Outdoor Furniture Design
The Task: My group and I were assigned to create an outdoor furniture design that would be beneficial to students on our campus. First, we started by figuring out what we already had and didn't have in terms of space and materials. After talking and brainstorming several Ideas with my group we settled on creating a long sturdy bench that would sit along the gym wall. Since this would not only be a creative option but it would leave a smile on many people's faces to have a place to sit for lunch. We then started working on our blueprints, slideshow, 3-D model, Digital model, and cost of materials.
Reflection:
My favorite part of this project was working on a physical model of the bench. I felt like it was a cool way to be able to build my ideas and be able to visualize and change things after seeing what it would look like and seeing the challenges we may face. We had some issues with the group initially as we all had different ideas so It took a little while to all agree on something we could "actually" build.
Personally, I felt like our group was super distracted and involved with other groups so It was a little challenging having to work by myself to complete certain things. Ultimately I think we all had our fair share of work we had to do.
Despite all this, we all communicated and finished the project. Although it wasn't perfect, we had created something we all agreed was good. I think the bench could actually have been pretty realistic if it was implemented.
Vocab:
1. Planks: Flat pieces of wood used as the main seating surface of the bench.
Definition: Flat, elongated pieces of wood, typically rectangular in shape, used for constructing the seat of the bench.
2. Legs: Vertical supports that provide stability and elevate the bench off the ground.
Definition: Vertical components of the bench structure that support the weight of the seating surface and provide stability.
3. Frame: The underlying structure that holds the bench together, typically made of wood or metal.
Definition: The skeleton of the bench, comprising horizontal and vertical elements, which provides support and shape to the overall structure.
4. Screws: Fasteners used to join different parts of the bench together securely.
Definition: Metal fasteners with helical ridges (threads) designed to be driven into materials such as wood or metal to hold them together.
5. Brackets: Metal or wooden supports used to reinforce joints and connections in the bench.
Definition: L-shaped or angled supports used to strengthen joints and connections between various parts of the bench structure.
6. Dowels: Cylindrical wooden pegs used to reinforce joints in the bench.
Definition: Round wooden rods inserted into corresponding holes in two adjacent pieces of wood to strengthen the joint.
7. Sanding: Smoothing the surface of the wood to remove roughness and imperfections.
Definition: The process of rubbing abrasive material (such as sandpaper) against wood to make its surface smooth and even.
8. Stain: A colored liquid applied to wood to enhance its appearance and protect it from damage.
Definition: Pigmented or transparent liquid applied to wood surfaces to alter or enhance their color while providing protection against moisture and wear.
9. Sealant: A protective coating applied to the bench to shield it from moisture and weathering.
Definition: A substance applied to the surface of the wood to create a protective barrier against water, UV rays, and other environmental factors.
10. Bench top: The upper surface of the bench where people sit.
Definition: The horizontal portion of the bench where individuals sit or place objects, typically made of planks or a single solid piece of material.
11. Crossbeam: Horizontal support beams that connect the legs of the bench.
Definition: Horizontal beams that connect the legs of the bench to provide additional stability and support to the structure.
12. Finish: The final treatment applied to the bench to enhance its appearance and durability.
Definition: The last coating or treatment applied to the bench surface to improve its aesthetic appeal and protect it from wear and tear.
13. Blueprint: A detailed plan or drawing that outlines the dimensions, materials, and assembly instructions for constructing the bench.
Definition: A detailed architectural or engineering drawing that provides a visual representation of the bench design, including measurements, materials, and construction details.
14. Scale: The ratio used to represent the dimensions of the bench accurately on the blueprint.
Definition: The proportion between the dimensions of the bench shown on the blueprint and the actual size of the bench, indicated by a scale ratio (e.g., 1:10).
15. Dimensions: The measurements of length, width, and height used to define the size of various components of the bench.
Definition: The numerical values represent the size, length, width, and height of different parts of the bench, typically expressed in inches, centimeters, or millimeters.