Structure

Arrangements, as of 2/18:

The shell of a bus, or a similar vehicle, will be used. The interior will be cleared out and walls will be painted with a white dry erase paint, so that students can write on the walls using dry erase markers.

Arrangements, as of 1/27:

Overall Structure: The overall structure is two buses with one long side opening each, placed side by side so as to create a wider “room” and locked together. Inside the busses there is an extra shell built (material undetermined -- will depend on thermal expansion properties, conductive properties, and thermal insulation properties) behind which there is wiring and any insulation needed. The buses will be 100% waterproof when separated and the removable walls are in place (to survive the monsoon season).

Insulation: The main function of the insulation is to keep the internal environment of the classroom independent of the outside environment. The temperature in Bhutan ranges, but the temperature inside the rooms cannot fluctuate as much as the outside temperature. Current insulation materials under consideration are kingspan and polystyrene.

Wheels: Because of the terrain and geographic features of Bhutan, everyday tires do not suffice. To make up for those shortcomings, the wheels will be the type built for rough terrain.

Timeline of Work:

1/8/2015: Project introduced and groups created.

1/8/2015-1/15/2015: Students made plans individually. Sketches and design ideas were made (but as only one design is used, they are not included here)

1/15/2015: Students within sub-groups met to work share individual design ideas. First connection to other groups is made.

1/21/2015: Second meeting of sub-group de facto representatives. Further development of structures which serve functions in more than one group. Ideas include, but are not limited to, desks which can move on rails and using cushion as chairs to decrease the 1) storage space, 2) cost, and 3) difficulty of attainment and replacement. Also discussed were wheel types and Bhutan’s climate.

1/27/2015: All three subgroups compiled everything to create a cohesive first design idea.

The current external structure:

Other Details: