Torontonians themselves have not visited this site, perhaps because they are unaware of its existence or lack of accessibility. Thompson Loop looks to bridge this gap and allow more people the chance to share this experience with nature
no matter their mobility needs. The materials used in this project reflect the environment in which it is located to accent natural elements as well as limit the number of materials that could potentially pose harm to the environment. Due to the nature and setting of this project, all materials were chosen based on their level of durability and eco-friendly impact on the environment. All elements of the materials’ life were considered, from the energy embodied, to the products’ possible erosion and impact on the environment. Man-made materials used in this design include Corten steel, expanded Corten steel, Douglas fir (wood), and concrete. All fastening components would be made of stainless steel.
FREE PLAY POST-SECONDARY DESIGN COMPETITION 2016-17
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ARCHITECTURE
3RD PLACE
EQUA BEACH DOCK
Bonnie Zeng and Hilary Leehane Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning Presently, it is quite hard for people with disabilities to make use of the beach, to enjoy the scenery and experience the water and waves. It is very difficult for someone in a wheelchair to travel through the sand to get close to the shoreline. Solutions to that are beach wheelchairs that are not accessible for everyone. We are proposing a dock and boardwalk system that allows people with disabilities to sit by the water and be partially in the water if they like. It would slope gently towards the water with a platform at the end with areas to sit and enjoy the water up close. There would be seating that lowers down in the water so that feet could be submerge without having to get out of the wheelchairs. In the center of this dock area, there would be a round table where people can stand or pull up their wheelchairs to use. The table also includes a cylindrical glass decorative piece that becomes allows for a bonfire during the nighttime. This allows people to enjoy the beach during the nighttime as well. It changes the way public beaches have always been used, which is only when the sun is out.
We are proposing to partner with an ocean cleanup facility where we can use plastic waste and turn it into usable decking material. Shade will be provided with recycled sail material. We imagine this system to be accessible to the elderly with mobility issues, people in wheelchairs and the blind. Rather than having a specific area for just people with disabilities, which can make them feel excluded, this would be a public dock area on the beach where everyone can access. This concept connects with this year’s Design Exchange theme, Connect: Free Play, because it creates a solution for people who currently can’t access the public beaches. Existing boardwalks in the public beaches we have in Ontario allows for them to get close to the water but does not give them the option to actually be able to feel the water. These existing solutions can create a division between the general public and people with disabilities, making them feel as though they apart from society. That is why we designed this system to allow everyone to feel connected, not separated. So that they can play and enjoy the beach freely and not only have to watch from afar as everyone else is enjoying the sand and water.
ABOUT BONNIE + HILARY Bonnie and Hilary are both third year Industrial Design students studying at the Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning. Bonnie is in the product stream while Hilary is in the Automotive stream. Both individuals have
FREE PLAY POST-SECONDARY DESIGN COMPETITION 2016-17
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ARCHITECTURE
HONOURABLE MENTION
PETAL PARK Honourable PETAL Mention, PARKArchitecture
Asa Couture,Mention, Kenny Nguyen, Honourable Architecture Diana Druhora, Lilit Ayrapetyan Asa Couture, Kenny Nguyen, Humber College Diana Druhora, Lilit Ayrapetyan Petal Park is a structure designed to bring people laid out around the park for people to interact Humber togetherCollege in celebration of Canada’s natural environment. Our team envisioned the structure built Petal Park that is a structure to bring people in an area is unuseddesigned and inaccessible, Torontogether in celebration of Canada’s natural envito’s waterfront. Petal Park would be constructed ronment. Our team envisionedto thea dock, structure built over the water and connected allowing in an area is unused and inaccessible, Toronpeople to that be fully away from Toronto’s busy city to’s waterfront. Petal Park would be constructed life and escape into what some of Canada’s flora over water and connected to a dock, allowing has tothe offer. The design incorporates sustainable people to be fully away frommaterials Toronto’sinbusy city and environmentally friendly its conlife and escape into what some of Canada’s flora struction. We wanted Petal Park to be as green has to offer. The design incorporates sustainable friendly as possible to enhance the entire design. and environmentally friendly materials in its conThe walkway is entirely wheelchair accessible struction. Petal Park and to be as green and invitesWe all wanted people to explore experience friendly possible to enhance the entire design. Canada’sasbest plants! The walkway is entirely wheelchair accessible andainvites all made peoplesure to explore experience As team we the pathand through Petal Canada’s best Park would beplants! easy and fun, as well as follow all regulations for safety and accessibility. The entire As a team we made suredesigned, the path with through Petal space is ergonomically plenty of Park would be easy and fun, as well as follow all space left open for circulation. There are displays regulations for safety and accessibility. The entire space is ergonomically designed, with plenty of space left open for circulation. There are displays
with and learn about some of Canada’s greenery. The design incorporates sustainable and environlaid out around park for to with interact mentally friendlythe materials or people materials low with and learn about some of Canada’s greenery. embodied energy to minimize its environmental The incorporates andconcrete, environfoot design print. Materials suchsustainable as aluminum, mentally or materials with and glass friendly account materials for more than 90 per cent of low the embodied energy to minimize its environmental entire structure, ensuring Petal Park stays friendly foot print. Materials such as aluminum, concrete, to the earth. and glass account for more than 90 per cent of the entire structure, ensuring Petal Park stays seasons friendly The park would not only operate in warm to the but alsoearth. in the cold by offering a festive element to the structure. As a team, our vision was to create a The park would onlybe operate in warm seasons public space thatnot would new and exciting, envibut also in the cold by offering a festive element to ronmentally friendly, and accessible to everyone. the structure. a team, our vision was create a Overall, PetalAs Park is a celebration ofto Canadian public that wouldenvironment be new and exciting, enviculturespace and its natural that so many ronmentally friendly, and accessible to everyone. of us call home. Overall, Petal Park is a celebration of Canadian culture and its natural environment that so many of us call home.
FREE PLAY POST-SECONDARY DESIGN COMPETITION 2016-17
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GRAPHIC + USER INTERFACE
1ST PLACE MERCURY PROJECT Find Your Way
Thomas Aurelius Cusimano
PROJECT MERCURY Humber College
Find Your How might we utilizeWay technology to connect people and enhance experiences while developing methods which aid in the transition into accessible, barrier free design inside airports? Project Mercury’s primary Humber College goal is to provide an interface to aid wayfinding in a new environment while adding elements of interactivity and reducing the number of flight How might we utilize technology to connect people delays caused by late passengers. This product and while developing is aenhance part of experiences a larger system integratedmethods into the which aid in the transition into accessible, barrier free space itself that ensures seamless information to design inside airports? Project Mercury’s primary transfer between each device and the space. Using goal is to provide interface towith aid wayfinding augmented realityan in conjunction transparent inLED a new environment while adding elements of displays, cameras, and accelerometers to help interactivity reducing number flight determine a and user’s location the in the space, of mapping delays by late passengers. This product can becaused easily projected onto the screen of the is a part of a larger system integrated into the space itself that ensures seamless information to transfer between each device and the space. Using augmented reality in conjunction with transparent LED displays, cameras, and accelerometers to help determine a user’s location in the space, mapping can be easily projected onto the screen of the device and updated in real time to help orient a user to their destination. The system has the power of allowing targeted shopping, exploration, and the introduction of activities develop an opportunity for users to get up and moving which is especially helpful for long wait times.
Thomas Aurelius Cusimano
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device and updated in real time to help orient a user to their destination. The system has the power of allowing targeted shopping, exploration, and the introduction of activities develop an opportunity for users to get up and moving which is especially helpful for long wait times.
By empowering users of all abilities with smart technology, there is an opportunity to help return self-sufficiency that some disabilities prevent and create a positive and interactive product which can blend into the transportation sector.
By empowering users of all abilities with smart device and updated in real time to help orient a technology, there is an opportunity to help return user to their destination. The system has the power thatshopping, some disabilities prevent and ofself-sufficiency allowing targeted exploration, and the create a positive and interactive product which introduction of activities develop an opportunity canusers blend theand transportation sector. for tointo get up moving which is especially helpful for long wait times. By empowering users of all abilities with smart technology, there is an opportunity to help return self-sufficiency that some disabilities prevent and create a positive and interactive product which can blend into the transportation sector.
FREE PLAY POST-SECONDARY DESIGN COMPETITION 2016-17
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GRAPHIC + USER INTERFACE
2ND PLACE
BEACON
We We Are Are All All Able Able Taylor Taylor Reale, Reale, Natascha Natascha Del Del Prete, Prete, Stefano Stefano Tocco, Tocco, and and Quinn Quinn Lo Lo Humber Humber Institute Institute of of Technology Technology and and Advanced Advanced Learning Learning We We are are all all able. able. The The notion notion of of DIS-ability DIS-ability is is not not aa term term we we as as aa group group found found very very endearing. endearing. It It is is limiting and does not give credit to the ABILITY limiting and does not give credit to the ABILITY that that everyone everyone has. has. We We like like to to think think of of everyone everyone as as able, just a little different. able, just a little different. The The design design concept concept for for Beacon Beacon focuses focuses on on wayfinwayfinding within public parks. Through research ding within public parks. Through research it it was was identified that many physical issues pertaining identified that many physical issues pertaining to to Barrier Free design have been well addressed. Barrier Free design have been well addressed. Ramps, Ramps, paths, paths, and and signage signage are are utilized utilized to to create create better access to spaces, however actually getting better access to spaces, however actually getting to to them them was was lacking, lacking, especially especially in in the the context context of of public, outdoor, spaces. The objective was to create public, outdoor, spaces. The objective was to create aa way way finding finding system system which which would would better better address address the needs of all users without jeopardizing the needs of all users without jeopardizing the the experience – everyone can experience a park experience – everyone can experience a park in in the same way regardless of ability. the same way regardless of ability. We We felt felt this this issue issue of of “getting “getting there” there” could could best best be be addressed through the implementation of a way addressed through the implementation of a way finding finding system. system. Thus, Thus, Beacon Beacon was was designed designed for for use use in parks. It is a system of colour coded forms, tactile in parks. It is a system of colour coded forms, tactile elements elements and and interactive interactive maps maps which which co-ordinate co-ordinate with an App based platform and correspond with an App based platform and correspond with with the actual Beacons. The Beacons themselves the actual Beacons. The Beacons themselves are are both threshold based and location based. both threshold based and location based. Beacons Beacons placed placed at at thresholds thresholds to to park park areas areas such such as picnic spots, baseball diamonds, dog parks, as picnic spots, baseball diamonds, dog parks, and and washrooms for example, combine a simple concrete washrooms for example, combine a simple concrete enclosure enclosure which which is is colour colour coded coded depending depending on on the the
specific specific zone zone and and coordinate coordinate with with aa tactile tactile strip strip of of the the same same colour colour placed placed on on the the path path leading leading to to it. it. The The tactile tactile elements elements allow allow users users with with visual visual impairment impairment to locate the Beacons more easily, and to locate the Beacons more easily, and therefore therefore aa space beyond its threshold by way of touch. space beyond its threshold by way of touch. To To locate spaces represented by the Beacons, the locate spaces represented by the Beacons, the form’s form’s exterior exterior displays displays aa large large graphic graphic which which will will coordinate with the destination, and a light coordinate with the destination, and a light on on top for use at night. Inside, a tactile interactive top for use at night. Inside, a tactile interactive map map placed placed at at an an accessible accessible height height allows allows users users to locate park zones based on the location of to locate park zones based on the location of the the Beacons. Beacons. A A speaker speaker above above projects projects what what is is being being displayed displayed on on the the map map audibly, audibly, and and all all of of this this will will correspond with an optional app based program correspond with an optional app based program and and with with the the smaller smaller location location based based Beacons. Beacons. Users Users can can select select aa zone zone based based on on the the location location of of Beacons and follow a tactile, colour coded path Beacons and follow a tactile, colour coded path leading leading to to the the desired desired destination. destination. The The smaller, smaller, location based Beacons are placed more liberally location based Beacons are placed more liberally and and are are also also colour colour coded, coded, containing containing aa speaker speaker which will signal to the user through the app, which will signal to the user through the app, when when they they have have arrived arrived at at the the desired desired zone. zone. These These lolocation based Beacons are placed off the path cation based Beacons are placed off the path to to harder to locate zones such as baseball diamonds. harder to locate zones such as baseball diamonds. The The Beacon Beacon systems systems allows allows everyone, everyone, young, young, old, old, and variously-abled to enjoy the park in the same and variously-abled to enjoy the park in the same way way by by making making getting getting to to their their desired desired destination destination simpler and more fun! simpler and more fun!
FREE PLAY POST-SECONDARY DESIGN COMPETITION 2016-17
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GRAPHIC + USER INTERFACE
3RD PLACE
HUG-A-TREE Freedom to Explore
Kimberlyn Dampitan Humber College
One hug can illuminate a single tree, but the magic will only last a few minutes. If everyone touches the trees at the same time, the beauty will last the whole night. Connect with people and hug a tree to create a magical outcome.
FREE PLAY POST-SECONDARY DESIGN COMPETITION 2016-17
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GRAPHIC + USER INTERFACE
HONOURABLE MENTION
EQUINOX Honourable Mention, Graphic Design EQUINOX
Asa Couture’Pinisch Honourable Mention, Graphic Design Humber College School of Applied Technology Asa Couture’Pinisch Equinox is a public display that incorporates a touch screen in order to accurately relay texture Humber College School of Applied Technology combination of innovative technologies into a single, interactive display. This allows Equinox Equinox public display that incorporates to adapt istoaany user’s needs, anyone from thea combination of innovative technologies into visually-impaired to tourists are able to use thea single, display. allows Equinox display interactive with ease. The publicThis display would incorto adapt any and user’s needs, anyone from the porate 3Dto depth voice sensors to understand visually-impaired able to use thea a person’s positiontoastourists well asare understand what display ease.and Theinpublic would incorperson with is saying what display language. Parametporate 3D depth andare voice sensors that to understand ric speakers, which speakers pin point athe person’s position as well as understand what user aided by the 3D sensors, would be ablea person is saying and in what to communicate directly withlanguage. the user, Parametvia an on ric speakers, which are speakers that pin point board AI named EQ. All of this would be able to the user aided by the 3D sensors, would be able be done without any visible speaker system due to directly with the user, an on to acommunicate fairly new piece of technology calledvia Surface board named EQ.this All tech of thisallows wouldnoise be able to Sound AI Technology; to be be done without any speaker system due projected through thevisible screen for more accurate to a fairlyThe newfinal piece of technology called Surface sound. piece of tech that would be Sound Technology; this tech allows noise to be incorporated into the display would be Haptic projected the screen more Feedback.through This would be builtfor into theaccurate bottom sound. The final piece of tech that would be incorporated into the display would be Haptic Feedback. This would be built into the bottom
and patterns on a flat surface. One way this may be used is creating braille for a visually impaired touch order to accurately relay texture personscreen to read.inAll of these technologies combined and patterns on a flat surface. One way this would allow its user to interact with it any may way be used is creating braille for a visually impaired they wanted to, but more importantly it would person these technologies combined bridge to theread. gapAll of of any need the user had by also would allow its user to interact with it any way understanding if a person has a certain disability they wanted to, but morelanguage. importantly it would or is speaking a different bridge the gap of any need the user had by also understanding if a person certain disability Equinox’s objective is to has helpa people navigate or is interact speakingwith a different and a publiclanguage. space by adapting to its users’ needs. The display addresses the comEquinox’s objective is to help navigate petitions theme by taking into people consideration as and interact with a public space by adapting many different possibilities of users. Equinox to is its users’ needs. The display addresses the combuilt ergonomically so that any type of user could petitions theme byusing taking into consideration as interact with it, by touch, voice or gesture many different of users. is equinox is able topossibilities meet the users’ needsEquinox with ease. built ergonomically so that any type of user could interact with it, by using touch, voice or gesture equinox is able to meet the users’ needs with ease.
FREE PLAY POST-SECONDARY DESIGN COMPETITION 2016-17
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INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
1ST PLACE
OUTDOOR WATER STATION Alyssia Ma Carleton University
For this project I was faced with the challenge of redesigning a product in a public space to accommodate the greatest number of people possible. The unique aspect about portable water stations is that despite their prominence in several types of public outdoor events, designers have shown minimal interest in developing upon their existing, frequently used shapes. Current products vary from compact units that require the presence of a municipal water supply, to bulky water tanks that may be hitched onto a truck and set up in its designated location. After conducting a wide range of research on existing products in this market, exploring possible solutions through divergent ideation, building both working and aesthetic models, and collecting data from extensive user testing, I was finally able to find the balance between form and function. My outdoor water station design is one that provides a positive experience for a wide range of demographics (including wheelchair users, elderly users, and users of all heights). The water station consists of one main unit (the water tank) with three units that swing out. These three units may be adjusted to individual heights and each consist of two water dispensers. In preparation for an outdoor event, the installer must charge the battery that powers the system and fill the tank using a municipal water supply. The water station may then be hitched onto a truck and set up at its designated location. The last step is for the installer to unlock the product’s levers and set the height of each dispensing unit. When powered by its solar-panel-assisted battery, the water station uses motion sensors to dispense water.
The swinging hinges on the product allow for a “hovering� element on each individual unit. This is not only accommodating for users of varying heights, but also provides enough clearance for wheelchair users to tuck their legs under, when filling up water bottles. I chose for the water dispensers to be motion sensing, to aid two large user groups: the elderly, and children. Elderly users suffering from arthritis often have trouble with faucets that involve a twisting or pulling motion. If using faucets, children would also have trouble due to reach restrictions. Motion detectors do not involve any excess strain for the elderly and do not require children to reach the opposite side of the unit (to turn on a faucet). In addition, users in large crowds often leave faucets running for the next person in line. Automatic motion sensors not only reduce the amount of water waste, but also prolong the lifespan of one tank of water. In short, the outdoor water station is great for promoting the use of re-usable water bottles. Motion sensors and its solar panel assisted battery also contribute towards the overall goal of creating an environmentally friendly product. Whether it is used for music festivals geared towards teens, or family-friendly events that include children and the elderly (such as Canada Day at Parliament), my product is the first fully portable and sustainable water station, that is the perfect fit for everyone.
FREE PLAY POST-SECONDARY DESIGN COMPETITION 2016-17
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INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
2ND PLACE
BEACON
Freedom to Explore Daniel Willison
Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning Beacon is a universally accessible navigational aid that focuses on improving the travel experiences of the visually impaired. Although there are techniques used by the visually impaired to find their way through a city, many of these methods involve memorizing routes in advance as opposed to having the option to improvise and explore new places around the city, or find a new route to a known place. People who are blind often have to ask others for help when finding their way, as current methods do not help in identifying where they are at a given time. Beacon has been designed as a city feature that would be situated at street corners in order to give the visually impaired a consistent location for the device. This location gives the opportunity for the visually impaired to determine where they are situated and the ability to direct their own travels. It does this by being easily identifiable by the use of textured ribs that can be felt by a walking stick, creating a unique tactile experience in contrast to other city features. Being placed at intersections not only offers a consistency of location, but a barrier to traffic, reminding the sighted not to advance too close to the edge, and making the
visually impaired aware of their proximity to the curb upon approach. Once identified, Beacon hosts both braille and embossed letters that inform the user of the street names and identifies the intersection. Beacon also hosts a tactile compass so that travelers may orient themselves. The goal of Beacon is to provide an appealing, accessible, and practical solution that is easily maintained and simple to locate and identify. It is designed to be accessible to the most number of people, no matter their socio-economical status and does so as a public feature. Although technological solutions to navigation for the visually impaired do exist they are impractical and not so accessible. Technology can fail due to power loss or become outdated due to advances in systems, making it expensive and impractical for the individual who has to adopt this new method of navigation. A publicly accessible installation that provides an analogue solution allows for open access and directly develops a familiarity with an environment. In turn, this gives confidence in navigation and the ability to explore the city and learn more about the world around them.
FREE PLAY POST-SECONDARY DESIGN COMPETITION 2016-17
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INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
3RD PLACE
CITITREE
Muhafizali Merali, Talia Missaghi, Roxanne Van Dam, and Ervin Yalung Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
Every day in the city of Toronto, around 1,425,300 people make their way through the transit system across 4,100 bus stops (toronto.ca). Yet, the current bus stop design does not support the diversity of the city, functionality of the space or the well-being of the user. Cititree is an inclusive bus stop solution to showcase the beauty of nature Torontonian’s often lose touch with in their strenuous commute and performs to optimize both the passenger and driver experience. Cititree utilizes the existing structure of Toronto bus stops along with new materials allowing it to be retrofitted to any existing bus stop at any location with a slightly larger footprint. The form is inspired by the feeling of sitting under a tree
as a moment for introspection in the hustle of the city. Technology will be integrated through various methods; one being the implementation of tactile interactive glass panels along the perimeter of the structure to educate and inform the public. The ground beneath Cititree features an interactive floor panel system inspired by the glowing of ostracod plankton. It is constructed of a series of ranging pod shaped panels that will glow upon contact intuitively communicating to the bus driver that someone is at the stop. Cititree will encourage and provide Torontonians a moment to enjoy the environment that has been given to them.
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INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
HONOURABLE MENTION
HEX GARDEN KIT Honourable Mention, Industrial Design Laura Cheng Carleton University
Community gardens are public spaces that provide people with a plot to grow flowers, fruits, vegetables, and other plants that may not otherwise have a space to do so. These spaces are used by a wide variety of people and should be accessible to all, including seniors and those with limited mobility or disabilities. While community gardens have a wide range of users, many are not designed to accommodate everybody. Generally, raised garden beds are built low to the ground and require users to bend or sit on the ground to garden. This makes them difficult to use for users who may have mobility issues and cannot bend, and nearly impossible for users in wheelchairs. Gardeners have different preferences, needs, and abilities and may want to stand, kneel, be seated, or require a wheelchair. A raised garden bed should be universally designed to accommodate all these users. While some garden beds are designed to be wheelchair accessible, the shallow design often compromises what can be planted. Other raised garden beds are too wide for wheelchair or seated users to reach across or require them to move around the bed to garden. The Hex Garden Kit is designed to be universally accessible and simple for community garden managers to build. The Hex Garden Kit provides all
necessary features and fasteners, leaving garden managers to follow a simple template to cut wood for the garden beds. This process makes it easy to implement into public community gardens. The width of the inner space of the garden planter is comfortable for users in wheelchairs and users that prefer to be seated on a garden stool. It allows slight wheelchair movement to angle towards each side and reach all plants without moving around the planter. The garden is also an appropriate height for both seated and standing users. The front wall of the garden planter is slanted to increase legroom for seated users while not compromising the depth of the soil. The Hex Garden beds can be used by anybody regardless of age or ability. Its simple design accommodates users with different needs and abilities, including those with limited mobility or physical disabilities. By allowing everybody to participate in community gardening, the Hex Garden Kit promotes healthy, active lifestyles and engaged, social communities. Its inclusive design is fun, functional, and simple to implement, and is designed to make community gardening a more positive experience for all.
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AWARDS CEREMONY + MENTORSHIP DAY
FREE PLAY POST-SECONDARY DESIGN COMPETITION 2016-17
To celebrate the Free Play Post Secondary Design Competition, the winning students were invited to attend a day of mentorship, awards ceremony, and exhibition opening at Design Exchange. Students connected with judges and representatives from the design and accessibility community, along with likeminded design creatives. This provided students with the opportunity to connect ad converse with industry leaders and enhance employment skills and opportunities. On the evening of May 12th, 2017, Design Exchange hosted winners, professors, mentors, guardians, and industry professionals for the Free Play Post Secondary Design Competition awards presentation and exhibition opening. Guests were treated to an introduction by Alfred Spence, the Director, Outreach and Strategic Initiatives Branch, Accessibility Directorate of Ontario, Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure.
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THANK YOU TO OUR ESTEEMED JURY Luke Anderson
FREE PLAY POST-SECONDARY DESIGN COMPETITION 2016-17
Founder, StopGap Foundation In 2011, Luke founded the StopGap Foundation which has launched Community Ramp Projects across Canada. The volunteer run campaigns not only open up previously inaccessible spaces, but they also build awareness about how we don’t need to look far for examples of barriers to access – they are often right at your doorstep. StopGap is building brightly coloured single-step ramps to not only increase accessibility, but also to start a conversation about the importance of an inclusive society. The project has had early success in Toronto, and is building grassroots support in communities from coast to coast.
Naomi Schafler
Executive Director, Ontario Track 3 Ski Association Naomi Schafler is the Executive Director of Ontario Track 3 Ski Association, a non-profit charitable organization that teaches skiing and snowboarding to children and young adults with special needs. Naomi has a passion to build community and support individuals of all abilities to reach their full potential. Naomi has spent years developing recreational programming and consistently looks for ways to enable individuals of all abilities to build independence and self-worth. Naomi is a strong advocate for community engagement and will consistently find ways to embed herself in causes that serve the purpose to strengthen our neighbourhoods, our city and ultimately our citizens.
Barbara Anthony Barbara Anthony is a Recreation Therapy professional with expertise helping children who have disabilities increase their inclusion and participation in activities at home, at school and in the community. Barbara gained her expertise working for 23 years at Holland Bloorview, Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto, in association with organizations like Easter Seals, City of Toronto Parks, Forestry & Recreation and the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion. Her scope of work includes community engagement and networking with hundreds of associations and agencies such as Easter Seals, City of Toronto Parks, Forestry & Recreation and the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion.
FREE PLAY POST-SECONDARY DESIGN COMPETITION 2016-17
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ABOUT
DESIGN EXCHANGE
FREE PLAY POST-SECONDARY DESIGN COMPETITION 2016-17
Design Exchange, a not-for-profit museum funded by its members and donors, is Canada’s only museum dedicated exclusively to the pursuit of design excellence and preservation of design heritage. At the crossroads of multiple disciplines, from furniture and architecture to graphics and fashion, our exhibitions, talks, workshops, and youth education programs are curated to reflect the popular zeitgeist and contemporary culture while demonstrating the relevance and importance of design to everyday life. We are committed to delivering accessible design experiences and education and we aim to provide the tools necessary to connect design learning to the ordinary and extraordinary. CHARITABLE REGISTRATION NO. 119236214RR0001
DX.ORG @DESIGNEXCHANGE CONNECT@DX.ORG
RESOURCES UNIVERSAL DESIGN
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Universal Design Principles
RGD Access-ability
Universal Design
Basics of Web Design and Accessibility
Winnipeg’s Universal Design Policy
Integrating Accessibility Throughout Design
SNOW
White Cane Label: Trendy Clothing for Blind People
Institute for Human Centered Design - Resources Inclusive Design - Norwegian Design Council Resources - Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design
ARCHITECTURE/INTERIOR Architect Magazine: Absolutely Accessible
ACCESSIBILITY
Center for Assistive Technology Centre for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access
Accessibility Directorate of Ontario Understanding Accessibility Access Ability
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
Inclusive Design Research Centre
IBM Accessibility Tuvie - Accessible Industrial Design
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY Global Public Inclusive Infrastructure
URBAN DESIGN Best Practices for Universal Design
FASHION
City of Toronto Accessibility Design Guidelines
Fashioning Identity: Inclusive Clothing Design
See our full list of resources at DX.ORG/LEARN
Design for Patient Dignity
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