May 8-9, 2024

Join the BSI's Summit and help develop forward-thinking solutions around smart sustainability based on societal and planetary challenges.

FOR TOMORROW Charrette 2023

Calling all students and faculty! Join the workshop and help expand GBC's first sustainable fashion brand!
Date:
Oct 19, 2023
Oct 23, 2023
Location:
Casa Loma Campus, 160 Kendal Avenue, Toronto

Overview

Become the creative minds behind the next wave of product from the FOR TOMORROW brand, GBC's first sustainable fashion brand!

The FOR TOMORROW Charrette is a creative and collaborative brainstorming and prototyping challenge aimed at tackling multi-stakeholder, complex problems as Fashion transitions from high-impact to circular.

Students and Faculty from the schools of Fashion, Jewelry, Design, Business, and IT programs are invited to work in teams, with mentors, to bring innovative and sustainable solutions that meet the needs of real users over an intensive few days.

What are the Streams?

Ways of Sharing

• The relationship between Working & Learning

• Themes: harmonization of work and learning practices, people-friendly workspaces, sustainable learning methodologies

‍• Facilitator: Eric Meerkamper
• Case Study: FireINtegra



In a world facing sustainability challenges, the relationship between work and learning needs a paradigm shift. Not only do traditional models contribute to environmental strain but emerging technologies are increasingly both enabling change and disrupting existing work and learning models, creating a pressing need for sustainable innovations that harmonize work and learning practices.

This Stream will explore sustainable innovations in learning and work.

Determine how cutting-edge practices can provide solutions to the environmental and social upheaval that is underway. From the harmonization of work and learning practices, to people-friendly workspaces, to sustainable learning methodologies, we'll delve into transformative solutions that shape a future that is more socially sustainable.

• The relationship between Health & Wellness

• Themes: mental well-being, community resilience, and inclusive care strategies

• Facilitator: Jane Cooke-Lauder
• Case Study: Source Farm



Exploring novel ways of caring for individuals and communities.

In our fast-paced world, health challenges abound, impacting both individuals and communities. The traditional approaches to healthcare often fall short in addressing the holistic well-being of individuals, leaving communities vulnerable to various health-related issues.

This Stream will explore innovative solutions in the realm of health and wellness.

We’ll lead discussions on holistic approaches to healthcare, mental well-being, community resilience, and inclusive care strategies. We’ll delve into the latest advancements, compassionate strategies, and collaborative initiatives that contribute to healthier societies.

Ways of Caring

Ways of Living

• The relationship between Housing & Community

• Themes: redefine urban living, infrastructure development, and housing design

• Facilitator: Kristina Verner
• Case Study: Eglinton West



Our current living practices and infrastructure often contribute to environmental degradation and urban challenges.

Traditional approaches to housing and infrastructure can be unsustainable, posing threats to both the well-being of individuals and the health of the planet.

This Stream will explore cutting-edge solutions and sustainable practices that redefine urban living, infrastructure development, and housing design. We’ll envision and create a blueprint for tomorrow’s living spaces where comfort and environmental harmony coexist.

Be Part of Something Transformative!

  • Design Thinking: We believe in the power of creativity, empathy, and interdisciplinary collaboration to unlock breakthrough solutions.
  • Innovation and Exploration: We will challenge conventional wisdom and embrace unconventional approaches to discover novel solutions.
  • Global Collaboration: Through collaboration, we aim to harness collective intelligence and foster a shared responsibility for addressing the climate crisis.
  • Sustainability and Resilience: By prioritizing Eco-conscious principles, we fortify our foundation for a more sustainable, resilient world.

More Details

Circular fashion design is a revolutionary concept that aims to close the loop on waste and pollution in the fashion industry. The FOR TOMORROW fashion line, developed by GBC students and the Brookfield Sustainability Institute at George Brown College, is closing the loop by supporting systematic shifts in the fashion industry by designing innovative garments that contribute to a more sustainable process and promote short- and long-term behavioral change for both suppliers and consumers. It is a Circular Economy Fashion Brand for all apparel that will be available for the GBC community, including college swag, uniforms, and specialized PPE, by working with our own Fashion Exchange production facility and industry partners.

For further background on last year's Design Charrette that created the first FOR TOMORROW clothing, please visit FIT Charrette. Below, you'll find one participant's inspiring testimonial.

"In October 2023, I participated in my first FIT Charrette, collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team to design a smart, sustainable backpack. The workshop reaffirmed my passion for design and launched my career in the design industry - initially as a student designer and now as a UX Designer for the Brookfield Sustainability Institute. I highly recommend the workshop to students interested in sustainable fashion, looking to make meaningful change!"

Don't hesitate to join us on this insightful journey towards a brighter future.

Secure your spot now by clicking here.

Fully Booked

Gallery

Recordings from the Summit are now available!