The Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) has announced its second annual
OTS Student Design Challenge. The competition asks Ontario students to re-design a public space using materials made from recycled Ontario tires.
Last year's inaugural OTS challenge saw student groups successfully reinterpret a community space at the Evergreen Brick Works. The winning design, a riverbank-themed outdoor gathering space designed by
Humber College students Gloria Perez and Jessica Gaficopens, opened to the public this summer.
This year, participating post-secondary student groups are being asked to envision ways to beautify a new concourse at the Toronto Central YMCA, located at 20 Grosvenor St (just south of Yonge and Wellesley). The winning team will see their design implemented and will be eligible to receive up to $3,000 in scholarship funds.
Established in 2009, the
Ontario Tire Stewardship is an "Industry Funding Organization" or IFO. IFOs, as establised by
Ontario's 2002 Waste Diversion Act, are organizations comprised of industry representatives tasked with implementing rules to help their industry divert a particular product from ending up in landfills. The OTS design competition is way of bringing awareness to ways in which tires can be reused in an environmentally friendly context.
"The design challenge at the YMCA will benefit community members for years to come," says Andrew Horsman, executive director at OTS. "We hope the challenge will increase community organizations' use of environmentally friendly products, like those made from recycled tires, while inspiring students to incorporate these products into future designs."
The 2013 challenge will begin with a two-day event in mid-January at the Toronto Central YMCA, where partipating students will be introduced to design professionals, YMCA representatives and manufacturers. Students will learn about the kinds of materials that can be made from used tires and will get an idea of what their client, the YMCA, is looking for.
"The Y is committed to adapting to the needs of the community as it changes and grows," stated Mehdi Zobeiry, vice president of the YMCA of Greater Toronto in a press release.
Writer: Katia Snukal
Source: Ontario Tire Stewardship