The Water Truck Project

Hello hello hello...

Group 1 here, consisting of the 3 loveliest ladies (from left):

Hayley, Angela, and Katie

So this week we spent time hashing out some of the possible designs for the truck! (Yay, finally!)

Some of the things that our group decided would be important to include are as follows:

1. Water collection system
2. Green roof
3. Visibility of the filtration system at work
4. Information display
5. Interactive component

We'll go through each aspect individually and explain our thoughts behind including them in the prototype sketches of the trucks design. 

1. Water Collection System

     Ultimately we all agreed that the aspect of water collection was most important for the truck. It's abilities to take rain water and actively filter it would speak tremendously to the trucks versatility. Eventually the truck would reside in Gainsville, Florida, home of the University of Florida research group. The average rainfall in Gainsville is 50"+ a year, so utilizing those damp conditions would be really beneficial. 

In the above image we were playing around with the orientation of the side panels. We sketched out pivoting panels (seen above), panels that open horizontally and even sliding panels. 

 

We decided upon panels that would open vertically, spanning nearly the length of the truck. Once angled down to the roof, the water would run down the panels to a central pipe that would collect  the water and send it to filtration system. We were also considering a frame that would slide out of the back of the truck, or another flip up rear panel, which could be draped with a specific type of fabric that ionizes water as it passes through.

The design of these panels would nearly triple the area of the truck, allowing for increased water collection. Pretty cool, huh?

2. Green Roof

     We decided that the green roof design would be important in regards to the environmental aspect of our research. To have a system that utilized plant matter as a first layer of filtration would serve as an educational tool as well. (In addition to being the coolest thing ever, of course.)

 

We were looking into a design that would allow us to have plant matter on the roof, while driving at accelerated speeds. We decided that a wind directing system would need to be in place, seen above. Sort of like the ones that you seen on semi trucks, to connect the cab to the trailer. In addition, a framework would be needed to surround the plants. 

Underneath of the green roof you can see the design for the water collection system. We would have to create a layered system that keeps the soil from flying away in the wind. Having a mesh material that covers the top would allow the plant life to grow while holding the soil down. Soil and pebbles would be the next layer, then another layer of fabric beneath that would catch all residual particles. Once the water passed through this final layer it would be directed into a recessed area, where it would flow into a piping system leading directly to the filtration system. 

 The framework design would serve as a method of security for the plants during transit. Our design incorporated a retractable cloth that would attach to the frame, shielding the plant life from wind damage while in motion.

3. Visibility of the Filtration System
     Being able to see the system on which this entire project is based was another aspect of the design that we felt should be noticeable at first glance.


We considered a design that would utilize the exterior panels of the truck when closed. Making these panels out of a translucent material would allow for the system to be seen at any time. Life-sized decals could be printed to cover this panel, serving as a clear explanation of how the system is working.


We also considered this panel would open upward, along with the other panels on the side of the truck, optimizing the water collection system.

4. Information Display
     Having done a large amount of research for the design process, we feel compelled to share it all with you! Through the research aspect of this project, we have all become more conscious of our individual water consumption, the science of water filtration, water waste and mismanagement, current solutions to these issues and projections for the future. Being a vehicle of education (no pun intended), we found the idea of displaying research that pertains to the viewer to be a compelling challenge.


Since the side panels of the truck will be open the majority of the time when interaction with viewers, we considered using the panels as a system of display. The image above shows the interaction aspect of the truck, being able to come up and converse with those running it. From the ends of the panels, we considered hanging either chalkboards or dry erase boards that would serve as areas for information display. The impermanence of the display will be used to keep accurate and ever changing statistics about water ready for the public. In addition, these panels would help to create an intimate spacial relation between those working within the truck, and the viewers inquiring about the ever growing water crisis.

5. Interactive Component
    Having an interactive portion of the truck would allow for the viewers to leave feeling as if they had actually learned something that pertains to them. For this reason, it was something that we all felt very important to include in the final design of the truck.


One of the systems of interaction that we brainstormed involved the a magnetic board that allowed viewers to figure out their water consumption. In the above sketch, these can be seen on the panels to the left and right of the information personnel. The placement of these aspects varies however, as the design of the panels has yet to be finalized.

We're also in the process of creating a stop motion that displays some of the key elements of our design, which we intend to post as soon as possible. Here's a sneak peak, the first two frames! (How exciting!)

Katie and Hayley presenting our design to the group.

We're continuing to develop our design, as we saw some very interesting aspects through the group presentations that would benefit the design of the truck as a whole! 

Please feel free to leave any comments, suggestions, or critiques of the design!

Thanks!

-Angela-