i+D - January/February 2019 - 41

Connecting with Kids - By Diana Mosher

Getting
Involved

Executing Ideas
LEGO toys have been sparking the imagination of future designers for
nearly 80 years. Playing with LEGO has always been fun. In fact, the name
LEGO is actually an abbreviation of the two Danish words "leg godt,"
meaning "play well." Now, thanks to The LEGO Group's commitment to
use sustainable materials in core products and packaging by 2030, it also
provides educators and parents with a teachable moment about sustainability
and social responsibility. Production has started on a range of sustainable
LEGO elements made from plant-based plastic sourced from sugarcane.
The new sustainable LEGO "botanical" elements will come in varieties,
including leaves, bushes, and trees.
Despite fears that we're headed toward a digital-only world, the modular
LEGO brick launched in 1958 continues to thrive and provide a tactile
experience for children. Today, the company's mission "to inspire and
develop the builders of tomorrow" includes the introduction of products
designed to open up early math, science, and language skills for young
children. LEGO has even introduced Coding Express, a fun and tactile
way to inspire early learners to explore coding concepts.
And, when young minds begin taking investigative steps toward creative
career options, there are still more resources to help guide their curiosity.
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) is among the professional
organizations participating in Careers Building Communities, a platform
designed for students, educators, and other individuals to explore career
paths in all facets of the real estate industry-from architecture and interior
design to construction, engineering, management, and finance. The platform
was created to provide future talent with information on education and
employment within each sector and to connect them with participating
organizations, which can help identify opportunities and next steps that can
lead to a rewarding career.
Whether in the classroom or at the museum, group activities that expose
kids to the arts help develop confidence, creativity, and collaboration with
lasting benefits. Connecting with design professionals early in life broadens
horizons and helps the future designers and architects of the world find their
way to their professions. These same connections also benefit kids who
go into other fields. Having an understanding of the world through a design
lens can only enhance one's professional experience, regardless of the
industry they enter.

The Hip Hop Architecture Camp
Designers, architects, real estate developers, educators,
hip hop artists representing all the elements, (Graffiti,
Djing, MCing, Bboy/BGirl), urban planners, and
community leaders are invited to assist. After
applicants complete the form on the website they will
be contacted when a camp is scheduled near their city.
www.hiphoparchitecture.com/volunteer

DX Canada's Design Museum
DX regularly works with creatives, including
designers, architects, technologists, and artists. Some,
including Jason Logan, Libs Elliott, and little dada,
have served as guest speakers and teachers for classes.
Others have entirely led workshops and activities,
including Swave Studios for a partnership with
World Industrial Design Day (from the World Design
Organization), Kids Learning Code (from Canada
Learning Code), and more. Get in touch via email
at info@dx.org.

Design Thinking Academy
DTA welcomes involvement with programming
and opportunities for students to interface with
creative professionals as they plan for college and
careers. Also, DTA seeks relationships with local
companies that would like students' help in solving
their business or organization's design challenges.
To establish a community partnership, program, or
relationship with the school, contact Noelle Picara,
community partnerships & programs director, at
noelle.picara@dta.k12.de.us, or call 302-292-5450.

Cooper Hewitt,
Smithsonian Design Museum
Volunteers are encouraged to get in touch about local
and national programs, such as the Teen Design Fair
during National Design Week in October. More
than 400 teens come from New York and beyond to
meet designers and gain career inspiration and advice.
www.cooperhewitt.org

Architecture Foundation
of British Columbia
DIANA MOSHER, Allied ASID,
is a New York-based interior designer and
media consultant. She also is the 2017-2019
communications director for the ASID
New York Metro chapter.

AFBC is on a renewed path of inclusion, education,
and engagement and will periodically seek new
board members from the architecture and design
community. Contact Jim Toy, AFBC board chair, at
board@architecturefoundationbc.ca.

Careers Building Communities
Learn about student membership opportunities
at participating organizations and more at
www.careersbuildingcommunities.org.

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http://www.hiphoparchitecture.com/volunteer http://www.cooperhewitt.org http://www.careersbuildingcommunities.org
i+D - January/February 2019

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