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.