Drop in on Design at Home: healing spaces in interesting places

How might we feel calm, happy, and joyful in the spaces and places around us? Inspired by objects in Cooper Hewitt’s latest exhibition, Design and Healing: Creative Responses to Epidemics, participants will be challenged to design a space to bring joy and happiness to their community and beyond.

Please register for this program here. 

Audience 

This intergenerational program is designed for children ages 5-12, but all are welcome to join.  Participate as a family or kids can join on their own to learn more about the basic principles and elements of design. This is a beginner workshop facilitated by a museum educator. No prior experience in design is required to participate. 

Materials

Participants have the option to design a 3-dimensional prototype using everyday materials from their home. If you are interested in prototyping, please collect materials prior to the workshop and have them ready for the workshop. Participation in all activities is possible without additional materials. Optional worksheets to organize and spark ideas will be provided prior to the program, but you can also use paper and any writing tools to generate and record your ideas.

Suggested Materials to Design a Prototype

  • Scissors
  • Writing and drawing utensils
  • Tape, glue, or glue stick
  • Thin and easy to cut cardboard packaging
  • Found materials like string, fabric, popsicle sticks, buttons, or items with a fun texture
  • Construction Paper
  • Clean food packaging or to-go containers
  • Objects from nature (flowers, rocks, etc.)
  • Any material that isn’t already in use, especially if it will go in the trash otherwise!

Accessibility

This free program will be hosted through Zoom, with the option to dial in as well. Details will be emailed to you upon registration. This program includes closed captioning. For general questions, or if we can provide additional accessibility services or accommodations to support your participation, please email CHEducation@si.edu or let us know when registering.

Special Thanks

Drop in on Design is made possible with major support from The Hirsch Family Foundation. Additional funding is provided by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.