Our Solution
The first step we took in creating our solution was to look at other current solutions to similar problems. We found companies like Ten Fold Engineering and Honomobo, which inspired us to look into methods of creating both foldable and stackable housing. The first method we thought, and the method we stuck with throughout our project, was using shipping containers and cutting a section out to expand the living space. In order to decide what we should put in this living space, we decided to interview as many firefighters as possible to see what they would like in this space. We managed to reach over 300 firefighters, who gave us great insight into what people would love to see in this sort of project. They helped us narrow down everything from the amount of people to fit in this building to what sort of small luxuries we should include. In the end, we decided on creating a house with space for four people (to accommodate the average squad size), two showers (to maximize the space efficiency), and to include a separate room for lockers (to deal with the toxic chemicals on their suits). We also decided to include sound proofing curtains to add a little bit of luxury for each firefighter, helping them sleep on their insane schedules. All of these choices and more are included in the design report and presentation shown below. To the right is a video of Ten Fold's method of expanding and contracting their building, something that heavily inspired the method we ended up using in our design. To the right is also a view of the bedroom of our house, completed with mattresses and curtains. |
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