Design an Animal Sanctuary

Course Overview:

In this immersive two-day holiday camp, students will take on the role of thoughtful designers as they conceptualize, plan, and build a sanctuary tailored to the needs of animals. This experience offers more than just creative exploration. It invites students to consider how design can actively support animal welfare, environmental education, and the possibility of coexistence between wildlife and urban life.

Course Content:

Animal sanctuaries are more than places of refuge. They are intentionally designed environments that allow rescued or endangered animals to recover, thrive, and live with dignity. At the same time, they serve as educational spaces that raise public awareness about conservation, biodiversity, and the delicate balance between humans and the natural world.

Here in Singapore, sightings of otters swimming through canals or monkeys rummaging through urban estates are becoming increasingly common. These encounters remind us that as cities continue to grow, the habitats of wild animals shrink. Through this project, students will explore how intentional design can create spaces that respect the needs of both animals and people, fostering harmony in shared environments.

Day 1: Choose an animal (Penguin, Monkey, Elephant, or Otter), learn about its needs, and design a sanctuary layout. Students will sketch and begin building 3D prototypes.

Day 2: Continue building and refining their models, then present their sanctuary designs—explaining how their ideas support animal needs, conservation, and co-existence.

Learning Outcomes:

• Design Thinking Skills: Children will learn to brainstorm, ideate, and prototype solutions for real-world challenges.
• Environmental Awareness: Understand the importance of animal habitats and how design can support conservation and co-existence with humans.
• Creativity & Innovation: Develop imaginative and practical designs for an animal sanctuary.
• Collaboration & Communication: Work in teams to share ideas, refine concepts, and present final designs confidently.
• Problem-Solving: Apply design principles to balance functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics.

Teaching Methods:

• Hands-On Prototyping: Children will use craft materials to build 3D models of their sanctuary ideas.
• Guided Design Thinking Process: Step-by-step exploration from empathy and ideation to prototyping and presentation.
• Visual & Storytelling Approach: Using sketches, diagrams, and narratives to bring sanctuary designs to life.
• Collaborative Teamwork: Group discussions and joint projects to encourage peer learning and teamwork.
• Real-World Inspiration: Exposure to architecture and environmental design concepts, made child-friendly and engaging.

Prerequisites:

No background needed.

Assessment Methods:

No assessments will be done

Required Materials:

• Water bottles and a light jacket.

Important Notes:

• Price includes 2 x snacks, lunch and all model making materials.
• All materials will be provided.
• Students may design a sanctuary beyond the core list, but should come prepared with research on the species' needs and behaviours to apply effectively in their design

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