Summary of Ideas Fair Projects
Off-grid food cooking (slides, .pdf, 23.4 Mb) The Food Project works with youth to build and promote food systems that provide access to healthy, sustainably-grown, local produce at affordable prices in the greater Boston area, and in particular in Boston's under-served neighborhoods. At our Urban learning Farm in Roxbury we have created a demonstration farm to educate urban gardeners about how to grow food safely in the city and to introduce students to the wonderful taste fresh fruits and vegetables. They would like to be able to cook foods from the garden on-site, and currently we have no power source to do that. They are looking for creative ways to generate power on our farm. Urban housing in developing areas (slides, .pdf, 32.3 Mb) The Special Interest Group in Urban Settlement (SIGUS) links housing and community interests in the Department of Architecture and Department of Urban Studies, focusing on developing areas worldwide. They are currently working on inexpensive housing construction in El Salvador. Hurricane-resistant housing (slides, .pdf, 80.3 Mb) In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the GCCDS worked with members of the East Biloxi community on the ground, providing early damage assessment maps, then planning assistance, and eventually design services. They are currently addressing issues with hurricanes and houses such as natural venting w/out humidity and manual lifts for elevated homes. FEMA trailer project (slides, .pdf, 5.4 Mb) The FEMA Trailer Project brings together a diverse group of undergraduate and graduate students and departments across MIT to research historical, social, and design aspects of surplus FEMA Trailers and develop proposals for the eventual transformation of a surplus FEMA trailer into an alternative vehicle which critically addresses the frequency and complexity of emergencies and disasters in contemporary society. Rejuvenation of Lawrence (project description, non-profit developer, example) MIT@Lawrence brings MIT together with civic leaders, residents, and community-based organizations in Lawrence, Massachusetts such as Union Crossing (UC). UC is a bold and innovative redevelopment project that will transform a complex of 19th century textile mills into a dynamic new Lawrence neighborhood, bringing investment, housing, and jobs to the historic heart of the city. Some of the proposed development goals include integration of innovative rain water harvesting, materials recycling, composting systems, and rooftop or hydroponic gardens. Concrete mixing (slides, .pdf , 1.8 Mb; video, .wmv, 19.9 Mb) As part of the Digital Design Fabrication Group, Kenfield Griffith is creating clean safe housing for developing countries. On the works sites they are in need of an inexpensive and efficient way of mixing concrete for small housing projects. Eco-housing The Ecological Engineering Group is a unique engineering and design practice combining conventional engineering, innovative ecological design, and permitting know-how. Their work ranges from residential homes to multi-building sites, many with environmentally sensitive or restricted conditions. They are currently working on a zero net energy and water sustainable duplex with greenhouse heating. Green roof technology (slides, .pdf, 3.3 Mb) In the pilot year of the EPICS program at Prospect Hill Academy, the nine students comprising the EPICS team designed and constructed a mobile Green Roof Kiosk, which is intended to educate the public about the importance of Green Roof technology in the 21st Century economy. Prospect Hill is currently looking into new concepts related to green roofing in Somerville. Technical furniture Former MIT student Adam Simha started MKS Design. His company is dedicated to emotional furniture design with a technical and intellectual basis. MKS focuses mostly on steel and has work in local establishments such as Toscininis. MKS also designs cutlery. Green building products (handout, .pdf, 4.7 Mb) Terrene sells high quality environmentally responsible "green" building products throughout New England. Their goal is to expand the use and availability of green building products. Habitat for humanity Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston, Inc. is a Massachusetts charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to building simple low-cost homes by forming partnerships with low-income families in need of decent and affordable housing. They are currently looking for ways to accomplish this while staying "green".
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