WHAT WOULD YOU DESIGN (OR REDESIGN) THAT IS A NATURE-BASED SOLUTION TO A GLOBAL PROBLEM?

Using nature as a guide, students were asked to design solutions to global problems that improve our world. After reviewing hundreds of entries from across the country, Cooper Hewitt is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2019 National High School Design Competition, which challenged students to design (or redesign) a nature-based solution to a global problem. Congratulations to the three finalists:

Sound gardens as a solution to sound pollution in our cities
Daniela Contreras, age 19, and Lucas Dunoyer, age 17
Design and Architecture Senior High School, Miami, FL

Inspired by the Horned Lizard, RainScales collect and conserve water.
Bella Jacobs, age 17
Myers Park High School, Charlotte, NC

Inspired by Capuchin monkeys, piper fabric repels mosquitoes.
Marisol McEwan, age 17, and Teshawn Sinclair, age 18
Design and Architecture Senior High School, Miami, FL

On May 11–12, the finalists will attend Mentor Weekend at Adidas, in Portland, OR. Finalists will dive deep into the design process, learn more about how designers use design to solve everyday challenges, further discuss their design ideas, and prepare for the in-person judging. On June 9, the finalists will present in person at Cooper Hewitt in New York City to a diverse panel of creative experts. One winner will be announced, and all three finalists and honorable mentions will be on display at the Cooper Hewitt during the summer, and online at cooperhewitt.org.