Washington. DC
This prototype for a portable off-the-grid classroom was developed to supplement DC public schools with a “plug-in” space for technology and computer classes. Public school classrooms are often lacking necessary technological capability, and this portable facility would enrich the existing STEAM curriculum. It would also serve as a teaching classroom for the students to learn firsthand about sustainability and solar energy. The lab will be composed of one or more shipping containers that offer flexibility of use on the interior, and can be combined into various configurations, as needed. The base unit is 8’ wide x 20’ long, and possible functions are: technology classroom, fabrication lab, breakout computer workstations, or a digital collaboration space. Modules will be fabricated off-site and shipped on a truck to be installed at the school or stored off-site.
Containers will be pre-wired with computer cable and electrical wiring, and conduit will be included in walls and ceilings for additional wiring. The mobile labs can be situated in the school parking lot, as each one fits within a standard parking space. As they grow into multiple units, decking modules can be arranged to create shared outdoor space(s). In this way, the parking lot, often an eyesore, will serve as an extension of the school. Electricity will be supplied by solar power and stored in a flat-plate collector. The indoor-outdoor design provides each classroom with fresh air and a connection to the outdoors, and a compact HVAC unit will be pre-installed for winter and summer weather. Rain barrels will collect water from the roof for use in the school’s garden.
This prototype for a portable off-the-grid classroom was developed to supplement DC public schools with a “plug-in” space for technology and computer classes. Public school classrooms are often lacking necessary technological capability, and this portable facility would enrich the existing STEAM curriculum. It would also serve as a teaching classroom for the students to learn firsthand about sustainability and solar energy. The lab will be composed of one or more shipping containers that offer flexibility of use on the interior, and can be combined into various configurations, as needed. The base unit is 8’ wide x 20’ long, and possible functions are: technology classroom, fabrication lab, breakout computer workstations, or a digital collaboration space. Modules will be fabricated off-site and shipped on a truck to be installed at the school or stored off-site.
Containers will be pre-wired with computer cable and electrical wiring, and conduit will be included in walls and ceilings for additional wiring. The mobile labs can be situated in the school parking lot, as each one fits within a standard parking space. As they grow into multiple units, decking modules can be arranged to create shared outdoor space(s). In this way, the parking lot, often an eyesore, will serve as an extension of the school. Electricity will be supplied by solar power and stored in a flat-plate collector. The indoor-outdoor design provides each classroom with fresh air and a connection to the outdoors, and a compact HVAC unit will be pre-installed for winter and summer weather. Rain barrels will collect water from the roof for use in the school’s garden.
