Designing the future

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A child's poster entitled How to harvest rainwater Images: two houses, one with a tank fed by the gutter and the second with rainwater being harvested from a balcony. A close up of a rain water tank is also depicted. Text: Rainwater harvesting is an essential method to prevent the loss of water by storing it and reusing it in future for a variety of purposes, such as watering plants, cleaning, bathing or drinking. 3 ways of harvesting rainwater: 1) Using gutter system on a house. This is the most common way to collect rainwater. Setting up rain barrels at the base of your down spouts will collect a lot of water when it rains. 2) Using balcony. Using balcony to collect rainwater can be very effective. While smaller than a downspouts system, you can still collect enough to water the plants on your balcony, or even your indoor plants. 3) Using windows. By collecting water at your window you can still collect enough to water your indoor plants.

How to harvest rainwater

A child's image, divided horizontally into three sections. The top section shows four blue clouds pouring rain. On the left and right are small grassy islands with palm trees. The main, central section shows a brightly-coloured, two-storey house. To the left is a water tank and to the right four garden areas with different types of plants. The lowest section shows an underground cutaway. Pipes run from the water tank, the house and the garden. A large underground tank beneath the house stores water.

We have been learning about the importance of natural resources and how to utilize the available natural resources sustainably.

Child's poster entitled "Harvesting rain water" Image (top right) contains blue clouds and a rainbow, (bottom right) a bucket of water on grass next to the image of a tree. Text: Ways how rain water can be collected Some ways to collect rain water are... By keeping a water tank in the homes roof tops or make a built in underground water tank using concrete How to use rain water sustainably Ensure that the roof surface is suitable for collecting quality rain water Ensure roof gutters are installed to the appropriate standards and building codes with the regulation fall to the outlets Install a fire proof gutter mesh system to prevent leaves and debris from blocking gutters Fit gutter outlets on the underside of the roof gutter to minimize sludge build up Fit rain heads to downpipes to divert leaves and debris Fit insect proof screens to all pipes that hold water ("wet" systems) and all pipes and openings to/from your tank Fit appropriateely sized first flush water diverter/s Select an appropriate water tank top-up and pump system Draw water for usage from the aerobic zone Ensure the system is maintained

Harvesting rain water

Child's image drawn as a cross-section showing above and below ground level. On a sunny day a child lowers a long device into a water tank to collect water.

We have been learning about the importance of natural resources and how to utilize the available natural resources sustainably.

A child's drawing titled Harvesting Rainwater. The images shows a single-storey building with a single door and window. It is raining heavily and water runs from a gutter into a water butt. Next to the house is a large water tank with a tap. A person stands between the water containers holding a bucket into which water splashes.

Harvesting Rainwater

We have been learning about the importance of natural resources and how to utilize the available natural resources sustainably.

Child's image. A brick-built well stands next to a single-storey, yellow-painted house with a door and two curtained windows. It is raining. A pipe leads from the well, underground and to the house. A tap is on the outside house wall with a water bottle standing underneath it.

The water goes through the well into the pipe. From the pipe the rain water goes to the water tap. And you finally use the tap to put water in your bottle or your water pot.

A child's poster explaining two methods of rainwater harvesting and suggesting uses for the collected water. Image (bottom) A white house with a, A-shaped roof and a flat roof. A tank collects water harvested through ;pipes from both roofs. Buried in the garden is a well with a recharge pit. The picture is labelled to show where the rainwater is collected from and stored. Text: Ways to harvest rainwater: Surface run off harvesting. In this method rainwater flows away as surface run off and can be stored for future use. Ground water recharge. Ground water recharge is hydrologic process where water moves downward from surface water to ground water. How to use it sustainably: To water your plants To do laundry To wash your dishes You can also drink it

Ways to harvest rainwater and how to use it sustainably

Child's image of a red brick-built house with a steeply pitched yellow roof and a large water tank with a tap. A tree in full leaf grows next to the water tank. It is raining.

We have been learning about the importance of natural resources and how to utilize the available natural resources sustainably.

Stylised image of grey rainclouds above a green, modern, flat-roofed apartment. On the roof is a water tank and some bushes, and to the left of the apartment are two trees and more bushes. On the far left is a brick-built well brimming with water. Above this is the slogan "Save water today, use it tomorrow".

Save water today, use it tomorrow.

We have been learning about the importance of natural resources and how to utilize the available natural resources sustainably.

A 3-dimensional 'fruit van' made by a child out of white paper and pen

Future Oxford & the Maldives

We discussed: pollution, eco-homes and towns, plastic reduction, and how to tackle greenhouse gases.

A 2D/3D mixed media piece using watercolour paint, pipe cleaners, silver paper, tissue paper, card, cotton wool and lolly sticks. Trees, grass and brightly coloured flowers surround two ponds connected by a bridge, with a river flowing into one pond. A bench provides seating near the pond.

We gathered ideas and designed biodiverse gardens.

Multimedia piece in progress created from water colour paint, wooden lolly sticks, cardboard, cotton wool and coloured tissue paper. Image: a sign saying "biodiverse garden this way" points to a path which leads through grass and trees to a pond and a built structure behind a hedge and a gate.

We gathered ideas and designed biodiverse gardens.

A 2D/3D multimedia piece created with felt pen and watercolour paint, coloured tissue paper, pipe cleaners, a pom pom, recycled egg boxes and wooden lolly sticks. Image: a wind turbine stands in the centre of the garden which is divided into different zones by waterways. Two pyramid structures are in front of the wind turbine.

We gathered ideas and designed biodiverse gardens.

A multimedia piece created from watercolour paints, paper, recycled card, tissue paper, pipe cleaners, cotton wool and silver foil. Image: a river with a bridge and rocks runs diagonally through the garden. Trees and brightly coloured flowers are planted around the edge of a grassy area. The garden also contains two wooden structures, one with a ladder leading to it and the other with flowers growing from it.

We gathered ideas and designed biodiverse gardens.

The image shows a multimedia piece on a desk in a classroom. Two children's hands and some art equipment are visible. The piece depicts a garden containing planted areas, a rock-edged path and a pond. In the centre is a wooden structure.

We gathered ideas and designed biodiverse gardens.

A different view of the building on green cylinders showing the rooftop vegetable plot in the greenhouse and the inside of the building.

A living space for the future

Model made with painted cardboard tubes, felt, art straws and modelling clay. The model depicts a building made of on giant green tubes with a flat roof covered in solar panels. A greenhouse containing flowers and a cylindrical structure are also on the roof.

A living space for the future

The photo shows the roof and side of a building on green tubular stilts. A greenhouse created from art straws has a modelling clay flower and vegetable patch. An array of solar panels is arranged on the roof.

A living space for the future (different angle)

A multimedia 2D and 3D wall display made with paper, printed text, newspaper, paint, cardboard and art straws. Entitled "our eco-friendly bus" the display is made up of several elements, each with an explanatory panel: solar panels, recycled clothes for chairs, "take or leave a plant" and two structures to provide habitats for bees and other widlife.

Our Eco-friendly bus

Part of the eco-friendly bus display, this model created from recycled card has two built structures. A sign explains that they are a bug house and a bird house. A blue house is decorated with a bee and a green house is decorated with a butterfly and ladybird.

Bug house and bird house

Part of the eco-friendly bus design

A detail from the eco-friendly bus display. A cardboard sign says "Recycled clothes for chairs". Text boxes describe the makers' ideas including a 'take a plant' scheme which aims to encourage travellers to take home a free plant rather than the more usual newspaper, and an explanation of the choice of an electric engine and sustainable materials for the bus itself.

Recycled clothes for chairs

A detail from the eco-friendly bus display

The photo shows details from the eco-friendly bus design. At the top are six solar panels created from art straws, with a text explaining that these were intended to provide electricity for travellers' device charging points.

Solar panels; take or leave a plant

Details from the eco-friendly bus design

A painted 3D model made from recycled card and modelling clay. The model depicts a steep-roofed cottage with two windows and solar panels on the roof. Flowers grow up the sides of the house and beside the path to the red front door. The garden also contains a tree and a pond with two fish. A bicycle is propped up against the house wall.

A living space for the future

3D model created from card, art straws, modelling clay, tissue paper and paint. Flanked by two trees and two wind turbines is a triple-layered structure. The uppermost layer is a roof and the middle layer is a garden area with grass, a chair and table and a pond surrounded by rocks. This garden is supported on stilts.

A living space for the future

A child's model made mainly from painted card and plasticene. In the foreground is a tree next to the sea. Behind that is a two-storeyed building open on all sides. The roof is a garden with flowers, a pond and outdoor living area with a chair and table. The lower fllor is also furnished.

A living space for the future

Child's model. A hexagonal building stands atop a cylindrical tower with patterned walls and a door at the base. A clay bicycle rests against the wall within a grassy walled enclosure.

A living space for the future.

3D model created from recycled card. A brown-painted hexagonal building is placed on top of a cylindrical column. Windows are cut out of the upper part of the building. The whole structure is positioned inside a rectangular enclosure.

A building for the future

a 3D model made of wood, card, paint and live cress. Two tall wind turbines rise up behind a rectangular structure. Fixed to the side is a rectangular raised bed with cress growing from it. The whole structure is positioned on a wooden board.

A living space for the future

A 3D model of a dress. Its bodice is created from recycled beige and yellow ribbons, with a simple large blue flower motif. The skirt is created out of overlapping pieces of recycled newspaper fixed to fabric from an old T-shirt, and decorated with newspaper flowers. Behind the dress is an explanatory panel which includes a recipe for milk glue.

Eco Dress

Sustainable clothing

A mannequin wears a child's eco-dress. The skirt is made from recycled newspaper, gathered into a bodice created from duct tape

Eco-dress

A 3D model created from modelling clay, paper and thin wooden sticks. Two circular islands, surrounded by turquoise sea, are connected by a bridge. The left-hand island has a ring of houses with a central spiral structure, The right-hand island has two larger buildings and park areas.

A floating city

A living space for the future

A 3D model created from recycled cardboard, art straws, paint and wooden lolly sticks. A rainbow-coloured fence surrounds an inner enclosure which contains another rainbow-fenced area. The inner are has trees and a vegetable patch.

A living space for the future

3D model created with recycled plastic fruit containers and Lego. Image: Four transparent "domes" cover different models. One is of a house and two smaller fat-roofed buildings with grass and flowers growing on the roofs. One is a vegetable plot and another a flower bed. The fourth one has a bicycle visible.

A living space for the future

The photo shows four lego models covered by plastic domes created from recycled supermarket food containers. The nearest dome contains a vibrant garden area. To the left is a dome with three single-storey buildings with growing roofs.

A living space for the future

The photo shows a detail from the lego future space. Beneath a plastic dome made from a supermarket food container is a square grassy garden area with a wide variety of flowers and green plants.

A living space for the future (detail)

The photo shows a detail from the lego future living space. A plastic dome shleters what looks like a children's play area with a curved pink slide and steps, a yellow bike and two other pieces of equipment. Each is decorated with pink flowers.

A living space for the future (detail)

The photo shows a large paper display with four lego models under transparent plastic domes created from recycled food containers. The domes are labelled Rainfi=orest, Houses, Crops and food and 'Third dome'. The domes are to the left of the paper and the rest is filled with text boxes describing the makers' design ideas, including 'lift the flaps' labelled 'The Maldives', 'A new way of living', 'Funding' and 'Benefits'. Facts such as the environmental benefits of a plant-based diet are also included.

Hexagonal domes

A living system for the future

A child's 3D model of a 'fruit van' made from white paper and masking tape. Windows show silhouettes of people. Logos on the side of the van read "Fruit for Sale" and "Fruit by Cloudy".

Fruit for sale

A child's model of an eco-village. The village comprises three trees and two buildings, each with a wall planter. The village is powered by two large silver wind turbines and solar panels. There is a bicycle shelter with a bike leaning against one tree. In the foreground is a garden created from real earth and planted with tiny plants. A stone path leads to a pond with water lilies. Side view.

Eco-village (side view)

A child's model of an eco-village. The village comprises three trees and two buildings, each with a wall planter. The village is powered by two large silver wind turbines and solar panels. There is a bicycle shelter with a bike leaning against one tree. In the foreground is a garden created from real earth and planted with tiny plants. A stone path leads to a pond with water lilies. View from above.

Eco-village seen from above.

Child's image of a house with a rainbow-coloured balcony and a small attic room with a multicoloured spotty roof. A red door leads into the house from the balcony while on ground level is another secure door. Strawberries grow in the garden and there are several planters and a pond. A welcome mat leads to the front door. The roof is covered with real leaves which the child has glued to the image.

A living space for the future

Child's drawing. A red single-storeyed house has a green door and a green crescent on the wall. A swing is placed in the garden. Lots of fairy light are suspended from the house. To the right of the house is a water slide. Text explains that they designers decided to crate something fun out of the water that floods the Maldives, hence the water slide.

Be Eco!

Child's drawing of a modern house with large windows and a planted roof. A wind turbine and solar panels provide electricity. A garden has a pool and a tall tree with a hole which could provide a habitat for an owl or similar creature.

I did a drawing of an eco-house. As I wanted to show everyone that eco-houses are amazing and good for the environment. As well as, persuading people to buy one.

Child's image. An organically-shaped house stands in lush grassland with a tree and flowers which attract bees and butterflies. An owl nests in the tree and a bees' nest hangs from a branch. A fountain stands in the centre of the grass and to the right is a fish tank with a water slide element. The house has a welcome sign and indoor and outdoor living spaces.

A living space for the future

A two-panelled display. One panel is vertical and depicts a house on stilts with a planted roof. Text explains that the house was designed for the Maldives and is constructed using biodegradable materials, with coral and seagrass. The horizontal panel is painted in a blended variety of Maldivian colours such as turquoises and greens.

A living space for the Maldives. Features: The house is on stilts and made of biodegradable materials, corals and seagrass.

Child's drawing. A white-painted house has a balcony with window boxes and four curtained windows, and a sloping grass roof. In front of the house is a grass-roofed shelter with a tiled floor, next to a rectangular pool. Trees and plants line the garden which is protected by a barbed wire topped wall.

A living space for the future

Child's model. A brightly coloured box-shaped building made from painted card has a roof garden with a variety of decorative elements made from coiled multicoloured plasticene and curled pipe cleaners.

A living space for the future

A child's model made from card and silk clay. A flat rectangular landscape is divided into three island connected by bridges. On the near island are dome-shaped homes with solar panels and a fish pond. The central island is forested with conical trees. The far island has dome-shaped public buildings such as a hospital, and another pond.

A living space for the future. View from above.

A child's model made from card and silk clay. A flat rectangular landscape is divided into three island connected by bridges. On the near island are dome-shaped homes with solar panels and a fish pond. The central island is forested with conical trees. The far island has dome-shaped public buildings such as a hospital, and another pond.

A living space for the future (side view)

An armchair, a plant and a coffee table stand on a roof terrace above a red wall. In the garden below is a pond.

A living space for the future seen from above

Child's model made with card and plasticene. An armchair, plant and coffee table stand on a roof terrace above a red house wall.

A living space for the future

Child's model. A geodesic dome constructed from art straws and tape protects an island chain surrounded by bkue sea.

Geodesic dome

Child's model of a two-storey house with gardens on the flat roofs. A red canoe is tethered to the lower garden.

A living space for the future

The inside of a child's cardboard model of a house, resembling a dolls' house interior. The space is filled with brightly-coloured, fully furnished rooms on three floors. A water chute runs from the roof to ground level.

A living space for the future - side view

The inside of a child's cardboard model of a house, resembling a dolls' house interior. The space is filled with brightly-coloured, fully furnished rooms on three floors.

A living space for the future - inside

A child's cardboard model house. A brown-painted house with four windows. Flowers grow around each window and on the ground. A washing line with clothes stands in front of the house.

A living space for the future - front

A poster entitled Our Future Maldives. At the top are plants and a leaping dolphin. Two collages made with card are fixed onto the poster. These show a beach and the sea with litter. Arrows lead to messages including "Clean litter in the oceans"; "Stop littering in oceans"; "Rainwater or wind can make the rubbish fly into drains or rivers." "Don't throw rubbish away everywhere". On the right is an image of a house with arrows to the messages "Have greenhouses instead - why? - They help the planet - how? Plants are protected from harmful chemicals.

Our Future Maldives

We thought about some of the problems facing the Maldives such as litter in the ocean.

A brightly-coloured translucent overlay showing yellow buildings with pipes leading to the surface of the water. A banner reading "Welcome to Aqualand" stretches between two of the buildings.

Welcome to Aqualand

A living space for the future.

The bottom layer of a child's 2-part piece. This layer is a black and white sketch of futuristic houses under water. Each house has a pipe marked CO2 leading above the water surface, and a tank on the roof marked Oxygen. In the middle are two domes with children's play equipment.

Welcome to Aqualand

This is my underwater city. Here we live under water but we still have oxygen.

A model of a water filtration system created from a wooden board with two river banks made from modroc, a blue river made from paint and glue, and a wire mesh barrier. On one side of the barrier the water is full of litter and the water flows clear on the other side of the barrier.

We designed a water filtration system to catch litter (view from above).

A model of a water filtration system created from a wooden board with two river banks made from modroc, a blue river made from paint and glue, and a wire mesh barrier. On one side of the barrier the water is full of litter and the water flows clear on the other side of the barrier.

We designed a water filtration system to catch litter. Side view.

Child's 3D model of a large green house with a sharply pitched roof, many windows and a red door. The house is placed upon on a tall cylindrical column. A ladder leads up the column to the house.

A living space for the future

Child's image showing a wide view of a treehouse, a house with solar panels and a swimming pool, and beautiful parkland with play equipment, a maze, fountain and trees. Balloons and kites float in the sky.

A living space for the future

Part of me thinks that their thoughts are so fantastical and ‘out there’ that they’re just ridiculous. But they’re not. You know, they’re really sensible, well-thought-out ideas.

Teacher

If we don’t start now, make a difference now, we won’t be able to in the future and make a better life for the people who aren’t born yet.

Schoolchild

They’re going to gain so much. And actually, they’re going to gain so much that is measurable. It doesn’t have to be measured in a sit down formal ‘Can you answer these questions about climate change our planet and biodiversity?’ It can be measured in conversations with children, it will be measured in how they live their lives, how they take on what they’ve learned, and what they do with it in the future.

Teacher

There are people… who are showing that our generation can already make a difference even before we’re adults. It makes me feel like there’s hope rather than an endless list of things to fix.

Schoolchild

The [children are] like, fully sold on it, they really believe in what they’re doing. They’ve researched it. They’re very clear about what they’re doing. I think that they’ve been empowered. I think [the project] has transformed them.

Teacher