"What is Sustainable?" at the KEA Charrette
HLOs: 
By: Hanadi Alnawab
Participating in the KEA Charrette at the Copenhagen School of Design and Technology in Denmark was a transformative experience, as Humber students joined a remarkable group of peers and educators from ten different countries to explore the question, “What is sustainable?” in collaboration with advisors and local businesses.
The week-long journey was filled with brainstorming, networking, building, setbacks, breakthroughs, unlearning, and relearning—a true experience of growth and innovation. As described by our Humber students, the experience was nothing short of transformative.
Nine students from Humber travelled to Copenhagen for the Charrette, held from October 5th - 12th, where they worked in multidisciplinary teams to tackle the question, “What is sustainable?” Together, they developed sustainability concepts for five local Copenhagen businesses. The week began with inspiring talks and presentations on sustainability, introductions to project collaborators, and an overview of the New European Bauhaus Compass. Students participated in advisor sessions and hands-on workshops to support their Charrette projects, culminating in final presentations and a celebratory event.
This unique opportunity underscored the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and global perspectives in addressing complex questions like sustainability. Working alongside students and educators from diverse backgrounds, Humber students learned to view sustainability through varied cultural and professional lenses, enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
With a focus on sustainability, creative problem-solving, and teamwork, the KEA Charrette experience aligns perfectly with the skills needed in today’s job market, providing students with a solid foundation for future success.
