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The Better World by Design Conference concluded yesterday by inflating the biggest, most colorful thing created over the course of its nine-year history.
The thing, which was described by both observers and its creators as even more colorful and large than the previous year’s big, multicolored inflatable thing, was set up on the main green for participants in the conference to interact with.
“Better World by Design has always been about using critical design thinking to solve societal problems,” said coordinator Michael Norriss ’17. “What better way to demonstrate that than with a colorful fabric bubble that you can sit inside?”
Norriss added that this year's thing improved on previous generations in several ways. "There's an opening at both ends this year, which enables people to walk completely through the thing. Though they're inside it, it never really encloses them," he said, adding, "It's kind of like the human body in that respect."
This year's thing also differs in its construction, Norris said, explaining that in previous years the thing has been made of several large segments sewn together into a sort of bubble. The newest thing is composed of hundreds of small segments of red, green or blue fabric, each of which forms a facet of the overall shape.
"Basically," he said, "not only is it multicolored - it's multicolored in a different way than before."
“Brown and RISD are proud to continue this innovative, integrative and collaborative tradition,” said RISD President Rosanne Somerson P'11 in a joint address with President Christina Paxson P’19, conducted in full view of both large, multicolored inflatable things. "This cutting-edge bubble composed 200 smaller, 70-denier ripstop nylon bubbles typifies that spirit of collaboration."
“Access,” Paxson added.
“Last year’s thing was set up on the walk between North and South campus, and you entered through a door to sit inside,” Somerson said, adding, “One of this year's things could be entered through any number of slots. Plus you could basically stand all the way up.”
At press time, noted University benefactor Steve Cohen had purchased all three inflatable things with the intent of donating them for permanent display.
