The Research Office supports innovation through collaboration, applied learning, and interdisciplinary thinking at Humber College.
Industry partner Adam Bienenstock, president and founder of Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds, connects children and adults to nature through the innovative design and construction of naturalized parks and play spaces. Looking to improve upon his current method for displaying large scale models of his playgrounds at temporary locations, Bienenstock partnered with Humber Research and faculty member Karen White to launch a competition for an innovative solution. As part of a capstone project and sponsored competition, students in White’s “Interdisciplinary Practices” course, a combined Industrial and Interior Design course in the School of Applied Technology, were asked to investigate and design temporary event-based installations that aligned with Natural Playgrounds’ business needs and environmental principles.
As well as giving students the opportunity to apply their creativity and knowledge, the collaboration provided invaluable experience in client services. Given a list of Bienenstock’s requirements and concerns, the students were expected to research and experiment with ways to accommodate such factors as environmental impact, cost efficiency, and ease of installation. Upon culmination of the project, Bienenstock was presented with a wealth of innovative thinking: “We were blown away by the professionalism of the presentations…and felt a bit overwhelmed by the task of narrowing it down.”
Addressing Bienenstock’s request for an easy-to-store and quick-to-assemble model, the winning team (Benjamin McLeish, Nicolas Traquai, Masooma Naqvi and Magda Czechomicz. Project: “Popping Up Play”) designed a system of hollow cubes, which featured an innovative integral slot system allowing for individual units to be tightly sealed and easy to pack. The cubes of different sizes allow for a ‘rolling topography’ to be built into the display, a design Bienenstock described as “beautiful simplicity.” Another group incorporated a new, ultra-light composite stainless steel into a triangular grid system, a pattern which allows for adaptable and organically-shaped installations on site. Thinking outside of the box, and focusing on Bienenstock’s need for portability, a further group of students designed a playground built into a tractor-trailer bed. The design, which can be parked on location, includes fiberglass ramps that fold out to reveal the pre-assembled playground within.
While Bienenstock did not find the perfect solution to his design dilemma, he confirms that “somewhere amongst the concepts, materials and branding/presentation skill, there is a perfect solution, and my team will be tackling that perfect combination.” By bringing together faculty guidance and industry expertise, Karen White believes the student learning is enhanced. While only a select few will have their design incorporated in to a Natural Playgrounds installation, White explains, the focused attention and insightful comments from the industry partner are invaluable to the professional development of all students.
Congratulations to the design competition winners and to Adam Bienenstock on receiving an innovative solution for your business.