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[[File:Triangle of life done for top of page.PNG|frame|500x400px|right|Triangle of Life Final Design]]
{{Project data
==Abstract==
| authors = User:Kjf286, User:Aja502, User:Nancycharco, User:Jlc999
The client is Zane Middle School, located in Eureka, California. Zane Middle School is a “STEAM” (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) school, and features sustainable projects such as a recycling program and a rainwater catchment system. For this project, Trevor Hammons and Ron Perry from Zane Middle School asked that a patch of land nicknamed “the Triangle of Death” be converted into a hub of activity for the students.
| status = Deployed
| completed = 2015
| made = Yes
| replicated = No
| cost = USD 115
| instance-of = Urbanite pathways
| location = California, Humboldt
}}
 
The client is Zane Middle School, located in Eureka, California. Zane Middle School is a "STEAM" (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) school, and features sustainable projects such as a recycling program and a rainwater catchment system. For this project, Trevor Hammons and Ron Perry from Zane Middle School asked that a patch of land nicknamed "the Triangle of Death" be converted into a hub of activity for the students.


== Background ==
== Background ==
Team Triangle of Life, [[User:Aja502|Amani Adams]], [[User:Kjf286|Kelly Fuentes]],[[User:Nancycharco|Nancy Charco]], [[User:Jlc999|Joseph Caminiti]], was presented with a triangular piece of land located by the main office of Zane Middle School. This land contained old weed mat, weeds, dead plants, and a mix of dirt and bark. The land was unusable in this state and students cut across the land which prevented plants from growing.


{{Gallery
Team Triangle of Life, [[User:Aja502|Amani Adams]], [[User:Kjf286|Kelly Fuentes]], [[User:Nancycharco|Nancy Charco]], [[User:Jlc999|Joseph Caminiti]], was presented with a triangular piece of land located by the main office of Zane Middle School. This land contained old weed mat, weeds, dead plants, and a mix of dirt and bark. The land was unusable in this state and students cut across the land which prevented plants from growing.
|title= Original Landscape
 
|width=450
<gallery title="Original Landscape">
|height=250
File:TraingleofDeath.jpg|Triangle of Death
|padding=5
File:TriangleofDeathBefore.JPG|Triangle of Death
|lines=1
</gallery>
|align=center
|File:TraingleofDeath.jpg| Triangle of Death
|File:TriangleofDeathBefore.JPG| Triangle of Death
}}


== Problem statement and criteria ==
== Problem statement and criteria ==
[[File:Triangle of life done for top of page.PNG|thumb|Triangle of Life Final Design]]
Criteria are standards that are based on a scaled system rather than a yes or no answer. Constraints are specific limitations on each of the criterion. These were determined by multiple meetings with the client and group brainstorming sessions. The final design is based around the following criteria and constraints.
Criteria are standards that are based on a scaled system rather than a yes or no answer. Constraints are specific limitations on each of the criterion. These were determined by multiple meetings with the client and group brainstorming sessions. The final design is based around the following criteria and constraints.
====Criteria====
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
==== Criteria ====
|-
 
!Criteria
{| class="wikitable"
!Importance
! Criteria
!Constraints
! Importance
! Constraints
|-
|-
|Functionality  
| Functionality
|10
| 10
|Faculty, students, and visitors must be able to utilize the path without causing unnecessary foot traffic.
| Faculty, students, and visitors must be able to utilize the path without causing unnecessary foot traffic.
|-
|-
|Low Maintenance  
| Low Maintenance
|10
| 10
|The maintenance staff needs to approve the final solution. The final design must not add any extra work for the maintenance staff. Therefore, the uses of hardy, evergreen plants that thrive in the local climate and require little care, are a priority.  
| The maintenance staff needs to approve the final solution. The final design must not add any extra work for the maintenance staff. Therefore, the uses of hardy, evergreen plants that thrive in the local climate and require little care, are a priority.
|-
|-
|Sustainability  
| Sustainability
|9
| 9
|Strive to use recycled materials that have low impact on the environment.
| Strive to use recycled materials that have low impact on the environment.
|-
|-
|Aesthetics
| Aesthetics
|9
| 9
|The final solution must be unique and appealing to the public because the design is a main focal point on the Zane Middle School’s campus.
| The final solution must be unique and appealing to the public because the design is a main focal point on the Zane Middle School's campus.
|-
|-
|Safety
| Safety
|8
| 8
| No material utilized in the final design can cause harm or be used to cause potential harm. The plants need to be approved and avoid poisonous, hardwood branches that may cause potential harm.
| No material utilized in the final design can cause harm or be used to cause potential harm. The plants need to be approved and avoid poisonous, hardwood branches that may cause potential harm.
|-
|-
|Durability
| Durability
|7
| 7
| The final design must withstand the day to day wear and tear and weather conditions.  
| The final design must withstand the day to day wear and tear and weather conditions.
|-
|-
|Cost  
| Cost
|5
| 5
| The cost for all materials total below the $400 budget.  
| The cost for all materials total below the $400 budget.
|}
|}


== Description of final project ==
== Description of final project ==
A solution of an aseptically pleasing, durable and maintainable site was implemented at Zane Middle School. There are six pathways that are laid out to avoid utility boxes, sprinkler systems, and pillars that are located in the area. The pathways emit out radially from the center to the edges of the triangle.The pathways are made out of urbanite, and are packed together with recycled concrete mix. A circular area, made of urbanite, is centered in the middle of the triangle to provide students with a social gathering area. Urbanite is implemented to reduce the amount of CO<sub>2</sub> that enters the atmosphere, because the production of new concrete creates CO<sub>2</sub> emissions. The open areas contain weed mat to prevent a rise in maintenance costs, evergreen plants to maintain an aesthetically pleasing landscape, and redwood mulch to match existing landscapes.


{{Gallery
A solution of an aseptically pleasing, durable and maintainable site is implemented at Zane Middle School. Six walking pathways are laid out to avoid utility boxes, sprinkler systems, and pillars that are located in the area. The pathways emit out radially from the center to the edges of the triangle. The pathways are made out of urbanite, and are packed together with recycled concrete mix. A circular area, made of urbanite, is centered in the middle of the triangle to provide students, and teachers, with a social gathering area. Urbanite is implemented to reduce the amount of CO<sub>2</sub> that enters the atmosphere, because the production of new concrete creates CO<sub>2</sub> emissions. It consists of recycled concrete and slit. The open areas contain weed mats, to prevent a rise in maintenance costs, evergreen plants native to the local area, to maintain an aesthetically pleasing landscape, and redwood mulch, to match existing landscapes.
|title= Triangle of Life Design
|width=450
|height=250
|padding=5
|lines=1
|align=center
|File:Triangle of life autocad.PNG| AutoCAD drawing of Triangle of Life
|File:Triangle of life final picture.PNG| Final design of Triangle of Life
}}


<gallery>
File:Triangle of life autocad.PNG|AutoCAD drawing of Triangle of Life
File:Triangle of life final picture.PNG|Final design of Triangle of Life
</gallery>


== Costs ==
== Costs ==
The projects costs consist of the cost to maintain the area, the hours of work invested in the project, and the cost of materials both in retail and the amount spent.


{{Gallery
The projects costs consist of the hours per month to maintain the project area, the hours of work invested in the project, and the monetary cost of materials both in retail and the amount spent.
|title= Triangle of Life Design
 
|width=450
[[File:TimeInvested.png|thumb|none|Time invested in project.]]
|height=250
 
|padding=5
==== Maintenance ====
|lines=1
|align=center
|File:TimeInvested.png| Time invested in project
}}


====Maintenance====
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Task
! Cost (Hours/Month)
|-
|-
!Task
| Weeding plants
!Cost (Hours/Month)
| 2
|-
|-
|Weeding plants
| Cutting back plants and clean area
|align="right"|2
| 2
|-
|- class="sortbottom"
|Cutting back plants and clean area  
! colspan="1"|Total
|align="right"|2
! 4
|-class="sortbottom"
|colspan="1" align="left" | '''Total'''||align="right"| '''4'''
|}
|}


==== Retail vs. Actual Cost ====


 
{| class="wikitable"
====Retail vs. Actual Cost====
! Material
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Retail Cost ($)
|-
! Our Cost ($)
!Material
!Retail Cost ($)
!Our Cost ($)
|-
|-
|Urbanite
| Urbanite
|align="right"|15
| 15
|align="right"|Donated
| Donated
|-
|-
|Recycled Sand
| Recycled Sand
|align="right"|20
| 20
|align="right"|Donated
| Donated
|-
|-
|Plants
| Plants
|align="right"|75
| 75
|align="right"|Donated
| Donated
|-
|-
|Gardening Material
| Gardening Material
|align="right"|50
| 50
|align="right"|25
| 25
|-
|-
|Edging
| Edging
|align="right"|120
| 120
|align="right"|60
| 60
|-
|-
|Weed Mat
| Weed Mat
|align="right"|60
| 60
|align="right"|Donated
| Donated
|-
|-
|Test Material
| Test Material
|align="right"|100
| 100
|align="right"|30
| 30
|-class="sortbottom"
|- class="sortbottom"
|colspan="1" align="left" | '''Total Cost'''||align="right"| '''440'''
! colspan="1"|Total Cost
|align="right"| '''115'''
! 440
! 115
|}
|}


==Testing Results==
== Testing Results ==
The initial design did not contain enough urbanite to pack the pathways together, so the steps were loose and were not visually appealing. After speaking with the client, it was decided that more urbanite must be put in place to ensure the safety of the students and create an aesthetically pleasing landscape.


Once more urbanite was added, the pathways held together much better and they withstood a week of foot traffic without any damage. The plants seemed to be thriving and the students had not kicked up any of the redwood mulch. Faculty stated that they use the pathways often and that students seem to respect the area and have not tried to destroy it.
The initial design did not contain enough urbanite to pack the pathways together, so the steps were loose and were not the most visually appealing. After speaking with the client, it was decided that more urbanite must be put in place to increase the structural integrity of the pathway, to ensure the safety of the students, and create a more aesthetically pleasing landscape.


==Video==
Once more urbanite was added, the pathways held together much better and they withstood a week of foot traffic without any damage. The plants seemed to be thriving and the students, or community members, had not kicked up any of the redwood mulch. Faculty stated that they use the pathways often and that the students seem to respect the area and also utilize the area aswell.
{{#widget:YouTube|id=WkGgI0RPhiI}}


== Video ==


==How to build ==
{{Video|WkGgI0RPhiI}}


{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto"
== How to build ==
|-
 
! colspan="2" style="background: #1A1A1A; color: white" | How To Build Triangle of Life
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Image
!style="background: #1A1A1A; color: white;"| Image
! Steps
!style="background: #1A1A1A; color: white;"| Steps  
|-
|-
|[[File:TriangleofDeathbefore.jpg|250px|left]]
| [[File:TriangleofDeathbefore.jpg|250px|left]]
| '''Step 1''' Observe and plan out what to do on area before starting.
! Step 1: Observe and plan out desired project design before starting.
|-
|-
|[[File:Clearingout.jpg|250px|left]]
| [[File:Clearingout.jpg|250px|left]]
|'''Step 2''' Clear out area of weed tarp, weeds, dirt, and other waste material.
! Step 2: Clear out area of existing weed tarp, weeds, dirt, and other waste material.
|-
|-
|[[File: MarkedAreas.jpg|250px|left]]
| [[File: MarkedAreas.jpg|250px|left]]
|'''Step 3''' Mark out areas for walkways and center circle.
! Step 3: Mark out areas for walkways and center circle.
|-
|-
|[[File:Diggingout.jpg|250px|left]]
| [[File:Diggingout.jpg|250px|left]]
|'''Step 4''' Dig out marked areas of dirt to desired specifications.
! Step 4: Dig out marked areas of dirt to desired specifications.
|-
|-
|[[File:UrbanitePieces.JPG|250px|left]]
| [[File:UrbanitePieces.JPG|250px|left]]
|'''Step 5''' Put in place urbanite for centerpiece and walkways. Make sure the urbanite pieces are level to prevent users from tripping.  
! Step 5: Put in place large urbanite pieces for centerpiece and walkways. Make sure the urbanite pieces are level for ease of walking and to prevent users from tripping.
|-
|-
|[[File:UrbanitePaths1.jpg|250px|left]]
| [[File:UrbanitePaths1.jpg|250px|left]]
|'''Step 6''' Put in sand/gravel mix in between the pieces to compact the pieces together. Test to make sure walkways are level, stable, and durable.  
! Step 6: Fill in sand/gravel mix in between the pieces to compact the pieces together. Test to make sure walkways are level, stable, and durable.
|-
|-
|[[File:Weedtarp.jpg|250px|left]]
| [[File:Weedtarp.jpg|250px|left]]
|'''Step 7''' Place down weed mat.  
! Step 7: Place down weed mat and secure with staples or stakes.
|-
|-
|[[File:Redwoodmulch.JPG|250px|left]]
| [[File:Redwoodmulch.JPG|250px|left]]
|'''Step 8''' Add redwood mulch or desired landscape material to cover the weed mat.  
! Step 8: Add redwood mulch or desired landscape material to cover the weed mat.
|-
|-
|[[File:IMG 0232.JPG.jpeg|250px|left]]
| [[File:IMG 0232.JPG.jpeg|250px|left]]
|'''Step 9''' Plant desired plants and flowers.  
! Step 9: Plant desired plants and flowers.
|}
|}


==Discussion and Next Steps==
== Discussion and Next Steps ==
 
After many weeks of use, the pathways are speculated to pack down more and settle. This will create gaps between the tops of the concrete pieces and the recycled concrete mix, urbanite. This could present a potential hazard for walking and tripping. To mitigate this, more filler would need to be added in designated areas. The current filler is the recycled concrete mix, urbanite, from [http://thinkalvesinc.com/ Alve's Inc.]
 
In the initial design for the Triangle of life, plans to put in benches made from upcycled materials along the walkways on the side of the triangle with the highest awning. Due to time constraints, benches were not implemented. The implementation of benches are highly recommended to students or the community members for future projects on the Triangle of Life.
 
A potential causation of the withering of plants may be due to the redwood mulch soaking up too much water thus preventing it from reaching to the plants. If this happens, mound the redwood mulch around the plants and leave a gap between the plants and redwood mulch to allow water to reach the roots of the plants.


After many weeks of use, the pathways may pack down more and settle, creating gaps between the tops of the concrete pieces and the recycled concrete mix. This can cause a potential tripping hazard, so more filler must be put in place if this occurs. The current filler is the recycled concrete mix from [http://thinkalvesinc.com/ Alve's Inc.]
== Team Triangle of Life ==


In the initial design for the Triangle of life, there were plans to put in benches made from upcycled materials along the walkways on the side of the triangle with the highest awning. Due to time constraints, benches were not implemented. Benches are highly recommended to students or the community members for future projects.
[[File:TeamTriangleofLife.jpg|thumb|none|Team Triangle of Life (from left to right): Amani Adams, Kelly Fuentes, Nancy Charco, Joseph Caminiti]]


If the plants begin to wither, it may be because the redwood mulch is soaking up the water and preventing it from reaching the plants. If this happens, mound the redwood mulch around the plants and leave a gap between the plants and redwood mulch to allow water to reach the roots of the plants.
== References ==


==References==
<references />
{{Reflist}}
*Ali, N. S., Khairuddin, N. F., & Zainal Abidin, S. (2013). Upcycling: re-use and recreate functional interior space using waste materials. In DS 76: Proceedings of E&PDE 2013, the 15th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education, Dublin, Ireland, 05-06.09. 2013.
*Assets (2015). “Inihabitat,” <http://assets.inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2013/06/concrete-artsy-537x402.jpg> (Feb. 20, 2015)
*Bay Friendly Landscaping (2009). “A Bay-Friendly Landscaping Guide to Recycled-Content and Salvaged Materials” <http://stopwaste.org/docs/salvaged.pdf> (May 3, 2015)
*Beardshaw, Chris (2008 ). “A fern favourite: The plant with a rich and ancient history.” Mail Online, <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/gardening/article-1077236/A-fern-favourite-The-plant-rich-ancient-history.html#ixzz3Z7eWqizb> (May 3, 2015).
*Bender, Steve (2015). “Azalea Essential Southern Plant.” Southern Living, <http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/gardens/azalea-plants> (May 3, 2015).
*Bruno, Gwen (1997-2010). “Azalea Plant History.”GardenGuide.com, <http://www.gardenguides.com/79994-azalea-plant-history.html> (May 3, 2015).
*County of Humboldt. "Welcome to an Engaged Community." <http://www.humboldtgov.org/1217/Climate> (May 4, 2015).
*Environmental Protection Agency (2014). “Park and Recreation Products | Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (CPG)” http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/cpg/products/park.htm#benches (February 22, 2015)
*Electrical Engineering (2015). “Designing Navigable Information Spaces,” <http://www.ai.mit.edu/projects/infoarch/publications/mfoltz-thesis/node8.html> (Feb. 20, 2015)
*Fire Clay Tile (2014). “Glass,” <https://www.fireclaytile.com/glass/> (Feb. 20, 2015).
*Genevieve (2009). “Gardening Basics: How to Apply Mulch ⋆ North Coast Gardening”  http://northcoastgardening.com/2009/06/organic-gardening-101-mulch/ (May 4, 2015)
*Gibson, D. (2009). Wayfinding Handbook : Information Design for Public Places. New York, NY, USA: Princeton Architectural Press. <http://www.ebrary.com> (May 3, 2015)
*Haggard, Pete. (Unknown). Northwest California natives tested in Arcata-Eureka area. Northcoastcnps.org, 1-4.
*Hamilton Parker Company (2015). “Brick for Outdoor Spaces,” <http://hamiltonparker.com/brick/outdoor/> (Feb. 20, 2015).
*Ipatenco,  Sara. “How to Grow Lithodora Diffusa Flowers.” SFGate, <http://homeguides.sfgate.com/grow-lithodora-diffusa-flowers-20980.html> (May 3, 2015)
*J&J Materials (2015). “Building a Classic Brocken Flagstone Pathway,” <http://jjmaterials.com/2014/04/building-a-classic-broken-flagstone-pathway-in-scituate-ma/> (Feb. 20, 2015).
*Litchfield, M.W. (1997). Masonry. In Encyclopedia of Home Improvement (pp. 202-204). New York: Sterling Publishing.
*O'Nan, A. (2014). “Upcycling: The bench biology built” <http://www.usi.edu/news/releases/2014/01/upcycling-the-bench-biology-built> (February 22, 2015)
*Schmidt, M., and Greenberg, K. (2012). Growing California Native Plants. University of California Press, Berkeley, Los Angeles, and London. 36-38.
*St. Houzz (2012). “Fireclay Tile Image,” <http://st.houzz.com/simgs/0d913b7801362524_4-2953/modern-tile.jpg> (Feb. 20, 2015).
*"Trends in Brick Plant Operations," The American Ceramic Society Bulletin. 1992, pp. 69-74.
*Typepad (2015). “Home Redux,” <http://myhomeredux.typepad.com/blog/images/flagstone_walk.jpg> (Feb. 20, 2015)
*Wood Magazine (2006). “Beating the Elements: A Guide for Building Outdoor Projects that Last” <http://msatterw.public.iastate.edu/ENG%20250%20Readings/OutdoorFinishes%5B1%5D.pdf> (February 22, 2015)


* Ali, N. S., Khairuddin, N. F., & Zainal Abidin, S. (2013). Upcycling: re-use and recreate functional interior space using waste materials. In DS 76: Proceedings of E&PDE 2013, the 15th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education, Dublin, Ireland, 05-06.09. 2013.
* Assets (2015). "Inihabitat," <http://assets.inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2013/06/concrete-artsy-537x402.jpg> (Feb. 20, 2015)
* Bay Friendly Landscaping (2009). "A Bay-Friendly Landscaping Guide to Recycled-Content and Salvaged Materials" <[https://web.archive.org/web/20130308145140/http://www.stopwaste.org/docs/salvaged.pdf http://web.archive.org/web/20130308145140/http://www.stopwaste.org/docs/salvaged.pdf]> (May 3, 2015)
* Beardshaw, Chris (2008). "A fern favourite: The plant with a rich and ancient history." Mail Online, <[https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/gardening/article-1077236/A-fern-favourite-The-plant-rich-ancient-history.html#ixzz3Z7eWqizb http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/gardening/article-1077236/A-fern-favourite-The-plant-rich-ancient-history.html#ixzz3Z7eWqizb]> (May 3, 2015).
* Bender, Steve (2015). "Azalea Essential Southern Plant." Southern Living, <http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/gardens/azalea-plants> (May 3, 2015).
* Bruno, Gwen (1997-2010). "Azalea Plant History."GardenGuide.com, <http://www.gardenguides.com/79994-azalea-plant-history.html> (May 3, 2015).
* County of Humboldt. "Welcome to an Engaged Community."(May 4, 2015).
* Environmental Protection Agency (2014). "Park and Recreation Products | Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (CPG)" [https://web.archive.org/web/20150616150105/http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/cpg/products/park.htm http://web.archive.org/web/20150616150105/http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/cpg/products/park.htm] (February 22, 2015)
* Electrical Engineering (2015). "Designing Navigable Information Spaces," <http://www.ai.mit.edu/projects/infoarch/publications/mfoltz-thesis/node8.html> (Feb. 20, 2015)
* Fire Clay Tile (2014). "Glass," <https://www.fireclaytile.com/glass/> (Feb. 20, 2015).
* Genevieve (2009). "Gardening Basics: How to Apply Mulch ⋆ North Coast Gardening" http://northcoastgardening.com/2009/06/organic-gardening-101-mulch/ (May 4, 2015)
* Gibson, D. (2009). Wayfinding Handbook: Information Design for Public Places. New York, NY, USA: Princeton Architectural Press. <http://www.ebrary.com> (May 3, 2015)
* Haggard, Pete. (Unknown). Northwest California natives tested in Arcata-Eureka area. Northcoastcnps.org, 1-4.
* Hamilton Parker Company (2015). "Brick for Outdoor Spaces," <[https://web.archive.org/web/20180105101318/http://hamiltonparker.com:80/brick/outdoor/ http://web.archive.org/web/20180105101318/http://hamiltonparker.com:80/brick/outdoor/]> (Feb. 20, 2015).
* Ipatenco, Sara. "How to Grow Lithodora Diffusa Flowers." SFGate, <http://homeguides.sfgate.com/grow-lithodora-diffusa-flowers-20980.html> (May 3, 2015)
* J&J Materials (2015). "Building a Classic Brocken Flagstone Pathway," <[https://web.archive.org/web/20160630213505/http://jjmaterials.com:80/2014/04/building-a-classic-broken-flagstone-pathway-in-scituate-ma/ http://web.archive.org/web/20160630213505/http://jjmaterials.com:80/2014/04/building-a-classic-broken-flagstone-pathway-in-scituate-ma/]> (Feb. 20, 2015).
* Litchfield, M.W. (1997). Masonry. In Encyclopedia of Home Improvement (pp. 202-204). New York: Sterling Publishing.
* O'Nan, A. (2014). "Upcycling: The bench biology built" <[https://www.usi.edu/news/releases/2014/01/upcycling-the-bench-biology-built http://www.usi.edu/news/releases/2014/01/upcycling-the-bench-biology-built]> (February 22, 2015)
* Schmidt, M., and Greenberg, K. (2012). Growing California Native Plants. University of California Press, Berkeley, Los Angeles, and London. 36-38.
* St. Houzz (2012). "Fireclay Tile Image," <http://st.houzz.com/simgs/0d913b7801362524_4-2953/modern-tile.jpg/> (Feb. 20, 2015).
* "Trends in Brick Plant Operations," The American Ceramic Society Bulletin. 1992, pp. 69-74.
* Typepad (2015). "Home Redux," <http://myhomeredux.typepad.com/blog/images/flagstone_walk.jpg/> (Feb. 20, 2015)
* Wood Magazine (2006). "Beating the Elements: A Guide for Building Outdoor Projects that Last" <[https://web.archive.org/web/20180328162111/http://msatterw.public.iastate.edu:80/ENG%20250%20Readings/OutdoorFinishes http://web.archive.org/web/20180328162111/http://msatterw.public.iastate.edu:80/ENG%20250%20Readings/OutdoorFinishes][1].pdf> (February 22, 2015)
{{Page data
| keywords = pathways, walkways, urbanite, plants, sand
| sdg = SDG04 Quality education, SDG11 Sustainable cities and communities
| published = 2015
| organizations = Category:Engr205 Introduction to Design, Cal Poly Humboldt, Category:Zane Middle School
| license = CC-BY-SA-3.0
| language = en
}}


==Team Triangle of Life==
[[Category:Engr205 Introduction to Design]]
[[File:TeamTriangleofLife.jpg|thumb|center|Team Triangle of Life (from left to right): Amani Adams, Kelly Fuentes, Nancy Charco, Joseph Caminiti]]
[[Category:Engr215 Introduction to Design]]
[[Category:Design]]
[[Category:Design]]
[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Gardening]]
[[Category:Gardening]]
[[Category:Zane Middle School]]
[[Category:Zane Middle School]]
[[Category:Plants]]

Latest revision as of 16:08, 28 February 2024

Triangle of life done for top of page.PNG
FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Project data
Authors Kelly Fuentes
Amani Adams
Nancycharco
Joseph Caminiti
Location California, Humboldt
Status Deployed
Completed 2015
Made Yes
Replicated No
Cost USD 115
Instance of Urbanite pathways
OKH Manifest Download

The client is Zane Middle School, located in Eureka, California. Zane Middle School is a "STEAM" (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) school, and features sustainable projects such as a recycling program and a rainwater catchment system. For this project, Trevor Hammons and Ron Perry from Zane Middle School asked that a patch of land nicknamed "the Triangle of Death" be converted into a hub of activity for the students.

Background[edit | edit source]

Team Triangle of Life, Amani Adams, Kelly Fuentes, Nancy Charco, Joseph Caminiti, was presented with a triangular piece of land located by the main office of Zane Middle School. This land contained old weed mat, weeds, dead plants, and a mix of dirt and bark. The land was unusable in this state and students cut across the land which prevented plants from growing.

  • Triangle of Death

    Triangle of Death

  • Triangle of Death

    Triangle of Death

Problem statement and criteria[edit | edit source]

Triangle of Life Final Design

Criteria are standards that are based on a scaled system rather than a yes or no answer. Constraints are specific limitations on each of the criterion. These were determined by multiple meetings with the client and group brainstorming sessions. The final design is based around the following criteria and constraints.

Criteria[edit | edit source]

Criteria Importance Constraints
Functionality 10 Faculty, students, and visitors must be able to utilize the path without causing unnecessary foot traffic.
Low Maintenance 10 The maintenance staff needs to approve the final solution. The final design must not add any extra work for the maintenance staff. Therefore, the uses of hardy, evergreen plants that thrive in the local climate and require little care, are a priority.
Sustainability 9 Strive to use recycled materials that have low impact on the environment.
Aesthetics 9 The final solution must be unique and appealing to the public because the design is a main focal point on the Zane Middle School's campus.
Safety 8 No material utilized in the final design can cause harm or be used to cause potential harm. The plants need to be approved and avoid poisonous, hardwood branches that may cause potential harm.
Durability 7 The final design must withstand the day to day wear and tear and weather conditions.
Cost 5 The cost for all materials total below the $400 budget.

Description of final project[edit | edit source]

A solution of an aseptically pleasing, durable and maintainable site is implemented at Zane Middle School. Six walking pathways are laid out to avoid utility boxes, sprinkler systems, and pillars that are located in the area. The pathways emit out radially from the center to the edges of the triangle. The pathways are made out of urbanite, and are packed together with recycled concrete mix. A circular area, made of urbanite, is centered in the middle of the triangle to provide students, and teachers, with a social gathering area. Urbanite is implemented to reduce the amount of CO2 that enters the atmosphere, because the production of new concrete creates CO2 emissions. It consists of recycled concrete and slit. The open areas contain weed mats, to prevent a rise in maintenance costs, evergreen plants native to the local area, to maintain an aesthetically pleasing landscape, and redwood mulch, to match existing landscapes.

  • AutoCAD drawing of Triangle of Life

    AutoCAD drawing of Triangle of Life

  • Final design of Triangle of Life

    Final design of Triangle of Life

Costs[edit | edit source]

The projects costs consist of the hours per month to maintain the project area, the hours of work invested in the project, and the monetary cost of materials both in retail and the amount spent.

Time invested in project.

Maintenance[edit | edit source]

Task Cost (Hours/Month)
Weeding plants 2
Cutting back plants and clean area 2
Total 4

Retail vs. Actual Cost[edit | edit source]

Material Retail Cost ($) Our Cost ($)
Urbanite 15 Donated
Recycled Sand 20 Donated
Plants 75 Donated
Gardening Material 50 25
Edging 120 60
Weed Mat 60 Donated
Test Material 100 30
Total Cost 440 115

Testing Results[edit | edit source]

The initial design did not contain enough urbanite to pack the pathways together, so the steps were loose and were not the most visually appealing. After speaking with the client, it was decided that more urbanite must be put in place to increase the structural integrity of the pathway, to ensure the safety of the students, and create a more aesthetically pleasing landscape.

Once more urbanite was added, the pathways held together much better and they withstood a week of foot traffic without any damage. The plants seemed to be thriving and the students, or community members, had not kicked up any of the redwood mulch. Faculty stated that they use the pathways often and that the students seem to respect the area and also utilize the area aswell.

Video[edit | edit source]

mqdefault.jpgYouTube_icon.svg

How to build[edit | edit source]

Image Steps
TriangleofDeathbefore.jpg
 Step 1: Observe and plan out desired project design before starting.
Clearingout.jpg
 Step 2: Clear out area of existing weed tarp, weeds, dirt, and other waste material.
MarkedAreas.jpg
 Step 3: Mark out areas for walkways and center circle.
Diggingout.jpg
 Step 4: Dig out marked areas of dirt to desired specifications.
UrbanitePieces.JPG
 Step 5: Put in place large urbanite pieces for centerpiece and walkways. Make sure the urbanite pieces are level for ease of walking and to prevent users from tripping.
UrbanitePaths1.jpg
 Step 6: Fill in sand/gravel mix in between the pieces to compact the pieces together. Test to make sure walkways are level, stable, and durable.
Weedtarp.jpg
 Step 7: Place down weed mat and secure with staples or stakes.
Redwoodmulch.JPG
 Step 8: Add redwood mulch or desired landscape material to cover the weed mat.
IMG 0232.JPG.jpeg
 Step 9: Plant desired plants and flowers.

Discussion and Next Steps[edit | edit source]

After many weeks of use, the pathways are speculated to pack down more and settle. This will create gaps between the tops of the concrete pieces and the recycled concrete mix, urbanite. This could present a potential hazard for walking and tripping. To mitigate this, more filler would need to be added in designated areas. The current filler is the recycled concrete mix, urbanite, from Alve's Inc.

In the initial design for the Triangle of life, plans to put in benches made from upcycled materials along the walkways on the side of the triangle with the highest awning. Due to time constraints, benches were not implemented. The implementation of benches are highly recommended to students or the community members for future projects on the Triangle of Life.

A potential causation of the withering of plants may be due to the redwood mulch soaking up too much water thus preventing it from reaching to the plants. If this happens, mound the redwood mulch around the plants and leave a gap between the plants and redwood mulch to allow water to reach the roots of the plants.

Team Triangle of Life[edit | edit source]

Team Triangle of Life (from left to right): Amani Adams, Kelly Fuentes, Nancy Charco, Joseph Caminiti

References[edit | edit source]


FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Page data
Keywords pathways, walkways, urbanite, plants, sand
SDG SDG04 Quality education, SDG11 Sustainable cities and communities
Authors Joseph Caminiti, Amani Adams, Chris Watkins
License CC-BY-SA-3.0
Organizations Category:Engr205 Introduction to Design, Cal Poly Humboldt, Category:Zane Middle School
Derivatives Zane Middle School: TOD-19
Language English (en)
Related 0 subpages, 5 pages link here
Impact 574 page views
Created October 8, 2009 by Chris Watkins
Modified February 28, 2024 by Felipe Schenone
Cite as Joseph Caminiti, Amani Adams, Chris Watkins (2009–2024). "Zane Middle School triangle of life". Appropedia. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
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