Grown from Away

Grown from Away, is a large-scale sustainability and education art project created for the lobby of the K Wing, where the existing Veterans Centre connects to the new Peter Cipriano Centre for Seniors Health at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, Toronto. The installation is led and co-designed by Monica Polo and Narishdath Maraj of mpolo designs inc. It is funded in part by a Mitacs grant to support research through the Environmental Applied Science and Management (ENSCIMAN) Master’s program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).

 

The project enhances procedural changes and adaptations taken on by the Sunnybrook’s Green Task Force. Materials to be diverted from the waste stream through a wide range of usable hospital items such as hospital linens, polypropylene medical gowns, packaging, assorted plastics, metals, cardboard, wiring, food service materials and materials from the prosthetics department. These materials are transformed into a permanent artwork that allows visitors, patients and staff to consider waste, and where is 'away'. The installation aligns with Sunnybrook’s commitment to sustainability, circular design, education and community engagement. It encourages reflection and inspires behavioural change within the hospital environment.

The project is supported by a broad network of collaborators, with mpolo designs inc. leading the design, fabrication and installation. The Sunnybrook Green Task Force guides the integration of the artwork into the hospital space. TMU, Seneca College and OCAD University student interns contributed to initial research, and design development. TMU’s FZ, and DFZ provided fabrication support. Ecotex Healthcare Linen Service Toronto contributed funding and material support. The Ontario Science Centre provided installation guidance.