Outdoor Furniture Project
TinkerCad Design
The task
We were tasked to design a set of furniture for the empty space near our new STEM building. We had to take cost, materials, ease to build, and usability in account when making our design. We also used content that we learned in class such as sun angles and temperature at different times of the day.
Our bench is shaped like couch which allows for a higher number of seats and a more pleasing appearance. It also is made of Redwood Con Heart on the seat and back rest to ensure safety and common lumber for the frame because of its strength and lower costs.
We included a coffee table which allows students to do their work when using the bench. It is also anchored into the ground the ensure that it isn't stolen or moved away from the bench. Our design also includes a bike rack behind it that allows students to store their bikes at the back of the school instead of going to and from the front of the school.
On the left, I included our original blueprint. It has a rough approximation of size that we originally came up with. It also has a rough design that we came up with. It doesn't include the specific materials needed for the furniture set. We were also missing a few measurements. On the right, I included our final materials and costs. It has a full list of materials needed to make the table and bench. It also has the costs of each piece on the side and the total price of the entire furniture set
The Reflection
My biggest strength when working on this project was critical thinking. I used my basic knowledge of the materials to design a project that would be safe, strong, and still look pleasing. It was difficult to find pieces that would fit our design so I had to find larger parts that we could cut down but still use to not waste materials and money. Collaboration was another skill that I used during this project. I worked with my team members to solve problems we encountered and design our project.
I could have done better at communicating with the rest of my group. At the start of the project, I struggled to find something to work on and didn't share my ideas with the rest of the group. I did a lot better near the end of out project but I still wish I could have done better. I need to work better at being a conscientious learner. We got off task during class and forced ourselves to do a lot of the work at home which was a waste of time that we could have used to make a better project.