STEM Outdoor Space

Content

Our driving question for this project was: How can we design an outdoor school space that is comfortable and pleasant to use in all conditions? We identified the questions we had to answer, including 1) what materials were most appropriate, 2) what were the travel patterns that would make access to the space easy, 3) what the best lighting conditions and space size would be, and finally, 4) the cost to create the work space.

We started this process by testing out materials to understand which material has the best drainage. We used a lab to find which material would be best for water absorption by taking the mass of the object before and after water was poured on to the material.

Another key area that we looked at was human use patterns. We did this by going around campus and observing how people usually travel to take the easiest or fastest way to get to their class. We saw that some places people there was a dirt path through some of the grass or plant areas because people do not want to take the time to walk around and we took this in account with our design.

Our design was an outdoor space where everyone was able to hangout and do work. The site was composed of wood chips covering the ground, circular picnic tables to work and eat, trees, and open space for projects. When designing our outdoor space we also looked at what we were going to do about sunlight and shade. We researched different trees that were native to the city of Novato and found a tree that would give shade in the summer and lose it leaves in the winter to give sunlight.

During the process of our outdoor design space we also had the ability to look at satellite images of our area and had the dimensions of the area as well to make sure the area was large enough. Another way we could get an idea of the space is to walk up there and look at it with our own eyes. We also created a three dimensional model of what our space would look like using the program Tinkercad. It took time to figure out how to use the system but we figured it out.

Another important part we researched was how much all these materials would cost. We found prices for our trees, other plants, wood planks, landscaping fabric, picnic tables, metal sign, and wood chips. The total cost of our outdoor area would cost about eight thousand dollars with overages.

Evidence of Work

Reflection

This was a very fun and well done project because we are giving input of what we want and what we may be using for the next three years. During this project we also learned a lot about the new STEM building and the area which was very exciting and interesting. Going into our project as a group, we did not know each other very well but as time went by and near towards the end of the project, we got closer and we all worked well together.

Of course, we had some miscommunication along the way too. For example a couple days before the presentation day I said I was going to be making note cards for myself but a group member misheard and thought I was making cards for the whole group. Presentation day came and they did not have cards to read off but we still presented very well. The communication between us was good. We listened to each other's ideas and thoughts and gave feedback. For the presentation we used note cards to read off and glance at and maybe something we could try next time is taking a few days to memorize our slides and key points.

Our group thought very well as a team. We all had different strengths in different areas and we were always looking to one-up our previous idea. For example, we tried to find ways to make our price cheaper by painting the tables ourselves or installing the landscaping fabric ourselves instead of hiring someone to do it for a lot more money. This project did not have a large budget so we were always looking to save some money. At some points in this project we felt short in time or were falling behind. To prevent even more extra work we would go home and do some work ourselves so we would be up to speed and stay within the deadline. Sometimes at the start of the period we would try to set a goal for ourselves that period. One goal may have been to finish one of the blueprints or one of the slides by the end of the class period.

I really enjoyed this project because it was very hands on and I like the subject of design. I have also had experience with design and construction because a neighbor of mine owns a construction company and I have worked with him a lot. I know that others may not be into construction or design but they may be interested in something else like gardening and planting so they could research or they may already have things in mind. We were using our different strengths to become the best team. We were also very honest with each other. We were honest but not in a mean way, we would give each other feedback on their ideas and they would do the same in return which made our ideas better because we had more input. Overall I really enjoyed this project and cannot wait for the outcome of the new STEM building and outside area.