Community Design Atelier
Turtlewings Atelier 650m2 of Creative Space for all!
In 2012 we moved Turtlewings from 60m2 to 650m2! The project aimed to design an urban space that would serve as a community design atelier for people of all ages, cultures, languages, and abilities. The main idea was to create an inclusive space where everyone could participate in experimental design using found objects and reused materials inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. During the four years, this project ran, the space was used, enjoyed and played in by people of all backgrounds coming together to create, learn, and share ideas, regardless of their language, interest, abilities, or knowledge.
The space had three floors:
Experimental design space: The main floor of the atelier was a public design space organized into different zones, including a cafe and eating zone, makers lab, design lab, move lab, science lab, and nature lab. The zones were designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing for different activities and users.
Creative reuse centre: The basement of the atelier was a creative reuse centre that collected industry scrap and provided it to educators and artists through a yearly membership. The centre was a member of the international Remida network.
Co-working space and artist studios: The top floor of the atelier was a co-working space and artist studios, providing opportunities for local artists and entrepreneurs to grow and develop their businesses.
Additionally, there was a studio in the courtyard hosting visiting artists. The centre welcomed parents and children on Saturdays, children’s camps during holidays, professional development for teachers, corporate play workshops, and art exhibitions.
Turtlewings Space was divided into zones:
Piazza: The most significant zone encompassed the entrance coat area, eating and meeting tables, kitchen, library loft and small shop.
Make: The first zone you encountered was full of building materials, animals and varying surface heights for building and displaying.
Design: This area was where most plans were hatched. A large table that could accommodate large group discussions.
Move: Covered entirely with floormats, this was not only a zone to move but became an intimate small meeting area and relaxation zone.
Science: Perhaps the smallest zones, but with the most diverse materials and tools, was the science lab, which also had a hidden secret lab under the library loft.
Nature: This was a covered outdoor area for exploring growing seeds and making messes!
The objectives and goals of the design were:
To create an inclusive community design atelier that promoted creativity, experimentation, and learning among people of all ages, cultures, languages, and abilities.
To design a space organized into zones, each focusing on makers, designers, artists, creative reuse, movement, science, and nature.
To create a space that fostered collaboration and interaction between people from diverse backgrounds and interests.
To create an environmentally sustainable space that incorporates green design features and materials.
The design philosophy and principles for the community design Atelier were:
Reggio Emilia Approach: The design philosophy of the atelier is inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach, an educational philosophy focused on child-centred, experiential learning. The approach encourages collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
Inclusivity: The design principle of inclusivity is fundamental to the atelier. It aims to create a space that is welcoming and accessible to people of all ages, cultures, languages, and abilities.
Sustainability: The atelier incorporates sustainable design principles, such as using green materials, energy-efficient lighting, and waste reduction practices.
Flexibility: The design principle ensures that the space can adapt to different activities and users. The zones and areas are designed to be multifunctional and adaptable.
Collaboration: The atelier is designed to promote cooperation and interaction between people. The space layout is organized to encourage communication and collaboration between the different zones and spaces.
Creativity: The atelier is designed to inspire creativity through found objects, experimentation, and exploration. The design philosophy encourages people to think creatively and create something unique.
Education: The atelier promotes teaching and learning by providing professional development opportunities, educational programs, and workshops.
“A hundred subtle aesthetic hands-on experiences for all the senses: of light and shadows, of the visible and the hidden, open spaces and secret refuges, silhouettes in shadow, natural elements, objects staged to tell endless stories, futuristic constructions, inhabited ceilings and a treasure cellar.
In this place, objects came to life, thoughts were put in motion, and meaning was given to feelings. It is difficult to describe the abundance of creative energy within Turtlewings because it was both a personal and a collective process nourished by each individual, interacting with others and the environment that sustained it. ”
This testimonial is from Michelle Uthurry, who was integral in introducing the Community Atelier to the community.
This is only a short excerpt from a larger text (translated from French). If you are interested in ready her entire recollection, click below.
The community design atelier offered many benefits to children, creatives, parents, and educators:
Children: The atelier provides a space to explore, experiment, and learn through creative activities. Through collaboration and interaction, children can develop their creativity, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Creatives: The atelier offers a space for local creatives to work, network, and develop their businesses. The co-working space and artist studios provide a supportive environment for creativity and innovation.
Parents: The atelier allows parents to engage with their children in creative activities. The Saturday sessions and children’s camps during holidays enable parents to spend quality time with their children.
Educators: The atelier offers professional development opportunities for educators, providing them with new ideas and strategies to incorporate into their teaching.
Inclusivity: The atelier was designed to be inclusive and welcoming to people of all ages, cultures, languages, and abilities, which promoted diversity and understanding among different groups of people.
Sustainability: The atelier incorporates sustainable design principles, promoting environmental awareness and responsible consumption practices.
Collaboration and communication: The atelier promotes cooperation and communication among people from diverse backgrounds and interests, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose
