How can accessible, community-driven solutions help restore polluted marine environments?
The Project: Improving Water Quality in Hawaii’s Ala Wai Canal
In response to the driving question, Kenzo W. developed a service learning project focused on improving water quality in Hawaii’s Ala Wai Canal. By collaborating with the Genki Ala Wai Project, he explored how natural, low-cost solutions can address pollution while engaging the local community.
The Design Goal
Working from a personal connection to the marine environment, Kenzo aimed to implement a sustainable solution to reduce pollution in a highly contaminated waterway.
Creative Direction: A bioremediation approach using natural microorganisms to restore ecological balance.
Production Process: Coordinating the creation, drying, and preparation of Genki Balls with local partners.
Final Outputs: Deployment of over 1,000 Genki Balls and documentation of environmental impact.
Innovation & Ethics
The project highlighted how simple, nature-based solutions can drive change:
Sustainable Practices: Use of effective microorganisms and organic materials to break down pollutants.
Accessibility & Community Impact: A low-cost, hands-on process enabling participation across age groups.
Environmental Responsibility: Focus on natural, long-term restoration methods.
Field Research & Immersive Learning
Kenzo grounded his project through direct engagement with his local environment:
Ala Wai Canal: A heavily polluted waterway impacted by sewage runoff and unsafe bacteria levels.
Genki Ala Wai Project: A key partnership supporting implementation and learning.
Community Collaboration: Over 30 volunteers contributed to producing and deploying the Genki Balls.
Final Product: A Community-Based Environmental Intervention
The Assessment: Successful production and deployment of 1,000+ Genki Balls.
Academic Component: A collaborative, hands-on initiative involving local volunteers.
The Summative Reflection: Featured on Hawaii News Now, expanding awareness.
The Summative Reflection:
Kenzo recognized the power of accessible, natural solutions in addressing complex environmental challenges, highlighting the impact of community-driven action.
How can traditional Vietnamese garments and fashion practices be reimagined through the integration of modern design, global influences, and ethical fashion business models?
The Project: Vietnamese Fashion & Business Exploration
In response to the driving question, Zach H. and Nora W. developed individual fashion-focused projects within a shared mentor group centered on fashion. While each pursued distinct creative directions, their work collectively explored the intersection of Vietnamese tradition, contemporary design, and ethical fashion systems.
The Design Goal
Working from a self-defined vision, the student aimed to create original fashion pieces inspired by traditional Vietnamese clothing, adapted to modern fashion culture.
Creative Direction: Designs blended Vietnamese traditional aesthetics with contemporary, global influences.
Production Process: The student collaborated with a local fashion house to manufacture garments, gaining hands-on experience in measurements, technical design, and communication with industry professionals.
Final Outputs: The project included a design portfolio, three completed garments, and a modeled photoshoot.
Innovation & Ethics
The project explored how innovation and ethics intersect within the fashion industry:
Sustainable Practices: Research into local production revealed the use of natural dyes and self-grown materials.
Transparency in Production: Through shared experiences with Zach H. and Nora W., the group examined how ethical brands prioritize openness and accountability.
Comparative Analysis: A research component highlighted structural differences between Western fashion industries and Vietnamese systems, with the latter often emphasizing environmental awareness and ethical production.
Field Research & Immersive Learning
To ground their projects in real-world context, Zach H. and Nora W. engaged in extensive fieldwork across Hanoi:
KILOMET109: A key experience where the group interviewed artisans who produce garments entirely from raw materials, including growing cotton and creating natural dyes, demonstrating a fully sustainable production model.
Chula Fashion: Visited by Zach H. and Nora W. this Spanish-Vietnamese fusion brand emphasizes inclusivity, employing a majority of staff with physical disabilities. Its open workshop model provided insight into transparency and ethical production.
Manufacturing Experience: Regular visits to a local fashion house allowed the student to oversee garment production and build practical industry skills.
Mentorship & Collaboration: Ongoing meetings with their mentor Sophie, alongside Zach H. and Nora W., supported iterative design development and critical reflection.
Final Product: A Comprehensive Fashion Project
The Assessment: A completed design portfolio documenting the full creative process, alongside three original garments produced in collaboration with a local fashion house.
Academic Component: Completion of the Parsons School of Design Fashion Business Essentials course and a comparative research paper analyzing Western and Vietnamese fashion industries.
The Summative Reflection: The student reflected on the complexity of the fashion industry, particularly the range of choices surrounding transparency, cost, and ethics. The project challenged initial expectations, strengthened technical and professional skills, and ultimately affirmed a commitment to pursuing fashion in the future.
