Our group has divided our project into several main aspects. The first aspect involves the installation of two drainage pipes on the eastern-most side of Whitehead Hall that will lead rainwater down into a series of rainwater storage barrels. The liquid stored in these rain barrels will be used to water a rain garden that will be planted just a few feet from the barrels in the grass patch outside of Whitehead Hall.

The second aspect of our project involves the addition of 18-inch metal pinwheels to the side of Whitehead Hall. These pinwheels will be in the pathways of the downspouts. As water flows down the building, it will spin the pinwheels, which will in turn spin small motors on the side of Whitehead Hall. These motors will be hooked up to small battery chargers that can charge a variety of objects (rechargeable golf cart batteries, small electronic devices, etc.).

The third aspect of our project focuses on the creation of the rain garden next to the rainwater storage tanks. This garden will feature a variety of plants native to the New York area that are beneficial in a rain garden setting. It will also have a variety of other positive effects including: One, pollination support for local birds and insects (Monarch butterflies in particular), Two, the beautification of the eastern-most side of the Brooklyn College campus, and Three, the provision of a peaceful and aesthetically-pleasing backdrop for the children and adult teachers and supervisors in the Early Childhood Center’s playground area.

The fourth and final aspect of our project focuses on the sidewalk areas of Campus Road (from James Hall to Whitehead Hall). The outside areas of these sidewalks (where grass would normally be found) have been covered with concrete tiles, and some sections are inaccessible due to dead tree stumps being in the way. Our group will remove this concrete tiling and replace it with grass patches and various plants. We will also remove the dead tree stumps and replace them with new baby trees. This will provide a larger space for rainwater to be collected on sidewalks, and the collected rainwater will encourage the growth of newly planted grass and trees.

The sidewalks that are filled with cement and soil, are useless. The sidewalks are so wide, and no one even walk on that space because there are small trees. Along Campus Road from Whitehead hall to James hall the boxes are 1380ft by 4.5ft. There is another 175ft by 4.5ft of the same not productive cement right of the exit of Whitehead Hall. The cement can be taken out, and plants or grass can be grown to absorb the rain, improve the environment, and give the college a healthier and more vibrant outlook. The price of the plants/grass is dependent on the type of plant/grass that is used, but it should not be too much because the greens are relatively cheap. Volunteers and students can grow the plants, and use it as a case study for a project. This is a win-win situation for the environment, and the students. One problem is that people with cars will park next to the sidewalk, and will step on it when getting out of the car. It would not take too much time to re-grow or re-plant, so it will not be a big deal. Also, the gaia soil will be used. Gaia soil is recycled material turned soil. It will be very cost-efficient and perfect in promoting and teaching everyone about the benefits recycling. Some people might claim that it they will waste a lot of time not being able to walk onto the grass to go across the street. A little more exercise never hurts. The energetic young college students should not complain, because this gives them more time to talk with their friends while walking, and they are full of energy.

This post is about the new, final changes to our project design draft/idea. We worked with our idea over the past week, and with the help and advice of Professor Cheng have come to a final outline.

*** Download our group’s final project outline PDF file here: Group Project Outline (FINAL) ***

Revision of Project Summary (by Trevor):

The green infrastructure is similar to the old idea, except that in this refined version, we will have two water tanks on two different locations. One on the left side of the window, and the other on the right side of the window of the Whitehead Hall building façade that is facing Campus Road. One problem is that we will need to build a new slab of concrete to hold the water tank/barrel. We cannot just lay the tank on the grass, because it would sink into the grass due to its heavy weight, even before collecting any water. The exact measurements of the tank and the new concrete slab on the right side of the outside of Whitehead Hall has not been taken yet. We are changing to two tanks because with one tank, the two drainage pipes would have to cross the window on the side facing Campus Road of Whitehead Hall. Not only is that unappealing, it might not be good if the windows needed repair. This new idea is much better in terms of flexibility and looks. The two tanks is more efficient, too, because we will need more than just one pipe collecting water because the roof of Whitehead Hall is 13,000 cubic feet. With such a large capacity to accept water, the extra gutter, pipe, and tank will reduce the amount of overflowed water left on the top gutter for evaporation, and waste. The more water stored and used to generate electricity, the more successful the project will be.

Also, we will want to lower our pinwheel model for generating electricity through the use of water flow. Due to the wires connecting to the electricity box, the probability of the wire being damaged is a lot less when it is shorter, and less high up. It will also be more affordable, in terms of cost, due to a smaller wire. In hopes of tweaking the design, we believe it is better because it is more cost-beneficial, looks more stylish, more efficient, and has less problems. This will help the community, and school to generate more water, with a lower price tag.

New Whitehead Hall Roof Pictures:

Looking out at the left side of part of the Whitehead Hall roof.

Looking out at the right side of part of the Whitehead Hall roof.

The gravel/rocks that cake the top of Whitehead Hall. They provide an interesting filter system for debris in rainwater.