Over the last decades, design has begun taking on a more active role in shaping our world. Design conferences, interdisciplinary centres, and academic institutions have started to investigate the benefits of design theory and practice in solving the ‘wicked problems’ that face our world. The Institute without Boundaries has been at the forefront of these developments.

The IwB’s first major project, Massive Change: The Future of Global Design, examined the role of design in addressing social, environmental and economic issues. The project took place in the IwB’s inaugural year, and was started in partnership with Bruce Mau Design (BMD). In many ways, Massive Change was a revival of design theories from the 1960s, which stress the social benefits of design practice and the importance of hands-on design education.

In 2003, there were few programs in Toronto that taught students design thinking and/or strategy in a hands-on format. Bruce Mau was already globally known for being a leader in design innovation and the School of Design at George Brown College had long been a thriving environment for education in the arts and design. Together, the School of Design and BMD decided to launch a program and design studio where students and experts could meet on an equal playing field and tackle real world problems together. Massive Change was their first project together.

In 2003, in collaboration with the BMD Studio, the IwB was commissioned by the Vancouver Art Gallery to create an exhibition and publication. Over two years, 14 students at the IwB researched, wrote, and designed the Massive Change exhibition, website, radio show and book.