Repurpose Rubber Design Workshop Series
December 2008 - March 2009

Now more than ever, we need to be focusing on sustainability. Dii will be holding a series of one-day mini-workshops to expose the public to the importance of design in relation to sustainability. These mini-workshops will eventually lead to a 5-day camp, Designing the World: Summer Youth Design Camp, for young adults (ages 14-17). During camp, attendees will learn how to shape their environment, affect their communities, and be exposed to careers in design.

The series of workshops include, but aren’t limited to, designs converting tire tubes into innovative products, corrugated cardboard into seatable furniture, and recycling clothing and accessories into new fashions.

Our first workshop is to feature a used commodity, like rubber tire tubes, and to transform them into something functional. It should bring awareness to our over burdened landfills and spawn alternative solutions for our future ecology. The best design solutions from the workshop will be showcased in diplays in San Diego public libraries and on Dii’s website. Selected designs may include purses, wallets, camera covers, etc.

Ultimately, Dii hopes to inspire people to realize their design potential (and awareness). San Diego scored high in Richard Florida’s book, The Rise of the Creative Class, stating that those who are engaged in the creative professions, such as designers, architects, and chefs, are integral to revitalizing cities and contributing to economic growth. The future we envision for our participants is one in which they are given leadership opportunities in building communities through innovative and thoughtful design.

Help us fund our mini-workshops by clicking the "Make a Donation" button (top left of page). Thank You.

This workshop was inspired by the AIGA Y-13 ThinkShop, "Stretching the Life Cycle of Tubes: Rubber Recraft Projects" faciliated by Mandana MacPherson, Lynda Grose, and Sue Redding.