Local Students Changing the World through Design
Media Release | March 14, 2008
Designs Making a Difference at the Emily Carr Institute
Above: "A.Framefix” by Alex Suvajac
BRITISH COLUMBIA - World class students at the Emily Carr Institute are designing creative solutions to some of the world's most difficult challenges.
On March 19, 2008, BC Innovation Council (BCIC) and Emily Carr Institute (ECI) are hosting an event to showcase current projects gaining international momentum for potential commercial success.
"When art and science work together, new designs and products are created every day that will benefit B.C.," said Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell. "This is where Emily Carr's Research and Industry Office plays an important role. We want to encourage the advancement of commercialization and technology transfer at Emily Carr and why we are happy to provide $150,000 through BCIC for this to happen."
Student Projects on the Go
"A.Framefix" - The Eco-Friendly Frog Bike
Alex Suvajac, Intern, Winaca Foundation
The concept track bike is described as the evolution of a frog into a lightning fast-fixed gear bicycle, agile and streamlined to flow through air. Made mostly from a new bamboo fiber weave and eco resin process, the bike utilizes innovative technologies and environmentally conscious materials. Inspired by nature, Suvajac is putting a whole new spin on the "green" bike.
"Bambulance" - The Bamboo Bike Ambulance for Kenya
Chris Ryan & Philippa Mennell, Interns, Design for Development
"Bambulance" is the next generation in human-powered medical transportation solutions. Building on the success of Design for Development's steel-framed bicycle ambulance for southern Africa, this project goes even further to minimize costs and utilize local manufacturing processes by using bamboo as the primary construction material. Bamboo - a locally available, sustainable resource in Western Kenya - is inexpensive, lightweight and strong. This design addresses the specific conditions of the Kenyan landscape and improves access to medical services for communities in need by drawing upon their own local capacities.
"Reset" - Design for Disaster in the Middle East
Joji Fukushima
"Reset" is a humanitarian project designing a transitional shelter for refugees in the Middle East to re-establish a sense of community and help restore quality of life. The design facilitates the ability to capture and transform water and light into usable energy and takes into account environmental and cultural needs. Use of light weight building materials and practices such as isolated prayer rooms for men and women are examples of some of the considerations for the design. Two units are currently en route to Sudan for field-testing.
"Citizen Assist Jewelry" - Freedom with Spinal Cord Injuries
Jonny Hehr
"Citizen Assist Jewelry" is designed to bring greater freedom to people living with spinal cord injuries. With the loss of grip strength and hand dexterity in many spinal cord injuries, the design helps to perform daily tasks such as dressing through bracing, hooking and pinching objects. This device is a tool for empowerment to embrace action, independence and life.
"Protective Footwear for the City" - A Motorcyclist's Dream
Satyan Gohil
This is an innovative motorcycle footwear concept for city wear. The system consists of wearing an armoured sock and protective boot that provides full ankle protection and is not restricting. Without the stiff confines of existing protective footwear, riders have exceptional mobility and the option of customizing protection on a per ride basis. With a sleek design, motorcyclists have the freedom to ride safely and with style.
"Without the convergence of creativity and functionality, the world would be a lot less interesting," said Dr. Ron Burnett, President, Emily Carr Institute. "Our students are leading a global movement with the help of our newly expanded Research and Industry Office. Their projects provide unique and creative answers to challenges faced all over the world."
BCIC is pleased to support the development of the Research and Industry Office at Emily Carr in helping students and faculty guide their projects from concept to reality. Building strong ties with industry by creating unique internships and identifying industry opportunities for design projects is a driving focus. The office will be a voice connecting art and industry in a partnership that will further innovation in design.
Event Details:
March 19, 2008, 1:30 to 2:30 pm
Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design
Charles H. Scott Gallery
1399 Johnston Street, Granville Island
Vancouver, British Columbia
Speakers:
The Honourable Murray Coell, Minister of Advanced Education
Soren Harbel, VP, Innovation Development, BC Innovation Council
Dr. Ron Burnett, President, Emily Carr Institute
Alex Suvajak, "A.Framefix"
Philippa Mennell, "Bambulance"
Joji Fukushima, "Reset"
Jonny Hehr, "Citizen Assist Jewelry"
Satyan Gohil, "Protective Footwear for the City"
High resolution photos and interviews can be arranged. Refreshments will be served.
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For more information:
Stephanie Leung
Communications Coordinator
BC Innovation Council
604.602.5249 | 1.800.665.7222
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Roxanne Toronto
Communications Officer
Emily Carr Institute
604.844.3075
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About British Columbia Innovation Council
British Columbia Innovation Council (BCIC) advances innovation and commercialization of applied science and technology in partnership with government, industry and academia. By supporting all levels of education, BCIC is focused on developing talented British Columbians. Building a strong future for the knowledge economy is essential to the success of B.C.'s economy. BCIC is a Crown Agency of the Province of British Columbia.
For more information about BC Innovation Council, visit www.bcic.ca.
About Emily Carr Institute
Based in Vancouver, BC, Canada, Emily Carr Institute is one of the world's premier art institutes devoted to excellence and innovation in visual arts, media arts and design. Emily Carr Institute offers Masters and Bachelor degree programs and a rich variety of continuing studies courses.
For more information about Emily Carr Institute, visit www.eciad.ca.
