City Building

Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody..only when they are created by everybody. (Jane Jacobs)

Our imaginary city took shape at Artscape Youngplace's Recess 2 event. City building was an activity devised by the Givins ShawYouth Advisory Group and facilitated by Invention Squad. Our special guests Sipo Maphangoh and Daniel Fusca from the Toronto City Planning office shared insights about city development with the kids and parents.

Before

After

Daniel (right)

Sipo (left)

The first task was to fill the brainstorming centre with ideas for the evolving city:

And then the kids and parents built something awesome:

Community centre next to a park

The all edible restaurant

The gondola connecting different parts of the city together

Sidewalks, walkways and bike paths.

Cats were given pride of place in the city, with two cat play centres and even a cat bus.

Community housing

A concert hall by the lake.

An elevator to a viewing tower

Solar panel roofs on small houses.

Thanks to everyone -young and old- who participated in our city building event. It was fantastic seeing our city grow over time. Invention Squad encourages young people to design cities that work for people of all ages and abilities (and cats of course). 

Make something Awesome: Winter after-school sessions

A 7 week session is starting up on Mondays at Artscape Youngplace. There will be a pick up at Givins Shaw school. Students from other schools are welcome to join us at Artscape. 

Here's our schedule:

Week 1: “Toddler alert” Squeeze it, chew it, pull it, shake it. Using colour and texture, invent a new toy for toddlers.

Week 2: “Animal Treehouse” Plan and build a cosy tree-home for critters.

Week 3: “Groovy grub” Young entrepreneurs create a special meal, logo, brand and advert for their own restaurant.

Week 4: “Ready, set, go!”Make a super speedy junk-mobile and race your friends.

Week 5: “Set design” Create the stage for a production of your favourite story: Harry Potter, Star Wars, Cinderella.

Week 6: “Fairground game” The Wackamole moles have had enough! Invent a new game for the Ex. and test it by playing it.

Week 7: “Can-Am 2015” Design a new uniform for Canada in the 2015 Pan-Am games

For more information or to register, please email us: info@inventionsquad.ca

And here's our schedule for a 7 week session at Niagara Street on Tuesdays (starting on Jan 27th): Week 1: “Lunchbox” Invent a smarter way to dine in style at school. Week 2: “Animal Treehouse” Plan and build a cosy tree-home for critters. Week 3 : “Groovy grub” Young entrepreneurs create a special meal, logo, brand and advert for their own restaurant. Week 4: “Ready, set, go!” Make a super speedy junk-mobile and race your friends. Week 5: “Set design” Create the stage for a production of your favourite story: Harry Potter, Star Wars, Cinderella. Week 6: “Fairground game” The Wackamole moles have had enough! Invent a new game for the Ex. and test it by playing it. Week 7: “Can-Am 2015” Design a new uniform for Canada in the 2015 Pan-Am games For more information or to register, please email us: info@inventionsquad.ca