Sun Room Makeover

     Hey all! This is one of my first projects for my Design and Engineering class! For the short time we've been in this class, we've talked about how spaces can be designed, how SDG 4.a wants to make sure there's spaces for those that are child, gender and disability friendly while also being safe, inclusive, non-violent and learning effective. We also visited the Harold Washington library, which has a children's section and a teen section called YouMedia. We studied those spaces, trying to see what made effective. We then used the Design Process to redesign one of our school's rooms to fit under SDG 4.a's criteria. This is my project, so I hope you enjoy I redesigned this room!

Sun Room Makeover, AR, 2022

       To talk about the Design Process a bit, I first defined what problem I had with the Sun Room, which was that there just a lot of space that I think could be used more effectively. Then, I went to go look at the Sun Room and sketch it out a bit. I already had an idea of what I wanted to do for redesigning the room, so I sketched on my original sketch of the room. While I wasn't able to get as much feedback as I wanted, I did try to improve my idea just a bit. What you see now is the completed version. Let's walk through the changes I think would make the Sun Room a bit better. 

    My redesign for the Sun Room is simple in how I want it to be. It has a lot of space I think could be used as free space when classes aren't in session. Maybe making sure the tables have a space when not in use is something we need to make sure of. I believe just knowing the extra space is there, whether it's for clubs, activities in class or just feeling comfortable is a big thing. This plays into SDG 4.a through the fact if there's someone who might not want to be at the tables or someone who can't, they can have that freedom to move stuff or themselves to a different place.  

    Having a quiet corner for those who need it is pretty necessary. Sometimes you need that space. Having the dividers for the quiet spaces and the divider that turns the room into two classrooms is something that could prove useful. Allowing everyone to talk at a volume they're comfortable at and not needing to scream over each other is a huge plus. For example, if I want to work in a small group and I don't want to talk over everyone, I can just move myself to a quiet space. Or even if it's just your class is the only class using the space right now. Being able to move yourself to somewhere that's more quiet is a huge plus for some people. This also falls in 4.a, for the reasons listed above.

    Finally, for my additions, adding blinds to the windows, both ones inside and outside, can provide some nice privacy for students. It is cool to look into classrooms and see what students are up to, but the fact is that some people may not like that as much. Giving students the ability to choose if they can be viewed or not is something I believe should be a choice. This falls into 4.a by allowing a safe space for students to work effectively.

For one of my first APs this year, this one is decent. I definitely think if I had more time, I would have done a bit more. But, as it is now, I like how my redesign is. I would have definitely liked to make it more comfortable feeling, if that makes sense . Making it feel like you can just relax and have fun there.