Open Architecture Network

Technology Design Resources

AfH Technology Design Brief (DRAFT)

Technology Design Brief

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Case Studies
Room to Read Projects
TIER (UC Berkeley) Case Studies
Hole in the Wall Schools HIWEL Analysis
Mpilonhle Mobile Unit Resources
Mpilonhle Mobile Unit Capsule
Other AMD 50x15 Capsules
The Bee - mobile unit (Wiki)
The Bee - mobile unit (UNICEF Page)

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ICT Facilities: Web Resources
GeekCorps
RadioMobile
IT46: ICT Consultancy
Hole in the Wall Schools

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BECTA Guidelines
BECTA is the UK office for coordinating technology use in learning environments
How to design ICT suites and workstations
How to ensure the safe use of ICT in schools
How to plan ICT accommodation
How to deploy ICT resources effectively

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Design Principles (Architectural Graphic Standards)
AGS_393_HumidClimate
AGS_396_Atriums
AGS_400_Natural Ventilation
AGS_401_Passive Solar

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Academic Papers (TIER, UC Berkeley)
TIER classroom computing for developing regions
TIER Rethinking Wireless (WiLD) in the Developing World
TIER solar controller research
TIER economic analysis of wireless (WiLD) technologies
TIER CDMA450 research

Separation of Solar Array by Building

If a site has multiple buildings, it is better to size and design the power arrays to serve each building separately

• easier to troubleshoot problems if problems occur
• not much more expensive than designing a single array

Roof Configuration

• Not much difference between flat and pitched
• Structure is required to mount panels and tilt to optimum angle, regardless
• Provide roof access for maintainence (i.e. to wash off dust)

Solar Array

for a 20 station computer room

• 190kg + 10% more for mounting
• 14 sq meters

Connectivity

Wireless has come a long way in recent years, and it is the way to go, in small classroom setups provided there is a satellite connection (in rural areas) or some antenna signal.

• Wired connections are easier to break and harder to fix.
• If conduit is required, it should be flexibly installed, putting it in walls makes it very difficult to fix.
• Design question: Is there a way to detail or design the wall such that conduit is easy to access, easy to maintain but be physically out of the way.

Battery for Electricity

Batteries for solar arrays may be stored indoors.

• For a 50 panel system, a 4'x4' closet is sufficient.
• Ventilation is required. Recommend venting the inside walls, at top and bottom. Screens will be required to keep bugs, rodents, and other small animals out of the space.
• protect equipment from sand
• Do not ventilate the exterior walls, as that may invite theft and strange rodents, vermin and others animals

Servers

• Depending on the provider/manufacturer, servers may not require separate rooms
• They do need to be secured
• Servers can be wall mounted
• Benefits from air flow and prefers not to be in closet

Security

Passive, built in security is the best option, especially in rural issues.

• Hours of operation are a crucial element to consider.
• Windows should be secured - gridded metal bars are a good option that prevents people from prying two bars across.
• Actions such as padlocking to secure windows, are dependent on the diligence of the facility caretaker, and prone to human error.
• Holes in cinder blocks may invite thieves to break through. The computers are small and can be slipped through small openings.
• Solar panels are between 2 clear panels and locked with individual pad locks

Layout

Technology classrooms may require a different layout and there is some debate as to what is most effective.

• Horseshoe layout


This layout may seem antithetical to good teaching, with students facing the walls, having to turn their heads to face the front, teaching area. But this design allows the teacher to maintain a line of site on the screen, and discourages students from straying from the task.

From a technology standpoint, it is also easier to power and wire the computers. Electrical lines and ethernet conduits (if needed) don't need to be pulled far.



• Spine


The spine layout is extremely space efficient, and may allow for more computers in a space (depending on the size of the room.) Students all face the center and more directly toward the teaching station. However, the teacher is not able to see what their students are doing, and may create public and private hierarchies of computers (depending on where the circulation is)

From a technology standpoint, wiring needs to be provided to the central spine. It may be possible to place power and wired internet connections in the floor, but that may be difficult to maintain. if power and connectivity are sited in the wall, the wires will have to be pulled in from the wall.