BLUElab Metro
Project Leads:
Atlas Fracasso ([email protected])
Addie Henkel ([email protected])
BLUElab Board (BLUEboard) Representative(s):
Savin Dasanayaka ([email protected])
Kushaal Sharma ([email protected])
Project Location(s): Ann Arbor, Michigan
Current Focus: This year, we have two sub-teams focused on supporting sustainability and community partnerships in Ann Arbor and the local surrounding area through socially engaged design practices and community engagement, empowering our partners in the process.
Solar Project:
This year, we are building on our ongoing project to install renewable-powered picnic tables on site at Clayhill. We have researched the conditions and components necessary for the system to work, and are aiming to begin the process of installing and integrating it as a community space at the farm. Our overall goal in our partnership is to foster community engagement and spread enthusiasm regarding farming and agriculture, and the role of STEM within it.
Smart Water Irrigation Project:
Willow Run Acres has two large pieces of land which are currently being watered by hand. This year we are working on our smart water irrigation system for both the Apple Ridge Community Gardens in Ypsilanti and Clay Hill Community Farm and Garden in Superior Township. By monitoring the soil and weather conditions, and researching each plant's watering needs, we are designing a control system that optimizes the watering process. We are establishing a design for an initial prototype irrigation system, documenting the process along the way to ensure reproducibility as well as for general educational purposes. Our overall goal is to improve crop watering efficiency on the farm, minimizing water usage while maximizing crop output.
Mission: Our mission is to co-design technology to address community identified needs, amplifying the voices of community members that are most impacted by systemic local shortcomings. As a multidisciplinary student-run design team, we focus on sustainable, socially-engaged designs created through strong community partnerships, empowering the people that we work with.
Team Goals: BLUEM focuses first on co-design through cooperation with our community partners in all projects. To do this, we follow the fundamentals of socially-engaged design: an iterative process where community members are at the center of the decision-making, problem identification, and development of solutions. To maximize the effectiveness and impact of our work, we incorporate the environmental, human, social, and economic aspects of sustainability. Using these techniques lead to designs with greater contextual awareness and a greater chance of long-term success.
Partner: Willow Run Acres (WRA)
The WRA mission and vision statement:
At Willow Run Acres (WRA), our mission is to combat food insecurity and diet-related diseases by providing fresh, nutritious food and holistic education programs. We fight food injustice and financial insecurity through hands-on education about American agriculture.
Our vision is a future of equitable access to healthy food, sustainable farming, and empowered communities. Rooted in African American agricultural heritage, we promote growth, empowerment, economic stability, and environmental stewardship. Join us in creating a resilient and equitable food system that nourishes the mind, body and soul.
Contact:
bluelabmetro-requests@umich.edu
For updates on BLUElab Metro Project, follow them on Instagram, or visit their website!
Atlas Fracasso ([email protected])
Addie Henkel ([email protected])
BLUElab Board (BLUEboard) Representative(s):
Savin Dasanayaka ([email protected])
Kushaal Sharma ([email protected])
Project Location(s): Ann Arbor, Michigan
Current Focus: This year, we have two sub-teams focused on supporting sustainability and community partnerships in Ann Arbor and the local surrounding area through socially engaged design practices and community engagement, empowering our partners in the process.
Solar Project:
This year, we are building on our ongoing project to install renewable-powered picnic tables on site at Clayhill. We have researched the conditions and components necessary for the system to work, and are aiming to begin the process of installing and integrating it as a community space at the farm. Our overall goal in our partnership is to foster community engagement and spread enthusiasm regarding farming and agriculture, and the role of STEM within it.
Smart Water Irrigation Project:
Willow Run Acres has two large pieces of land which are currently being watered by hand. This year we are working on our smart water irrigation system for both the Apple Ridge Community Gardens in Ypsilanti and Clay Hill Community Farm and Garden in Superior Township. By monitoring the soil and weather conditions, and researching each plant's watering needs, we are designing a control system that optimizes the watering process. We are establishing a design for an initial prototype irrigation system, documenting the process along the way to ensure reproducibility as well as for general educational purposes. Our overall goal is to improve crop watering efficiency on the farm, minimizing water usage while maximizing crop output.
Mission: Our mission is to co-design technology to address community identified needs, amplifying the voices of community members that are most impacted by systemic local shortcomings. As a multidisciplinary student-run design team, we focus on sustainable, socially-engaged designs created through strong community partnerships, empowering the people that we work with.
Team Goals: BLUEM focuses first on co-design through cooperation with our community partners in all projects. To do this, we follow the fundamentals of socially-engaged design: an iterative process where community members are at the center of the decision-making, problem identification, and development of solutions. To maximize the effectiveness and impact of our work, we incorporate the environmental, human, social, and economic aspects of sustainability. Using these techniques lead to designs with greater contextual awareness and a greater chance of long-term success.
Partner: Willow Run Acres (WRA)
The WRA mission and vision statement:
At Willow Run Acres (WRA), our mission is to combat food insecurity and diet-related diseases by providing fresh, nutritious food and holistic education programs. We fight food injustice and financial insecurity through hands-on education about American agriculture.
Our vision is a future of equitable access to healthy food, sustainable farming, and empowered communities. Rooted in African American agricultural heritage, we promote growth, empowerment, economic stability, and environmental stewardship. Join us in creating a resilient and equitable food system that nourishes the mind, body and soul.
Contact:
bluelabmetro-requests@umich.edu
For updates on BLUElab Metro Project, follow them on Instagram, or visit their website!