Design an Animal Sanctuary: 12-16yo (Nov)

A 2-Day Holiday Camp for Inquisitive and Creative Young Minds

In this immersive two-day holiday camp, students will take on the role of thoughtful designers as they conceptualize, plan, and build a sanctuary tailored to the needs of animals. This experience offers more than just creative exploration. It invites students to consider how design can actively support animal welfare, environmental education, and the possibility of coexistence between wildlife and urban life.

Why Design an Animal Sanctuary?

Animal sanctuaries are more than places of refuge. They are intentionally designed environments that allow rescued or endangered animals to recover, thrive, and live with dignity. At the same time, they serve as educational spaces that raise public awareness about conservation, biodiversity, and the delicate balance between humans and the natural world.

Here in Singapore, sightings of otters swimming through canals or monkeys rummaging through urban estates are becoming increasingly common. These encounters remind us that as cities continue to grow, the habitats of wild animals shrink. Through this project, students will explore how intentional design can create spaces that respect the needs of both animals and people, fostering harmony in shared environments.

What Students Will Do

Day 1: Brainstorming, Design, and Begin Prototyping

Students will begin by selecting an animal from our core list: Penguins, Monkeys, Elephants, or Otters. Each species presents unique behavioural traits and environmental needs, offering a rich context for learning.

With guidance, students will conduct targeted brainstorming sessions regarding their chosen animal’s natural habitat, diet, social structures, and daily activities. They will then translate this knowledge into a preliminary sanctuary design, sketching a layout that considers spatial requirements, environmental features, climate needs, and opportunities for enrichment.

Once their sketches are complete, students will begin prototyping on the same day, using a range of materials to start bringing their concepts to life in three-dimensional form.

Day 2: Build, Refine, and Present

On the second day, students will continue constructing and refining their sanctuary prototypes. As their ideas evolve, they will be encouraged to reflect on their design decisions and make thoughtful adjustments. The camp will conclude with a presentation session, where each student will share their final design and explain how it meets the specific needs of their chosen animal while contributing to a broader understanding of conservation and coexistence.

Designing an Elephant Sanctuary

Designing to the habitat of the elephants

For Students Designing Beyond the Core List

Students interested in designing a sanctuary for an animal outside the core list are welcome to do so. However, they are advised to arrive at the camp with a well-researched and detailed understanding of that species’ specific needs and natural behaviours. The ability to apply this understanding meaningfully in their design will be essential to their success in the programme.

Otters Sanctuary

Designing protected habitat for Otters to live and play

DesignTinkers camps are thoughtfully curated and led by a passionate team of educators, architects and designers with a shared mission: to inspire and empower young minds through design. With extensive experience working with children, our instructors are dedicated to nurturing each student’s creative interests in a fun, engaging, and supportive environment. All our camps are held in our spacious and conducive classrooms where students can create and explore freely under guidance.

Date: (Thu - Fri) 13 - 14 November 2025

Time: 9:30am - 2:00pm

Age: 12-16 years old

Location: Agora Colearning, HarbourFront Centre, 1 Maritime Square, #04-01 Lobby C, S(099253)

Price includes snacks & lunch and all model making materials.

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