Tolerance Planet leverages the concept of biomimicry. Biomimicry is an innovative approach that seeks to emulate nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies to find sustainable solutions to human challenges. By studying nature’s designs and processes, it helps in developing new materials, technologies, or processes that can contribute to a more sustainable and harmonious co-existence between humans and the natural world

This initiative encourages students to observe nature and draw inspiration for solving real-world problems. Students will be asked to solve one of the following challenges:

1. Reduce Water Wastage in your community.
2. Optimise food usage in UAE households.
3. Improve wellbeing in educational institutions.

• To nurture creativity and innovation among undergraduates.
• To promote the values of tolerance and coexistence through technological solutions.

Projects are judged on rubrics based on the following success criteria:

• Solutions that meet the technical requirements inspired by biomimicry
• Technical innovation that aligns with the principles of tolerance.
• Projects that are inclusive and promote diversity.

Prof. Carlos Montaña PhD
is a founding faculty and chair of research in the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation DIDI (in collaboration with MIT and Parsons), and full professor (adjunct) at Queensland University of Technology QUT. He is an academic, design and innovation strategist, advisor for government and industry, jury of international design awards, speaker, and an entrepreneur currently based in the Middle East. An award-winning design and academic leader, he has 30+ years’ experience in Colombia, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. His transdisciplinary research in design, innovation and entrepreneurship focuses on sustainable development, with expertise in biomimicry and design for health. He was program director of ID in the University of Canberra, Assistant Professor of ID in the National University of Singapore, and Adjunct Assistant Professor in Product Design Engineering in EAFIT University in Colombia. Many of his projects, as well as projects by his students, received international design awards, including Braun Prize, Dupont Imagineering and Red Dot, among others.

Teams should formulate a maximum of four members and be multidisciplinary. It is beneficial to have team members from at least one of the following disciplines:

• Engineering and Technology;
• Environmental Science;
• Business and Management;
• Engineering, Design;
• Architecture and Urban Planning
• Health and Wellbeing.

• Sustainability Insight: Gain deeper understanding through biomimicry.
• Creativity Boost:
• Enhance innovative skills by solving real-world problems.
• Tolerance Promotion:
• Learn coexistence through team collaboration.
• Practical Problem-Solving: Gain hands-on experience in addressing community issues.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Foster a holistic approach to problem-solving.

• The opportunity to showcase their work on a dedicated website
• A MacBook Air
• Design / technical software 1-1 design mentoring and guidance
• Access to innovation spaces and prototyping
• Time with business leaders to pitch successful solutions

Tolerance Media utilizes the power of Apple technology. Using iPhone, students are provided with tools and resources they need to create impactful narratives. Through Tolerance Media, students are not only equipped with the knowledge for film-making but are also provided with a platform to explore and express ideas central to tolerance, sustainability, and cultural coalescence, mirroring the broader objectives of the Tolerance without Borders initiative. Students will be asked to create a short film or documentary inspired by one of the following themes:

1. Solar Synergy: Unified Efforts in Renewable Energy
2. Fabric of Society: Sustainable Fashion and Cultural Expression
3. Green Beats: Music as a Catalyst for Environmental Activism
4. Tech for Good: Innovations Bridging Cultural Gaps
5. Sustainable Tourism: Traveling with Respect and Curiosity
6. Waves of Change: Ocean Conservation and Global Unity
7. Community Canvas: Urban Art Promoting Social Sustainability
8. Green Games: Sports Uniting Communities for Sustainability
9. Culinary Cultures: Sustainable Food Practices Across Borders
10. Youth Visions: Empowering the Next Generation for Global Challenges
11. Architects of Tolerance: Building Spaces for Inclusion and Sustainability

 

• Cultivate Practical Filmmaking Skills
• Foster Creative Expression
• Promote Understanding of Tolerance and Sustainability
• Encourage Collaborative Learning

Projects are judged on rubrics based on the following success criteria:

•  Quality of Storytelling
• Technical Proficiency
• Engagement with Themes
• Effective teamwork

This initiative is facilitated by Richard Cawood. Richard is an award-winning British-American creative media professional and educator currently based in Dubai. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the prestigious College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) at the University of Cincinnati. His multifaceted career has encompassed three core areas of expertise: teaching, creative leadership, and new media, enabling him to adeptly tackle a broad spectrum of creative challenges. Presently, Richard serves as an Assistant Professor at the College of Art and Creative Enterprises, Zayed University.

Teams should formulate a maximum of four members and be multidisciplinary. It is beneficial to have team members from at least one of the following disciplines:

• Film and Media
• Communication and Journalism
• Digital Media and Design
• Education and Humanities
• Art and Fine Arts

 

• Skill Development: Acquire practical filmmaking and storytelling skills using advanced Apple technology.
• Creative Expression: Harness creative potential through thematic short film or documentary projects.
• Tolerance and Sustainability Awareness: Engage with themes promoting tolerance, sustainability, and cultural understanding.
• Collaborative Learning: Enhance teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration through Challenge-based learning.
• Professional Guidance: Gain insights and guidance from seasoned media professionals.

 

• The opportunity to showcase their film at a dedicated film festival
• A MacBook Air
• Design / technical software
• 1-1 design mentoring and guidance
• Access to professional film-makers