## Breadcrumb 1. [Home](/index%2Ephp/) 2. [News and Stories](/index%2Ephp/news) 3. [Neighbours of the Lake: Students Explore Urban Transformation Through Creative Collaboration](/index%2Ephp/markdownify/node/3327) April 15, 2025 # Neighbours of the Lake: Students Explore Urban Transformation Through Creative Collaboration ![People in neon vests and construction hats standing outside](/sites/default/files/styles/1_5_1_large/public/2025-04/33.jpg.webp?itok=EGFFPaTX) rgb(255,255,255) ![Group of students standing around a desk in conversation](/sites/default/files/styles/1_5_1_large/public/2025-04/22.jpg.webp?itok=t3Hkujgh) On Saturday, February 1, seven OCAD University students took part in ***Neighbours of the Lake \| A Creative Workshop on the Port Lands***, an immersive, hands-on learning experience exploring the intersection of social design, cultural research, and urban development. Led by Meichen Waxer, Program Development Specialist, Admissions + Recruitment, in collaboration with Waterfront Toronto and Mexico City's Culturans, the workshop offered a unique opportunity for students to engage with one of the city’s most ambitious infrastructure projects—the Waterfront Toronto Port Lands Flood Protection initiative. This large-scale redevelopment effort aims to enhance climate resilience, restore natural ecosystems, and reimagine public space along Toronto’s eastern waterfront. The workshop invited participants to consider the evolving relationship between people, place, and urban change, with a focus on how inclusive, sustainable, and creative design practices can shape the future of this rapidly transforming area. **A Transformative Learning Experience** Thanks to a generous scholarship, seven students were selected to participate in the workshop. Through interactive discussions, hands-on design activities, and guided reflection, they were introduced to new perspectives on urban planning—not only as a technical process, but as a catalyst for social and environmental transformation. “The most valuable lessons learned from this collaboration were the power of participatory design, the importance of fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, and the impact of experiential learning in reshaping perceptions of urban development,” said Waxer. “We hope the students left with a deeper appreciation of how urban planning can serve as a catalyst for social and environmental transformation, while the partner institution gained new perspectives on how to engage the next generation in meaningful city-building efforts.” The session emphasised co-creation, empathy-driven problem-solving, and design-led approaches to tackling complex urban challenges. Students worked collaboratively across disciplines, engaging with professionals in design, urban planning, and cultural research to explore what it means to be an “active neighbour” in a newly forming community. rgb(255,255,255) ![audience listening in on a panel discussion](/sites/default/files/2025-04/44.jpg) **From Insight to Impact** Activities throughout the day encouraged critical thinking and creative exploration. Participants unpacked key elements of the Port Lands initiative and proposed ideas that aligned with the values and visions of community stakeholders. The workshop concluded with a powerful panel discussion examining how sustainable and creative approaches in urban design can foster carbon-neutral, inclusive, and culturally vibrant city spaces. For students, this workshop was a chance to deepen their understanding of the social and environmental dimensions of urban planning while building essential skills in collaboration, presentation, and critical reflection. For the partner organisations, it offered valuable insight into how emerging professionals view the future of urban development—and affirmed the importance of participatory design in shaping inclusive and resilient communities. **Looking Ahead** *Neighbours of the Lake* revealed the transformative potential of experiential learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. By bringing students into direct dialogue with real-world challenges and changemakers, the workshop sparked new ways of thinking about civic engagement, sustainability, and creative problem-solving. As we look to the future of the Port Lands and other projects like it, this collaboration highlights the vital role of the next generation in imagining and building equitable, environmentally responsive cities. ## Other Recent News [### 2027 Critical Distance Centre for Curators Projections Program Call for Artists OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) and Critical Distance Centre for Curators (CDCC) have partnered to co-create CDCC Projections Program Career Launcher. Four (4) to five (5) selected emerging artists will receive $690 to exhibit work in a single channel, projection-based screening program that will be displayed at the CDCC in March 2027. October 30, 2026 ](/news/2027-critical-distance-centre-curators-projections-program-call-artists) [### OCAD U’s Global Centre for Climate Action and EU bring large-scale art to Toronto’s Canada Malting Silos The Light and Melting Temporalities transformed the waterfront into a canvas for climate reflection. October 6, 2026 ](/news/ocad-us-global-centre-climate-action-and-eu-bring-large-scale-art-torontos-canada-malting) [### Call for Project Participants: From Our Points of View Encounters with Artists A student-led year-long visiting artist project, under the mentorship of Governor General's Award winning artist Max Dean September 30, 2026 ](/news/call-project-participants-our-points-view-encounters-artists) Related Stories ## Related Stories [### Creative Ecologies: Art, Sustainability & Community Resilience in Nassau, Bahamas In May 2026, the International Programs & Collaboration Office is offering a co-curricular opportunity in Nassau, Bahamas. This program is tailored to students working in all mediums and creative disciplines and is designed to strengthen their professional practice through hands-on learning. February 17, 2026 ](/news/creative-ecologies-art-sustainability-community-resilience-nassau-bahamas) [### OCAD University announces 2026 Ateneo Art Award Resident Jel Suarez Filipino artist Jel Suarez has been selected as OCAD University’s 2026 Ateneo Art Award Resident, part of OCAD U’s partnership with the Ateneo Art Gallery at Ateneo de Manila University. The residency supports emerging artists whose practices reflect creativity, critical engagement and innovation. Building on the 2024 residency of Doktor Karayom, who presented No One’s At Home (Walang Tao Sa Bahay) in Toronto, proceeds from a limited-edition shirt designed by Karayom will help support Suarez’s upcoming residency and strengthen cultural exchange between OCAD University and the Ateneo Art Gallery. October 15, 2025 ](/news/ocad-university-announces-2026-ateneo-art-award-resident-jel-suarez) [### OCAD U at FUZE Caribbean Art Fair 2025 OCAD University students, alumni and faculty will present In Common Ink at FUZE Caribbean Art Fair 2025, held October 22–26 at Baha Mar in Nassau, The Bahamas. The project features collaborative risograph prints exploring shared histories and identity, created with visiting Bahamian artist John Cox. Limited-edition prints will be for sale. October 7, 2025 ](/news/ocad-u-fuze-caribbean-art-fair-2025)