Planet Hack-Unleashing Creativity for a Sustainable Future

Planet Hack (1 and 2 November) is a collaborative STEM hackathon co-hosted by ANU（Australian National University） and Dulwich College Beijing, where 13 EiM schools participated to solve global problems using innovative and creative technological solutions.

This year’s theme was Biophilic Cities – students were tasked to select a traditional area of a city they were interested in and create a plan to adapt this city using biophilic design principles.

Large cities often struggle with air pollution, urban heat island effects, and a disconnection from nature in dense urban areas. Many cities also struggle to balance modernisation with protection of cultural heritage in their design. 

Biophilic design offers an opportunity to address modern environmental issues while honouring and preserving cultural heritage. 

While biophilic design can be applied just to particular buildings, it can also be used to design whole neighborhoods or cities. The idea is to create an urban environment with green and natural elements, in order to connect and actively engage residents and the public with nature.

Students worked collaboratively and under time limitations to prototype a solution exploring technologies that can help humanity prepare for an uncertain future. Incorporated into the event were a series of workshops run by professors from ANU, as well as teachers from both DCB and DCSZ. In addition, experts from ANU were be available throughout the two days to support students and provide them with guidance and live feedback.

Students enjoyed a weekend of fun, innovative, and creative technology experiences.