Now that the academic requirements of the project have been fulfilled, we thought we would reflect on what has been accomplished throughout the term.

What did we contribute to the community we served?
Our CBEL group helped kickstart the upgrading of Options’ Guildford playground site with a piece of equipment that children are sure to love. The playground will serve as a safe source of exploration and enjoyment for the local children, and we’re proud to have been a part of that process. The time our group has saved Options by acquiring and building the musical chimes is time that their employees have been spending helping their community in a variety of different ways.

What did we learn about project context, planning and implementation?
Though our group has only been working together for a little over three months, we have learned a tremendous amount in that time. The first realization that our group made is that it is important to think in terms of what the client actually needs, not what you would like to do. As an example, the initial description of the CBEL project we accepted was to provide a full site upgrade plan for the Guildford playground site. However, upon first contact with Katherine at Options we all quickly realized that while we could indeed do a site plan, actually building a piece of equipment for the site would serve their goals much better.

In regards to project planning, our group quickly learned to encourage strong and regular communication between all parties involved in the project. Whether it is between group members, clients or suppliers, frequent updates and emails allows everyone to stay up-to-date with expectations and progress. In particular, having all members of our CBEL group informed of what the other members were doing allowed for everyone to be accommodating to any changes in plans.

The project implementation phase was especially an excellent lesson for our CBEL group. While it was not immediately obvious to us, it eventually became apparent that implementation requires an extensive list of small logistical tasks that quickly add up. By having a strong logistics plan where all materials and tasks are identified, no matter how seemingly small, it becomes possible to implement the project without the constant delays caused by overlooked equipment or material.

After completing our final draft of the wooden frame to hold the chimes, an email was sent to Katherine at Options. In it, we described our desire to work past the end of the academic term in order to finish the construction of the Musical Chime project. As well, it included our final design for the frame and how much it would cost. In turn, we received permission to go ahead with ordering the chimes, an address to which it should be shipped and a tentative date in the middle of April on which the construction could be completed.

Over the course of the project, we are most pleased with how inter-group communication unfolded and the extent to which we were able to address the client’s needs. Including Options, our CBEL group and all of the material distributors that have been contacted, emails and information requests have been consistently answered within a few days at the latest. Further, all parties have done their best to be accommodating and flexible when it comes to client requests. As an example, the chime distributors normally ship their product at a higher cost due to the inclusion of their own frame, but in our case generously agreed to sell the chimes as a separate product.

After some reflection, the only aspect of the project that we do not believe went according to plan was the timeline on acquisition of supplies. Due to the supplier we contacted residing in the U.S, it will take at least 8 days for the musical chimes to arrive at Options’ Guildford center. While it puts a delay in our construction schedule, our CBEL group is appreciative of the fact that our largest issue is ultimately only a slight inconvenience.

While we expected there to be large deviations from the initial project scope, there have only been one worth mentioning: Rope-length. A safety concern was raised by Options regarding the length of the rope that was planned to connect the Mallets used to strike the chimes and the frame holding the chimes. They believed that a rope long enough to allow the mallets to strike every chime would pose a hazard, as it might be possible for a child to be entangled. To address this concern, we suggested a lateral pole that connects to the base of each frame post, to which a shortr rope connecting the mallets could be attached. This would allow for a shortened rope, as it would slide along the length of the pole to preserve mobility while reducing the tangle hazard.

At the moment, we are pleased with the physical outcomes of the project. The chimes have been ordered, the frame design is complete, and all of the materials needed to finish constructing the frame have their locations known and their costs approved. We look forward to making good on our promise to deliver to Options a physical piece of equipment for their upgraded Guildford playground.

To expand on the “Design Finalization” section of the last post, a more detailed explanation of the tasks undertaken follows. Note that the breakdown only applies to the finalization of the design and not the process of construction, as our group is still in contact with Options in order to determine the best path forward on that front.

Determining chime providers, cost, materials, dimensions and expected lifetime
Ross and Grant were responsible for the majority of the work involving the procurement of the chimes themselves. Through internet searches, they were able to find a list of possible providers that would ship their product to Canada. They compared costs across companies, materials and diameters used, while determining which product would have the longest lifetime. It was also necessary to factor in child usage when considering pipe diameter, as while thinner piping is cheaper, children might be able to break it. While the only cost for Ross and Grant was time, what we believe to be the ideal choice for Options will cost approximately $600.

Frame material, dimensions, cost and modelling
Adam and Juan dealt with the aspects of the finalization involving the frame for the chimes. Research was done into appropriate choice and dimensions of material, considering factors such as cost, aesthetics, availability and life-span. Like for the chimes, it was necessary to choose material and dimensions so that the system was stable under it’s own load, and wouldn’t break through usage. Both the research into the frame materials and the digital modelling were done simultaneously and took about three hours each. If our group’s recommendations are followed, the frame will be constructed for approximately $100.

Indicators of Success
As our project aims to be used by children aged 0-6, our indicators of success are rather simple: The chimes stay standing, and the kids have fun using them. Though we are fully confident that the completed project will be structurally sound and stay standing, we will know we have been successful if they manage to encourage exploration and fascinate children for years to come.

Having established the expectations and desires of our client, our CBEL group did cursory research into many possible pieces of equipment that might be of interest. Of note, some suggestions were:

1. Balancing Beams

The balancing beams would long pieces of wood supported at multiple points along its length, with the intention of children to walk along them. They could be straight along its entire length, or change direction every several feet. The surface meant to be balanced on would be thin, and elevated slightly off of the ground, to encourage the development of balance without incorporating serious risk.

2. Climbing Wall & Scramble Net

This would be a wooden and rope structure where children could ascend either the gently sloped climbing surface or the rope mesh, and descend the other side. The height of the entire structure is easily adjustable, as are the amount of climbing holds and the tension in the mesh.

3.0 Musical Chimes

The chimes would be a set of 7 hollow metal bars of varying length that, when struck, each compose one note of the same octave. A rubber mallet would be included with the chimes, and secured to the frame holding the chimes via a short rope.

4.0 Suspension Bridge

The suspension bridge would be composed of two wood and rope walkways that meet in the center at a tree-mounted platform. Tension in the walkways would be achieved through attachment to support posts at their ends.

In order to narrow down our choices, we first sent the ideas off to Katherine at Options and asked for her input. We were informed that she and her co-workers unanimously liked the idea of either the Musical Chimes or the Suspension Bridge. To choose between the two choices, as well as their multiple individual variations, our group looked at two factors: Time and Expertise. Through multiple group meetings it was decided that we would strive to present a completed piece of equipment. This ultimately led us to choose the Chimes over the Bridge for a couple of reasons.

Expertise: While several members of our group have experience with metal and wood-working, we weren’t confident we had the ability to safely construct a suspension bridge meant for children.

Time: The initial estimation of design and construction time for both objects had the suspension bridge rank as much more time costly.

The Musical Chimes will be made of hollow tubed aluminum pipes, mounted to a wooden frame. Each individual tube plays a different note on a single octave, when struck by the rubber mallet. The mallet is attached to the frame by a rope that is connected to an aluminum guiding rod. The reasoning for this is that a longer rope may pose a hazard to the children who are up to six years old, but the mallet will still need to reach each of the chimes. By having the mallet on a short rope, but allowing the rope to have horizontal mobility, both issues are eliminated.

Initial Timeline

Contact and Site Visit – February 5th
Our group met with Options BC’s representative, Katherine MacIntyre, at their Guildford Site. We analyzed site layout and had a discussion regarding everyone’s expectations. Options desired a piece of playground equipment, the CBEL group desired experience working with a real-life client.

Submission of Individual Designs – February 20th
Each member of our group researched multiple additions that might be appropriate for the Guildford site. Cursory research was done into these suggestions in topics such as safety, ease of creation and how “natural” the piece felt. The best six suggestions were compiled in a proposal document and submitted to Katherine.

Feedback from Options – March 1
The Options BC staff revealed what they believed would be the most appropriate piece of equipment: The Musical Chimes or the Suspension Bridge. As well, further information was revealed about available budget.

Design Choice – March 10
Additional research and analysis was conducted in order to determine whether the Chimes or Bridge would be the most logical piece of equipment to create. Ultimately it was decided to work on the Chimes due to time, cost and expertise.

Design Finalization – March 20
The remaining research needed in order to be sure that the chimes were a feasible addition was completed by this date. Detailed sketches were completed of the frame and chimes, the material and construction costs were confirmed, and appropriate contacts were secured.

Building Phase – April Onwards
Our group, in an effort to maintain our original goal of physically providing the piece of equipment to Options BC rather than just a design, will be working past the end of the term to deliver their product. We believe that our commitment to their cause doesn’t end when the academic term does, and we will see the Musical Chimes project through until it’s completion.

Background

Options Community Services Society is a community service society that operates transition houses for abused women, a crisis line, counselling services, various youth services, and transportation for the senior/disabled. They are the result of a 2009 merger between Surrey Community Services Society and OPTIONS: Services to Communities Society. According to their website, the purpose of Options BC is to be a diverse organization, united in the purpose of helping people to help themselves and promoting safe, healthy, vibrant communities. With a vision of “Inspiring hope and belonging for all”, the staff and volunteer of Options work tireless to improve their community and the lives of those who live within it.

From their website, Options BC strive to embody:

1. Diversity – Everyone has a voice. We are inclusive, respectful and fair.
2. Integrity  – We are accountable, honest and compassionate
3. Resourcefulness – We are creative, flexible and innovative
4. Collaborative – We work collaboratively as partners and teams within the organization and broader community.
5. Excellence – We go above and beyond ordinary and strive towards the exceptional and extraordinary

Our Role

The purpose of our project is to work with Options BC to help develop an existing site, turning it into a playground for the local community of Guildford, Surrey. Our goals are to design and create a sustainable and natural piece of playground equipment that encourages exploration and discovery. In order to facilitate a natural environment, we are stepping away from traditional playground elements such as jungle gyms, and materials such as metal and plastic. There are, as well, some negotiable and non-negotiable constraints.

Non-negotiable constraints

• Cannot be traditional playground element or material (no plastic or metal)
•  Has to be relatively safe and age appropriate
• Has to be low maintenance
• Should be able to be built by us students, or a volunteer carpenter working with Options.
• Cannot contain areas that may be used for illicit activities (no forts or tunnels)
• Ideally a mobile piece of equipment

Negotiable Constraints

• Variable budget of up to $800
• Can be assembled by hand or purchased
• Can be designed for any location of the reclaimed area

Strategy

Our CBEL group has been researching examples of sustainable and natural design as it relates to playground equipment. Though we have looked into the design of six possible pieces of equipment that could meet the needs to Options BC (such as a hobbit hill, musical chimes, a suspension bridge, a climbing wall, etc), we have ultimately decided to focus on one piece. By doing so, we allow ourselves enough time to also physically construct or assemble the piece. We recognize that the development of the Guildford playground site is a continual process, and believe that presenting Options BC with a physical specimen would do more for progress than simply a site plan.

Our Goal

The focus of CBEL Group 7 is to work with the Options Community Organization to turn an asphalt parking lot into a green and natural playground. To encourage discovery, investigation and curiosity primarily in children aged 0-6, natural elements such as a hobbit hill and outdoor musical instruments are being favoured over traditional playground equipment (like plastic play structures). Visually pleasing and low maintenance, with a covered section for parents to relax and observe in all weather, the playground will serve the Guildford community as a place of exploration and learning.

About Options

The Options Community Organization is a non-profit registered charity providing social services primarily in Surrey, Delta, White Rock and Langley. They believe in helping people help themselves while collaborating with individuals, businesses, community groups and government to create focused, effective and responsive resources for the community. While a diverse organization, they are united in the vision of healthy communities as a safe and clean environment where we all have a sense of belonging.

Community

The Guildford community is located within Surrey, BC. They are committed to balancing growth with sustainability, and have implemented numerous programs to ensure community safety and vibrancy. Guildford has pledged to continue to invest in new infrastructure and community enhancement projects in order to improve the quality of life for people living and working in Surrey.

Our Team

CBEL Team 7 is composed of six second-year civil engineers from UBC Vancouver.

Juan Sebastian Perez

– From Ecuador, South America
– Focused on social development, community evolution and sustainable environments
– Has volunteered with social improvement projects such as special olympics and homeless shelter construction
– Has interned in Carlos Zapata Studio Architecture firm in New York as well as Leslie E. Robertson and Associates Firm.
– Passionate about sports, music, and evolutionary anthropology

Grant Matthews

– From Castlegar, BC
– Focused on sustainability in construction and energy generation
– Plays and referees hockey in free time

Adam Abdelkhalek

– From Montreal, QC originally from Morocco
– Passionate about structural engineering and design, as well as theoretical analysis
– Interested in soccer and billiards

Ross Ryken

– From North Vancouver, BC
– Interested in executing large infrastructure projects
– Executive member of UBC Efficiency Club
– Enjoys exploring the outdoors, snowboarding, downhill biking and kayaking

Alex Drover

– From Labrador City, NL
– Interested in hydrological systems and infrastructure
– Enjoys downhill skiing, parkour, rock climbing and scuba diving

Nicholas Chan

-From Greater Vancouver, BC
-Aspires to help develop the New Westminster area by aiding in the contruction of new residential buildings
-Reads science articles and researches professional gaming during spare time.
-Speaks English and French, and can understand a bit of Cantonese and Japanese.

Welcome to UBC Blogs. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

Civil 202 Students,

Please use this blog to keep track of your progress and thoughts on your project. Reflections, interesting developments, and notes on your learning are encouraged.

Good Luck!

Jacob