Problem
To create a physical redesign of a current business, focusing on increasing capacity and improving facilities whilst keeping to the companies morals and feel as a family friendly fruit farm.
Due to the nature of the project it was appropriate to produce a scale model of the proposed design as my final piece. However, I was able to conduct similar research and produce manufacturing plans, risk assessments, fire escapes and water drainage plans as if the extension would be built.
Solution
Research
A task analysis mind map was produced to help identify the main areas of the project. This helped produce a research plan as I have identified key points that I want to develop further.
A variety of primary and secondary research techniques that I used included:
- Evaluating the existing business
- Meeting & interviewing the client
- User questionnaire with 48 responses
- Two inspirational visits which are similar establishments in the local area
- Material and construction research
This research gave me a good idea of how I wanted to progress the project, primarily looking at improving the café and toilet facilities. This decision was made based on the information gathered from my primary research, mainly from the client interview and feedback from the user questionnaire.
PRODUCT DESIGN SPECIFICATION (PDS)
The PDS (Product Design Specification) shown on the right has the main points picked out and ordered by most important and will be used to evaluate the design at many points throughout the project.
Initial Design & Modelling
After choosing a few designs to take forward, I produced basic models to help visualise the design further. Basic modelling materials were used such as blue foam, plywood and acrylic off-cuts.
Focus groups and check against my specification helped me to choose this design to develop into my final design.
CAD MODELS, DRAWINGS & TEMPLATES
Google Sketchup was used to produce the 3D CAD working model, Orthographic drawings and the exploded views.
2D Designs was used to produce the templates for my model parts to be cut on the laser cutter.
It was important to make sure the right colours were used for each line as when setting up the laser cutter, different colours result in different outcomes. For example red is cut, orange is deep etch and black is light etch. This setting can be altered manually or loading from the pre-existing materials' database.
A summary of my files that I used are shown below.
Manufacturing Plan
Scaled Model
Actual Building
Manufacturing Activities
A manufacturing diary was kept to log my progress and to show the actual process undertaken alongside what went wrong and how I overcame those issues. This was really helpful as I can reflect back on my manufacturing experience and identify areas I need to consider earlier on in the designing stage to make me become a better designer.
Manufacturing Diary:
Wall Section:
This wall section is a mock up of what I would use for the walls for the new build.
From interior to exterior I used; plaster bard, foam board in a wooden frame (acting as cavity insulation), OSB3 (chipboard), DMP (Damp Proof Membrane), batons and then shiplap which would then be painted.
The damp proof membrane is an important material as it is waterproof both sides but also one side lets water vapour through and the other side didn't.
Concrete Testing:
I set concrete in a variety of different moulds to produce different patterns and finishings however I preferred the slick regular finish as I think it looks more modern and sophisticated.
I also produced beams of reinforced and unreinforced concrete to test the performance of each beam. As predicted the reinforced concrete could hold a greater load and I used it with my steel structure to give a basic mock up of the building structure.
Steel Structure:
Learning how to spot weld was very fun when making a steel girder and posts to represent the metal framework structure that I would potentially use in the building to support big windows and large doors.
Stairs and Slide:
Producing a slide on the 3D printer was a challenge however it added a fun touch to my model and ensured that I was able to understand the key processes in using the 3D printer.
Final Model
RISK ASSESSMENT & LEGALITIES
The risk assessment below applies for the actual building and includes all the activities and risks that could occur in the building and how to minimise the risks.
Below is the fire exit plans and water drainage which is critical information for a new build.
