Starting from stories of the 1973 oil crisis and examples of international architecture projects that use minimal energy, this program introduces concepts of ecological materials and design principles, and challenges children to propose new and environmentally-conscious ways of living. This program sensitizes children to their role as actors in society and invites them to collectively solve problems with their peers, by exploring techniques of design, planning, and assembly.

The workshop takes place in three parts:

• A presentation of illustrations by the British artist Harriet Russell, which explains the origin and many uses of oil as a source of energy, encourages children to discuss ways of living differently, and asks them to propose alternatives to non-renewable energy sources.
• A drawing exercise in which small groups of children collectively design a house powered only by renewable energy and built of sustainable materials. Each group then presents and explains the details of their concept and construction to the rest of the group.
• The program ends with a construction workshop in which children are asked to work together as a group to create temporary, three-dimensional structures.

To Live Differently is a 90 minute long workshop offered year-round in either French and English. We can accommodate up to 30 children per visit. To make a reservation or for more information, please contact us at public@cca.qc.ca or call +1 514 939 7002.