During the first week of this class, the studio was tasked with designing a deployable object that would be useful and help improve school campus. This was challenging because the campus is already really pretty, especially outdoors. As students, we never really get to enjoy it as much as we could because we are in classes all day. And with the new schedule, we do not get many breaks. This triggered my idea: to design an outdoor learning environment.

The main goal of this project is to create a learning environment that stands out from the traditional. From the start, the classroom needed to be a space that was outdoors, but the challenge of designing an outdoor classroom is that it needs to be protected from uncomfortable features such as extreme temperatures, bugs, etc.The idea of clear walls  fits the goal of this project. Over the course of the semester over five different models were designed. Although some did not work at all, the experience was taken and learned from for the next model. After the nearly-finalized model was not working, a guest coach came in. The models all had difficulties deploying and having a second use. All models were presented to her, and she said that the first was the best. A decision was made to go back to this one because its simplicity made it more functional and stand out. 

The Curvy Classroom works with the same mechanisms of a garage, but would have to be attached to a larger structure. Because there are many open spaces on campus where this could be placed, we propose attaching it to a tree. This would allow one side of the structure to remain on the ground, while the other side can raise for shade or remain the same. This structure can take on many different forms and this feature is especially useful when it is time for storage. The panels can be folded on top of each other for a compact and easy pickup. 

Since the beginning of this project, it was apparent it was going to be a challenge. We struggled a lot throughout this, but with the help of teachers and other guides, the idea progressed. The greatest difficulties were figuring out how the structure would be able to deploy and what its second use would be. Lists of objectives helped my partner and I overcome these challenges. Once the digital model of the final was completed, the project finally came completely together, but there is still other details to work out. In conclusion, having an outdoor learning space might have been hard to make, but it could help change the learning environment for students on campus.  

Curvy Classroom: an outdoor classroom that can easily roll up for compact storage. This outdoor classroom will provide an environment for any class to have a learning experience while immersed in nature.  

On campus, the majority of our learning spaces are inside, so we spend most of our school day confined within four walls. When the weather is nice, students often wish to have class outside, but the teacher cannot hold class outside because there is no outdoor learning space. Consequently, we have little time to appreciate our beautiful landscaping and nature at Episcopal. So, it is important to have a designated space so when students beg their teacher, “Can we PLEASE have class outside today?” the teacher can respond with, “Of course!” Additionally, teachers in all subjects can create assignments relating to their class that involve nature. 

The idea of the Curvy Classroom was initiated when we found out the subject of this semester: Deployable Structures. The idea of deployability opens up many possibilities for projects because the project can easily be stored when it is not needed. The design of the Curvy Classroom has taken many different forms throughout the semester. The modeling process commenced with a simple design: multiple panels that roll and take a circular shape. This idea was intended to be some form of a compact-able dome, allowing an entire class to convene in nature yet be protected from noise and the elements. Next, the model of the Curvy Classroom involved a more complex design that differed from the original model. This model incorporated a series of cuts that allowed for multiple directions of folding. These multiple cuts also allowed the panels to fold inside of a small box. This design was compact, but it didn’t invite close interaction with nature. Also, this design didn’t allow the most usable space for learning, being too small. Another form of the Curvy Classroom used telescoping mechanisms to move up and down, but the telescoping mechanisms weren’t very stable for everyday use.

Eventually, the Curvy Classroom went back to its roots: the original model. However, the final model was more complex and allowed more interaction with nature. The simple panels from the original model were replaced by panels with a rectangle pattern. In the built model, the openings would be filled with strong, clear plastic. These windows would allow the class to be further be integrated with nature, yet protected from direct sunlight, bugs, and adverse weather conditions. 

To begin building the final model, Rhino was used to create a cut file for laser cutting. Although the software had difficulties, eventually a full scale digital model with the curving aspect of the panels was completed. Next, a quarter scale model was laser cut with cardboard. With the cardboard model, experimentation allowed for different attachment methods for the Curvy Classroom. The final iteration is composed of acrylic material sandwiched between two wooden panels. Metal hinges will be used for limited movement for a structured dome shape for the Curvy Classroom. The Curvy Classroom took many different forms throughout the semester. However, experimenting with different designs helped us to see that our original model was the best plan. The Curvy Classroom will pioneer nature-based learning at Episcopal for all ages.