Rationale

Deck Plan

The deck plan for all for alternate solutions is the same.  It is designed to allow maximum educational access to all the students.  The A-Frame is set off the stern of the vessel, with the trawl net, weights, and chords attached to it.  There are two areas for the A-Frame to be controlled from.  The two control areas also have wire rolled into them, where the excess wire from the trawl net is rolled.  There are two doors that lead to each engine using a ladder.  The wheelhouse is elongated and widened, to allow maximum student access.  In the wheelhouse there will be multiple navigational and research tools.  All around the base, there will be seating and 360˚ access to the vessel.  

Alternate Solution 1

Introduction:

This solution is designed much like the current R/V Blue Sea.  The design has booths set up on either side with one outlet towards the wall.  On the starboard side of the boat, there is a large table set up for a larger research space.  On the port side of the vessel, there is a storage area where the crew’s boots and suits are located.  In storage near the crew storage, there are the rulers and buckets for the marine biology classes.  Additionally, there is a berthing area towards the bow of the ship, which is a requirement for all vessels over 65 feet long.  The head is located after the storage area towards the bow on the port side of the vessel.  Curtains separate the berthing area and classroom area.

Pros: 

·         Similar to the Blue Sea

·         Area for teacher and students to walk around

·         Comfortable seating arrangement

·         Good for small group work (3-5 people per group)

Cons:

·         Not a lot of storage areas

·         Not comfortable for lecture-style classes

·         Not many outlets readily available to all students

Conclusion:

While this solution is viable, it does not match what we want the end result to be.  There is not enough of a focus on a group environment, and too much on individual studying.  The large booths cut into the environment of the class, and project an idea of separation.  Additionally, the lack of outlets does not meet the specification stating the need for them.

Alternate Solution 2

Introduction:

This solution is designed to offer a space for group work, and a space for individual/partner work.  On the port side of the vessel, there is one singular large table.  Underneath this table are ample amounts of storage, and the clean surface provides an area for students to sit when they are not using any equipment and need to take notes.  The smaller, partner tables allow for students to work in small groups to complete sections in a lab.  Additionally, at each of the smaller tables, there are outlets for microscope and other electronic tool use.  There is a berthing area towards the bow of the ship, which is a requirement for all vessels over 65 feet long.  The head is located after the storage area towards the bow on the port side of the vessel.  Curtains separate the berthing area and classroom area.

Pros:

·         Separate area for group work and individual work

·         Also separate area for the crew

·         Storage offered under tables

·         Large area for teacher to lecture in

·         Easy access to outlets

·         Conducive to a group environment

Cons:

·         Table takes up a lot of space

·         Not enough seats to let everyone sit at the large table

·         Storage spaces are under table, may be difficult to reach

Conclusion:

This solution is viable and matches what we want the end result to be.  The two separate seating areas allow for the students to move from a lecture/learning environment, into an individual research environment flawlessly.

Alternate Solution 3

Introduction:

Alternate Solution 3 is designed to focus on the group dynamics of a learning environment.  There is one large table in the center of the cabin, with storage space underneath.  Towards either side of the vessel, there are small desks that fit 1-2 people.  This design allows students to work in a large group with the teacher during the lecture portion of the class, then break apart into small partner work for the research aspect of the class.  At each small desk, there is an outlet for microscope and other electronic tool use.  There is a berthing area towards the bow of the ship, which is a requirement for all vessels over 65 feet long.  The head is located after the storage area towards the bow on the port side of the vessel.  Curtains separate the berthing area and classroom area.

Pros:

·         Area for group style lectures

·         Separate area for partner work

·         Easy access to outlets

·         Enough storage space

·          Comfortable seating arrangement

Cons:

·         Not enough seats to let everyone sit at the large table

·         Storage spaces under table may be difficult to reach

·         Seating area may get cramped for students using notebooks

·         Not a large area for teachers to lecture in

Conclusion:

The solution is viable, and matches what we want in a design.  The large table allows for students to engage in discussion, and the small desks allow for individual and partner work.  However, the large table in the center does not work well with a teacher lecturing. 

Alternate Solution 4

This design is a combination of alternate solution 2 and alternate solution 3.  There are two medium-sized tables in the center of the table, both seating the same amount of students.  In the middle, there is a large lane for teachers to walk through, to allow for fluidity during a presentation.  On the port and starboard sides, there are two large windows.   These let the students see what is going on surrounding the vessel during movement, and a standstill.  Additionally, there is a berthing area towards the bow of the ship, which is a requirement for all vessels over 65 feet long.  The head is located after the storage area towards the bow on the port side of the vessel.  Curtains separate the berthing area and classroom area.

Pros:

·         More than enough seating for everyone

·         Large view of the ocean

·         Conducive to a group learning environment

·         Comfortable for a teacher to lecture in

·         Easy for students to get into discussions

Cons:

·         Not conducive to a small group/individual learning environment

·         Not easy for students to use electronic equipment

·         Storage space is lacking

Conclusion:

While the solution is viable, however it does not match what we want the end result to be.  The solution is too focused on a group environment, and while that works with certain aspects of the classes on the vessel, certain other (such as physics and chemistry) have needs for individual study areas.  

Overall conclusion:

All the designs are viable. The best one to fit the specifications and limitations is alternate solution 2.  However, I do believe that in order to get the perfect vessel, there will need to be a combination of multiple designs.  Mainly, there should be a combination of alternate solution 2 and alternate solution 3.  The combination of the two will give the perfect combinations of habitability, usefulness, and a good learning environment.