Abstract

This paper describes a project that was assigned to senior level Design students in the Department of Design and Computation Arts at Concordia University, Montreal. The objectives were to transmit advanced conceptual and creative skills while bringing students to integrate fundamental sustainable design principles. The challenge suggested was to create a base for the structure of recuperated chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames in the 1950's. This project stimulated students to deeply engage in the development of high quality designs and creative concepts while encouraging them to understand the importance of preserving the environment and the cultural heritage related to objects that are much too often discarded after the end of their useful life. This project was inspired by Metacycle, a design research that aims to prolong the lifespan of everyday objects (metacycle.ca).