Sheridan College participates in realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Sheridan Library Services saw an opportunity to show the Sheridan community how materials in its Material ConneXion Collection helps designers create with sustainability in mind.

Designed and installed by student co-curators Kelsey Vassallo and Jacentea Kerlow from the Experiential Design program, the exhibit features sustainable materials including denim recycled into wall panels, repurposed war metal made into figurines, and fishing nets harvested for carpet manufacturing. All demonstrate how material manufacturers are materializing a greener tomorrow and contributing to the UN SDGs.

The student co-curators were given a site tour and instructions to envision the link between the collection and the UN SDGs. After researching both they created a concept and title linking the two and ensured a participatory aspect: visitors to the exhibit were invited to share their responses to the curators’ question: “What materials/practices in your field of study could be used to help make it more sustainable?”

Vassallo and Kerlow also noted the Material ConneXion Collection was not well signed and added directional signage, as an added feature.