Friday, September 16, 2016
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Alternate Solutions Abstract
Alternate
Solutions Rationale
Alternate Solution 1:
Alternate Solution 1, the simplest, low profile solution, comprised of a simple
sign with a single post for support. This sign stands out as the least
structurally sound because of the single post. However, the simple structure
permits visitors to immerse themselves in the information as opposed to getting
distracted by the sign’s complicated structure. Alternate Solution 1’s lack of
structural integrity and strength decreases the useful life of the sign,
resulting in wear-and-tear due to weather forces and visitors’ strains.
Alternate Solution #1 has a
rectangular presentation sign with dimensions of 24” x 18”. This rectangular
sign has rounded corners, making the solution safer for visitors’ under the age
of 6. The rectangular sign tilts at a 45 degree angle allowing visitors to,
with ease, see and read the information the sign presents. The solution’s post
measures 5” in length, 5” in width, and a maximum height of 36”. The top of the
post cuts at a 45 degree angle to properly display the rectangular sign. The
post’s dimensions creates a reliable, but inconspicuous support system.
Plexiglas serves as a possible material
for Alternate Solution #1. Plexiglas, a chemical and heat resistant plastic,
will withstand the test of time. Plexiglas brings a new, sleek look to Deep Cut
Gardens. Plexiglas provides an affordable option for Alternate Solution #1. The
average 24” x 18” sheet of 1” thick Plexiglas costs $117.72. DuraReader serves
as another option for Alternate Solution #1. DuraReader, on the more pricy
side, gets produced by a company (Envirosigns) and uses 100% recycled
materials. The average low profile DuraReader sign costs approximately $534.95.
DuraReader offers a 10 year warranty and provides a cushion of insurance that
within the 10 years.
Alternate Solution #1 may be
hand-made or produced by a professional sign company. For making the solution
by hand, different joints and screws must keep the Plexiglas fastened. Using a
professional signage company ensures the durability and accuracy of the sign.
Envirosigns, a highly recommended company, produces eco-friendly, durable signs
with a 10 year warranty. However, buying a professional produced sign proves
more expensive than making the sign by hand. Also, the stakeholders must
approve the desired company.
To further explore possible
problems, lack of complete support for Alternate Solution #1 makes the durability
and integrity of this solution questionable. The sign easily breaks or tilts
because of the mere one post. If any visitor tests or applies too much weight
to the sign, the sign may break under pressure. A problem concerning Plexiglas
also arises from Alternate Solution #1. The
Plexiglas does not blend well with the pre-established signage in Deep Cut
Gardens. Although Plexiglas does not blend with Deep Cut Gardens, offers a
totally different dimension and modernizes the park in a minor way.
Alternate Solution 2: Alternate
Solution 2, a more structurally sound low profile sign, comprised of a sign with
two posts running along its edges. The two posts running along the sign’s edges
allow for optimum structural soundness with a low profile sign. Alternate
Solution 2 provides a more structurally sound design than Alternate Solution 1.
However, neither Alternate Solution 1 nor Alternate Solution 2 blend in well
with Deep Cut Garden’s pre-existing signage.
Alternate Solution #2 has a
rectangular presentation sign with dimensions of 24” x 18”. This rectangular
sign has rounded corners, making the solution safer for visitors’ under the age
of 6. The rectangular sign tilts at a 45 degree angle allowing visitors to,
with ease, see and read the information the sign presents. The solution’s posts
measures 5” in length, 5” in width, and a maximum height of 36”. The top of the
posts cut at a 45 degree angle to properly display the rectangular sign. The
posts’ dimensions creates a reliable, but inconspicuous support system. The use
of two posts, as opposed to one, provides more support that Alternate Solution
#1 did not offer.
Plexiglas serves as a possible
material for Alternate Solution #2. Plexiglas, a chemical and heat resistant
plastic, will withstand the test of time. Plexiglas brings a new, sleek look to
Deep Cut Gardens. Plexiglas provides an affordable option for Alternate
Solution #2. The average 24” x 18” sheet of 1” thick Plexiglas costs $117.72.
DuraReader serves as another option for Alternate Solution #2. DuraReader, on
the more pricy side, gets produced by a company (Envirosigns) and uses 100%
recycled materials. The average low profile DuraReader sign costs approximately
$534.95. DuraReader offers a 10 year warranty and provides a cushion of
insurance that within the 10 years.
Alternate
Solution #2 may be hand-made or produced by a professional sign company. For
making the solution by hand, different joints and screws must keep the
Plexiglas fastened. Using a professional signage company ensures the durability
and accuracy of the sign. Envirosigns, a highly recommended company, produces
eco-friendly, durable signs with a 10 year warranty. However, buying a
professional produced sign proves more expensive than making the sign by hand.
Also, the stakeholders must approve the desired company.
As mentioned before, Alternate
Solution #2 addresses the durability issue discussed for Alternate Solution #1.For
Alternate Solution #2, the Plexiglas material option serves as the main
problem. The Plexiglas does not blend
well with the pre-established signage in Deep Cut Gardens. Although Plexiglas
does not blend with Deep Cut Gardens, offers a totally different dimension and
modernizes the park in a minor way.
Alternate Solution #3: Alternate
Solution #3, an upright sign, comprised of two posts surrounding the entire
perimeter of the sign. Deep Cut Gardens contains many signs similar to and
consistent with Alternate Solution #3. A material option for this solution, a wood
material, blends in well with Deep Cut Gardens and the garden’s pre-existing
signage. However, Alternate Solution 3 requires a large amount of space and the
garden requires 10 signs to effectively cover each topic.
Alternate Solution #3 stands 70”
tall, 30” long, and 5” wide. The rectangular sign used to present the
information has dimensions of 20” x 32”. A framing goes around the outside of
the sign. The framing has a width of 5”. The two posts in the ground, which
connect to the framing, are 30” tall. Alternate Solution #3 stands parallel to
the ground and grants visitors a direct view of the information presented.
MDO Plywood serves as a possible
material for Alternate Solution #3. MDO Plywood has a fiber overlay fused into
the surface of the Plywood. MDO Plywood resists water, weather, wear, and
degradation. DuraReader serves as another option for Alternate Solution #3.
DuraReader, on the more pricy side, gets produced by a company (Envirosigns)
and uses 100% recycled materials. The average upright DuraReader sign costs
approximately $1,122.59. DuraReader offers a 10 year warranty and provides a
cushion of insurance that within the 10 years.
Alternate Solution #3
may be hand-made or produced by a professional sign company. For making the
solution by hand, different joints and screws must keep the MDO Plywood
fastened. Using a professional signage company ensures the durability and
accuracy of the sign. Envirosigns, a highly recommended company, produces
eco-friendly, durable signs with a 10 year warranty. However, buying a
professional produced sign proves more expensive than making the sign by hand.
Also, the stakeholders must approve the desired company.
To further explore possible
problems, the amount of space Alternate Solution #3 requires makes the convenience
of this design questionable. Alternate Solution #3 requires a large amount of
space, but presents information on only half of the sign. However, Alternate
Solution #3, unlike Alternate Solution #1 & #2, blends into the
pre-established signs, both structurally and materially wise. The MDO Plywood
option for Alternate Solution #3 blends in well and is consistent with the mood
found in Deep Cut Gardens.
Alternate Solution #4: Alternate
Solution #4, an upright sign, comprised of four posts connecting the signs.
This solution incorporates 3-4 signs into one, elongated, “zig-zagged” sign.
Deep Cut Gardens contains many signs similar to Alternate Solution 4. This
solution allows for a kiosk and boxes on the side of the sign to hold park
pamphlets. The wood material available for this solution, blends in well with
Deep Cut Gardens and the garden’s pre-existing signage. Alternate Solution #4 utilizes
a minimal amount of space, and provides the maximum amount of information. This
solution results in three “zig-zagged” signs within the garden (one sign for
plant life topics, one for planting topics, and one for plant health topics).
Each Alternate Solution #4 panel stands
70” tall, 30” long, and 5” wide. The rectangular sign used to present the
information has dimensions of 20” x 32”. A framing goes around the outside of
the sign. The framing has a width of 5”. Alternate Solution #4 looks unique
because of the zig-zag set-up unseen in other solutions. Each side of all the
panels cut at a 45 degree angle, allowing the panels to connect and form 90
degree angles. Three to four panels make up one group of signage.
MDO Plywood serves as a possible
material for Alternate Solution #4. MDO Plywood has a fiber overlay fused into
the surface of the Plywood. MDO Plywood resists water, weather, wear, and
degradation. DuraReader serves as another option for Alternate Solution #4.
DuraReader, on the more pricy side, gets produced by a company (Envirosigns)
and uses 100% recycled materials. The average upright DuraReader sign costs
approximately $1,122.59. DuraReader offers a 10 year warranty and provides a
cushion of insurance that within the 10 years.
Alternate Solution #4
may be hand-made or produced by a professional sign company. For making the
solution by hand, different joints and screws must keep the MDO Plywood
fastened. Using a professional signage company ensures the durability and
accuracy of the sign. Envirosigns, a highly recommended company, produces
eco-friendly, durable signs with a 10 year warranty. However, buying a
professional produced sign proves more expensive than making the sign by hand.
Also, the stakeholders must approve the desired company.
Similar to Alternate Solution #3,
Alternate Solution #4 requires a large amount of space, making the convenience
of this design questionable. However, although Alternate Solution #4 requires a
large amount of space, due to the unique panel set-up, more information fits on
the signage. However, Alternate Solution #4, unlike Alternate Solution #1 &
#2, blends into the pre-established signs, both structurally and materially
wise. The MDO Plywood option for Alternate Solution #4 blends in well and is
consistent with the mood found in Deep Cut Gardens.
Alternate Solutions
Alternate Solutions
 |
| Above: Alternate Solution #1 |
 |
| Above: Alternate Solution #2 |
 |
| Above: Alternate Solution #3 |
 |
| Above: Alternate Solution #4 |
Monday, September 12, 2016
Executive Summary
Executive
Summary
The addition of an Interactive
Children’s Garden in Deep Cut Gardens (Middletown, NJ) provides endless
opportunities for education, community involvement, and volunteering. The
Garden adds an additional dimension to Deep Cut Gardens, making it not only a
place of beauty, but also a place in which to gain knowledge, volunteer, and
become more active in the community through educational and social events
sponsored in the garden.
Outdoor signage at the Interactive Children’s
Garden serves as the primary source of information. The signage provides
information regarding plant health (methods to ensure continued growth), plant life
(type), and planting (effective methods used for specific plants). The client,
the Monmouth County Parks System, requested the utilization of eco-friendly,
weather-tolerant, and cost effective materials for all signage. Plausible
materials for signage include: MDO plywood, Plexiglas, Aluminate, and
DuraReader. MDO plywood, a plywood panel coated with a fiber overlay, appears “earthy,”
and provides a sturdy material for signage. The Plexiglas, a durable, weather
resistant, eco-friendly plastic, creates a sleek look. Aluminate, an aluminum composite panel,
resists rot, corrosion, swelling, and delaminating. DuraReader, comprised of
100% recycled material, carries a 10 year warranty. MDO plywood, the least
expensive material, costs $64.99 per 4’ x 8’ board, while DuraReader, the most
expensive material, costs between $535.94 and $1,122.59.
Outdoor signage utilizes two different
sign patterns: (1) low profile signs and (2) upright signs. The low profile
sign stands closer to the ground and bends at a 45 degree angle. The larger upright
sign stands straight up. All outdoor
signage at the garden, regardless of structure, must meet ADA regulations. ADA regulations require: (1) the base of the
sign stand at least 27” above the ground; (2) font of at least 5/8” in height;
and (3) that all text contrasts the background of the signage. Large,
contrasting text makes the signage easier to read and enhances its aesthetic
appeal (more eye-catching). Signage, written at an eighth grade reading level,
ensures information can be read by visitors of all ages.
This innovative concept of an interactive
garden also works to improve the local community, serving as a place for children,
teenagers, and adults to visit and learn about planting crops indigenous to the
area. Information displayed on outdoor signage provides visitors of all ages
with information concerning photosynthesis, the water cycle, weeding, a plant’s
life cycle, seed dispersal, harmful/helpful pets, and other facts imperative to
gardening. All data displayed on the
signage helps visitors better understand the “how to” and whys of gardening.
Visitors can not only educate themselves about gardening, but can also have a
“hands-on” opportunity to volunteer at the Garden. By volunteering, visitors can
utilize the knowledge they gathered from the signage and apply it while
gardening seasonal fruits/vegetables. Deep Cut Garden’s garage provides safekeeping
of all gardening supplies.
The Interactive Children’s Garden acts as
a nonprofit garden that enables families to learn, bond and positively
influence the local community. Volunteers at the garden donate their efforts to
a greater cause; fighting hunger. Food shelters throughout Monmouth County reap
the benefits of having all food harvested from the Interactive Children’s
Garden distributed to them. The Garden also provides opportunities for
inner-city children to learn about planting and provides them with the unique
opportunity to garden themselves. The Interactive Children’s Garden constitutes
an exceedingly worthwhile endeavor for the entire community.
Individual Testing Procedures
Individual Testing Procedures
 |
| Above: View from Garden site |
 |
Above: Picture of Garden site
|
1. Analyze problem and possible
solutions.
2. Visit Interactive Children’s Garden
site in Deep Cut Gardens
a. Measure the space used for
Interactive Children’s Garden
b. Find water source near determined
site
3. Create alternate solutions using
ideas gathered from research and brainstorming.
a. Apply research and data gathered to
alternate solution designs.
4. Study the advantages and
disadvantages of each alternate solution.
5. Meet with partner to ensure all
individual parts integrate as intended.
6. Test different materials
a. Leave all materials outside in
different weather conditions for at least 12 hours each and see how well they
withstand
i.
Plexiglass,
MDO Plywood, Alumalite, and DuraReader
b. Test materials at any desired,
outdoor location
7. Make adjustments if necessary
8. Construct alternate solutions
a. Use final, strongest material
9. Check strength.
a. Perform mathematical equations to
confirm strength
b. Put weight on final product to test
ability to withstand force
10. Check weather-resistance.
a. Leave final material outside in
different types of weather
i.
Sunny,
below 40 degrees, windy, rainy, and/or snowy weather
b. Test materials at any desired,
outdoor location
11. Confirm that information is
accurate.
a. Get in contact with a professional
in the field
b. Find second source on Internet to
compare information to
12. Check that solutions appeal to the human eye.
13. Ensure that solution integrates
properly with partner’s design
14. Collect and evaluate information
from collaborated design
a. Use information to refine any
defects
Team Testing Procedures
Team Testing Procedures
2. Visit Interactive Children’s Garden
site in Deep Cut Gardens
a. Measure the space used for
Interactive Children’s Garden site
3. Create alternate solutions using
ideas gathered from research and brainstorming.
a. Apply research and data gathered to
alternate solution designs
4. Evaluate the advantages and
disadvantages of each alternate solution.
5. Meet with partner to ensure all
individual alternate solutions integrate as intended.
a. Make model to ensure that signage
will not limit amount of sunlight plants receive
b. Test model on people and give a
survey
i.
Ask
if model is aesthetically appealing and functioning
6. Make adjustments if necessary.
7. Assemble individual parts.
a. Assemble individual final solution
8. Check positioning of individual
parts (signage and vegetation)
a. Test placement of signage and how it
affects the amount of sunlight plants receive
9. Ensure design integrates as
intended.
10. Check effectiveness/integrity of
design.
a. Test final sign materials (MDO
Plywood, Plexiglass, Alumalite, DuraReader)
b. Test final raised beds material
(pressure treated wood, concrete, masonry blocks, steel, cinder blocks, rocks)
c. Test design on people between the
ages of 5-50 and take surveyi. Ask about presentation, set-up, information, and function of design
11. Collect and evaluate information from collaborated design
a. Use information to refine any
defects
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Background Pictures
Problem/Why it must be Addressed
 |
| (Hunger Reaches) |
 |
| (Peterson, Carl) |
 |
| (Dead Plant) |
 |
| (Neglected Garden) |
 |
(Rosen, Lee)
|
“Dead
Plant.” Photograph. Rebecca West
Interiors. Natalie McGuire Designs, n.d. Web. 14 Mar.
2016.
“Hunger Reaches New
Record High.” Photograph. Rodale’s Organic Life. Rodale Inc., 23 Nov.
2010. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.
“Neglected Garden.”
Photograph. Australian City Farms &
Community Gardens Newtork. N.p.,
5 July 2014. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.
Peterson, Carl. “Food
Pantry.” Photograph. Cargill. Cargill Incorporated, n.d. Web. 14 Mar.
2016.
Rosen, Lee.“Office
Plant.” Photograph. Divorce Discourse.
N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.
People/Culture
 |
| (Davis, Jocelyn) |
 |
| (Wilson, Frank) |
 |
| (Big Difference) |
 |
| (Little Jumper) |
 |
(Smoky Mountains)
|
“Big Difference.”
Photograph. OhRanger.com.
Partnerships for Parks, n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.
Davis, Jocelyn. “People
in the Parks.” Photograph. Hancock Parks.
Hancock Park District, n.d.
Web. 14 Mar. 2016.
“Little Jumper.”
Photograph. Parks and People Foundation.
Network for Good, n.d. Web. 14
Mar. 2016.
“Smoky Mountains.”
Photograph. National Parks Traveler.
National Parks Advocate, 17 June
2015. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.
Wilson, Frank. “People
in the Parks.” Photograph. Hancock Parks.
Hancock Park District, n.d.
Web. 14 Mar. 2016.
Stakeholders
Atmosphere
 |
| (Smith, P.) |
 |
| (DuraFrame) |
 |
| (Compost) |
 |
| (Home Gardening) |
 |
(Wilson, Sylvia
|
"Compost." Photograph. Better Homes and Gardens. Meredith Corporation, n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.
"DuraFrame on Logs." Photograph. Envirosigns. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 July 2016.
"Home Gradening." Photograph. Life in the Know. N.p., 27 Feb. 2016. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.
Smith, P. "Raised Beds." Photograph. Take Your Raised Bed Garden Up a Notch. Bonnie Plants, n.d.
Web. 14 Mar. 2016.
Wilson, Sylvia. "Family Gardening" Photograph. Prezi. Prezi Inc., 6 May 2014. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.
Similar Products
 |
| (Informative Signs) |
 |
| (Garden Beds) |
 |
| (Casey, Christine) |
 |
| (Barlow's Children's) |
 |
| (Conner, Ryan) |
“Barlow’s
Children’s Garden” Photograph. Children’s
Garden. Barlow’s, n.d. Web. 14 Mar.
2016.
Casey,
Christine. “My Back Yard.” Photograph. The
Bee Gardener. University of California. 31
Mar. 2014. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.
Conner,
Ryan. “Rory Meyer’s Children Garden.” Photograph. D Magizine. D Magizine, 24 Sept.
2013. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.
“Garden
Beds.” Photograph. Grantham Community
Garden. Weekend Notes, 4 Oct. 2015. Web.
14 Mar. 2016.
“Informative
Signs.” Photograph. Grantham Community
Garden. Weekend Notes, 4 Oct. 2015.
Web. 14 Mar. 2016.
Background
Background
Local residents of Monmouth County suffer from a lack a proper education concerning gardening and from a lack of proper nutrition; these two problems go hand-in-hand. Today, many people do not understand the importance of gardening and how gardening impacts their lives daily. By installing an Interactive Children’s Garden in Deep Cut Gardens, gardening education and experience becomes more readily available for Monmouth County locals and visitors. The Interactive Garden serves as a chance for the visitors and locals to learn, garden, and make an impact. Anyone who gardens in the Interactive Garden plays a role in helping mollify hunger because all crops grown in the garden get donated to local food pantries. The Interactive Children’s Garden tackles two problems: education and hunger
As of 2012, 1,151,890 people lived in food insecure households in New Jersey alone and 46.7 million people experienced poverty in the U.S. The increase in the cost of living causes families to struggle to afford basic necessities. Therefore, families have no choice, but to cut back on spending money for healthy food. In Monmouth County, it costs $74,287 for a family of two adults and two school aged children per year. As the price of living becomes higher and higher, purchasing healthy foods become more and more difficult for families to attain. Also, in Monmouth County, nearly half of the households with children experience hunger during the course of a year and one in ten people receive an emergency food package from their local food bank. On average, 30,000 people visit Deep Cut Gardens annually; considering this number stays the same, that means at least 30,000 people have the opportunity to further educate themselves and play a small role in conquering hunger. The garden has a triumphant cause and beautiful sereny on the grounds of Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown, New Jersey provides an ideal location for an interactive garden. This proposed garden serves not only as an educational tool to inform visitors about vegetation during all four seasons, but also as a means to give back and improve the local community.
The local community will reap the direct benefits of the garden, but visitors from around the world take and apply the information about gardening and local crops they gathered from the Interactive Children’s Garden. The Interactive Children’s Garden presents information in a way that allows visitors of all ages to learn about the plants and crops in the garden. The information, presented in the form of signs, provides as little text as possible and as much imagery as possible to drive a point home. Visitors of all ages will understand and absorb the information about a plant’s life, a plant’s health, and planting in general. Never seen before in Monmouth County, the Interactive Children’s Garden provides the opportunity to educate oneself and have fun planting. Visitors will enjoy the planting as they make new friends, create stronger bonds, and dedicate their efforts to such a worthy cause (hunger).
The Interactive Children’s Garden focuses on a natural mood and theme because of the location and purpose. Therefore, the different aspects should follow a color scheme that mimics the surrounding shrubbery, which includes earthy hues like green and brown. Although the signage will give off an informative and educational aura, the general theme of signage coincides with the “natural” mood. The mood resembles that of a park or other outdoor gathering place in the design and orientation. This makes the users feel that the garden belongs in its set location and does not look out of place. Additionally, the garden must appeal to the users, which includes children. The specifications of the components must coincide with the needs and abilities of the children.
Many interactive children’s gardens exist throughout the country. One particularly famous garden, the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden in Dallas, exists on a much larger scale than the Interactive Children’s Garden for Deep Cut Gardens. On a more local scale, the Barlow’s Children Garden in Brielle, NJ provides a place where children learn and enjoy the touch and smell of plants. The Barlow’s Children Garden serves as a prime example of the intended design for the Interactive Children’s Garden in Deep Cut Gardens. Barlow’s Children Garden, a small garden, features mossy pathways, pinwheels, eco-friendly huts, birdhouses, and pavements for chalk. Some interactive children’s gardens have themes such as dinosaur themed or insect themed. The gardens all include objects bigger than the “average” and “expected” size of that particular object. All of the gardens consists of large objects and figures for the children to climb on.
Hence, the Interactive Children’s Garden can help to fight against the problems of hunger and lack of proper education about multiple plants and crops. As society grows, living costs become more and more expensive, and as a means to live comfortably, people do not spend as much money on healthy food. The Children’s Garden could help provide healthy, available food on a local level to all food insecure individuals in Monmouth County. The Garden could educate visitors on how to properly care for certain plants during different seasons. The Interactive Children’s Garden could provide for those struggling and educate visitors in ways new to Deep Cut Gardens.
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