In today's world, humans often share their neighborhoods with all kinds of wild animals, even if we don't always notice them! For example, mongooses might hide in the dark corners of our backyards, feral chickens could wander around parking lots, and myna birds may use bits of plastic to build their nests. These surprising interactions remind us that humans and animals share the same space and that maybe, just maybe, we can create places where we can all live together more happily.

In this studio, students will work in pairs to imagine and design spaces where both people and animals can live side by side. But instead of building regular animal shelters, students will get creative, thinking of new and exciting ways to make spaces that are good for both humans and the animals around them.

What is a Co-Habitable Space?

A co-habitable space is a special type of place designed to be shared by both humans and animals. It’s a space that allows people and local wildlife to live together peacefully, making our communities healthier and happier.

Learning Goals:

• Research Local Wildlife: Learn about the animals in our neighborhoods and understand the challenges they face.
• Focus on Specific Locations: Use observations and research to design spaces that fit the environment around us.
• Come Up with Ideas to Help: Think of ways to make spaces where both humans and animals can live safely and happily.
• Design with Animals in Mind: Create spaces that make life better for animals and people.
• Imagine Real-Life Examples: Create stories and drawings that show how people and animals might use these shared spaces together.

By the end of the studio, students will have designed and built their own creative projects, learning how humans and animals can live in harmony. Let's work together to make our world a better place for everyone, big and small!