Creative Solutions

Pros of the suggested layout:

1. Rearrangement of tables to the corners by changing the angles will allow accommodation of more number of tables and hence seat more number of people. At the same time the separate tables would provide ample amount of privacy to its users.

2. There would also be enough circulation space in the central area and more chairs could be added to the tables in the center to accommodate larger groups.

Use of high height tables

Suggested layout of the South Canteen

1. This would allow multifunctionality in the space. One can use the table for a short period of time even if the chairs have been occupied elsewhere.

Existing layout of the South Canteen

2. The smaller radius of the table occupies less space thus, allowing more number of tables to be accommodated.

Source : Internet

Use of modular furniture:

Suggested layout of the South Canteen

Source : Internet

Administrative Solutions

Use of modular furniture:

Sourcing:

This modular furniture can be sourced through the students themselves in the form of studio projects The faculty of product design has several studios on furniture making. Adding this to the curriculum would enhance their knowledge and also give the students an experience of working in the professional realms where their designs are used commercially.

Protaction From The Heat At The Canteen

Examples of work done by students from faculty of design

Source : Shria Thakkar

Challenges Faced and How we Overcame it

• Creative differences are pretty common in a group, yet communicating different point of views and finding common ground helps with smooth functioning of the work.

• Relating theoretical solutions to practical implementation of solutions is a problem that has been overcome by referring to the presentation by Mr Satyam Parikh and research over the internet

Identifying the Problem

Statistical data to indicate the problem

Understanding the issue

Creative solution

Innovative solutions to tackle the problem

Administrative solutions

Collaboratively working with administration to come up with viable solutions.

Eco-friendly solutions why not come up with solutions that help us contribute to the environment!

• In climatology, heat and light are intrinsically linked. Blind belief in looks and sometimes in light has led people to have big windows, resulting in heated-up interiors. Incidentally, one major shift in Indian buildings has been from small wooden windows to large sheet glass windows, without considering why small openings were provided for centuries, nearly all over India.

• The indoor temperature also rises which is welcome during winters. In contrast, during summer, we need to keep indoors cooler, and ensure that least direct light penetration happens into the indoors. The fact that sun moves at higher altitudes during summer helps in this direction. Incidentally, there are locations when sunlight and heat are undesirable round the year, for the winters are also pretty hot

• On an average, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., there is maximum heat gain through roof conduction and oblique light penetration through the windows. During other times, light and heat enter through wall openings more directly. Appropriate shading of openings using chajjas , staggered walls, fins, roof overhangs and such others need to be employed. On a daily calculation, maximum heat gain comes from the roof; hence it should be properly designed and treated.

• Northern light is both minimum and least heat, hence an ideal direction for openings. The eastern wall is comparatively safe though as day advances, light and heat may build up, but this heat dissipates during the day time. Properly designed sunshades can resolve majority of solar heat problems. The south orientation faces much of solar radiation; hence simple window top chajjas may not be sufficient

• Verandahs, vegetation, designed roof overhangs and such others are necessary. Among the problem fronts is the western façade, which receives solar energy during afternoon hours, heats up, conducts it inside and makes the indoor warm during the evening and night, just when we need to use them most.

• There are many ideas like tilting the building to best orientation, using materials with thermal mass or designing the type of opening which help in mitigating heat due to solar radiation.

• In urban contexts, it may be easier to employ skylights with adequate hot air vents. However, among the best to get light without heat is the idea of internal courtyard with minimal openings to outside – no glare, equal distribution of light and cross ventilation, all together. No wonder, our forefathers realized this and lived in courtyard houses. We need to modernize this concept for application today.

Creative Solutions

Terracotta Air Conditioner

• Inspired by the beehive structure, the terracotta air conditioner consists of numerous terracotta tubes that have been densely packed and arranged in a spherical form (concentric circles). The cooling system consists of inner and outer surfaces embedded on a metal framework. Water passes through the terracotta tubes, facilitating evaporative cooling.

• Air is cooled when it passes through the terracotta tubes and comes out and stays cool like water in an earthen pot This installation also gives a beautiful cascade effect when drenched in water. The humid clay traps some heat the air and the surrounding air gets cooled down to around 6-10⁰ C due to the process of evaporative cooling.

Awnings

• The best way of keeping a house cool is keeping the heat out in the first place. Awnings are a great solution with this as they regulate the amount of solar energy that reaches the facade of your home, especially the parts of it that are glass.

• Awnings, according to the Department of Energy can prevent up to 77 percent of solar heat gain which can also result in up to 55% energy savings during summer.

• Also, by reducing UV rays from entering your home this can extend the life of your furniture

Cool Roofs source: https://in.pinterest.com/ source: https://in.googleimages.com/

• Though there seem to be conflicting opinions on cool roofs in terms of their greenness with one side saying it could potentially increase global warming while others say it reduces global warming, cool roofs are another consideration for cooling your home.

• The principal behind cool roofs is that your roof is painted with a highly reflective, paint, sheet or tiles.

• Not only can cool roofs give you savings with reduced energy cost (with a/c) but you can save in a number of other ways including rebates, equipment downsizing and extended roof lifetime.

Administrative Solutions

Thermal Curtains

• Probably by now, we have got the message that windows are usually the biggest source of heat loss and solar gain in your home.

• Another method which can contribute as an alternative to an air conditioner is using thermal curtains

• According to networx.com thermal curtains are able to reduce the amount of heat that is transferred through your windows by up to 24%

• Not only are they able to offer extra energy savings they have the added benefit of reducing noise and blocking out all light, which is great for bedrooms.

• Awnings can be motorized and are virtually maintenance-free source: https://in.googleimages.com/ source: https://in.pinterest.com/

Double Glazing

• Double glazing is popular in Oceania and the UK as it is able to keep the house cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

• Having double glazed windows can cause a reduction in solar heat gain by up to 13%. Triple glazing is also available for even more effectiveness.

• According to the Department of Energy, replacing old windows with new, energy-efficient windows can pay for themselves with the savings in energy costs

• In conjunction with Low-E glass, double glazing can prevent up to and over 50% of solar heat gain through your windows. Not only that double and triple glazing provide heat retention in the window for all year round energy saving costs. Not all glass is the same so be sure to do your research if you are considering double glazing.

Exterior Solar Screens

• The most efficient way to prevent heat from entering your room or house via the windows is by preventing the sun from passing through the windows at all.

• For these screens placed on the exterior of the house such as solar screens can be a great solution. According to one study done, having exterior solar shades can cut your air conditioning costs by up to 25%.

• Most solar screens are also able to be customized to fit nicely within your decor and are easily retractable during winter when you are looking to get as much sun as possible

ECO- Friendly Solutions

Plants

• If you are looking for an entirely green solution you will love this alternative.

• Some plants have the ability to keep the air temperature cool as they lose water during transpiration, which cools the air around them.

• According to a study, plants could have the ability to cool an office space by up to 10 degrees.

• Along with cooling the air the moisture released by these plants helps “maintain indoor humidity in the human comfort zone of 30 to 60 percent, and helps prevent materials such as wood from cracking when dried out.” Many of these plants also have air-purifying qualities.

Wall Vines

• Using a trellis or the right variety of vine to climb the walls of your house can help prevent solar heat through walls.

• Because the materials your house is made of, like bricks, absorb and retain heat, this causes the inside of your home to heat up.

• In the summer, vines can absorb and dissipate heat from the sun quickly and prevent your walls from heating and thus bring you energy savings on cooling.

• The right kind of vines can also protection for your walls from the elements.

• Vines also grow very quickly making it a fast addition to your energy saving costs source: https://in.googleimages.com/ Trees

• If you are in it for the long haul, trees are a fantastic way of providing extra cooling for your home during summer.

• According to the DOE, shading is one of the most costeffective ways to reduce solar heat gain and cut energy costs.

• With the right kind of tree and placement, trees can provide great shade during summer months and come winter shed their leaves for more sun access in winter.

• Apparently, during summer, well-shaded neighborhood can be up to 6 degrees cooler than treeless areas source: https://in.googleimages.com/

Green Roofs

• Much like vines keep walls cool, green roofs also help keep your home cool and reduce cooling costs.

• During summer, the surface temperature of a green roof can be cooler than the air temperature, whereas the surface of a conventional rooftop can be up to 90°F (50°C) warmer.

• The obvious benefits of a green roof are lower energy usage costs, contributing to air purification and the increase in biodiversity.

source: https://in.pinterest.com/ source: https://in.pinterest.com/

• There are a number of benefits other benefits that come with having a green roof including enhanced storm water management and enhanced water quality. source: https://in.googleimages.com/

• Communication is a difficult task when there are people from faculties and fields who come together as a group.

• Since we all have studios and mandatory classes going on along with electives, it is a challenge to find a common free slot in everyone’s schedules.

• Meeting deadlines for every week submission was tough because every person of the team have to complete their part on time.

• In order to solve these issues, we came up with a group where everyone can drop in a message and clear communication takes place.

• We also fixed a slot of at least 15 minutes at the end of the day which helped us to work together.

• Moreover we tried dividing all the tasks equally amongst the 5 of us and set deadline until which it was compulsory to finish the task.

• We spoke with our lecturer, Mr. Satyam Parikh, who gave us the greatest advice possible on how to solve this difficulty.

• Mr. Satyam Parikh assisted us in overcoming this by teaching us how to manage our time and collaborate for just 20 minutes each day at 11 p.m.

• Personal guidance by Mr. Satyam Parikh has helped me work efficiently.

Quantity of Food at the Canteen Current Concerns with Quantity

Despite changing in accordance with the demands of the campus's students and faculty, some difficulties with the canteens still need to be solved and taken into consideration.

Higher Cost, Less Amount

• Even after accounting for the higher cost of ingredients, the meals in the canteens still appear to be more expensive. Since more than 50 per cent of the campus's students frequently dine in the canteens, longterm considerations should be given to pricing and the quantity of the food.

• Some dishes have higher costs, for the amount they provide

• Examples: Milkshakes, Dosa

Just One Variant in Quantity

• Currently, for most of the dishes, the canteens of the campus serve a dish in just one variant in quantity. Since the food capacity of people varies according to each person, one quantity may not be suitable for all.

• Sometimes it is difficult for one person to complete a dish. And sometimes, the quantity of many dishes is not enough for lunch/Dinner, making a person order again or order two dishes.

Inconsistency in Quantities

• There is a lack of consistency in the quantity and cost of the same dishes in the different canteens. Canteens serve dishes and beverages and different size dishes and cups; such inconsistency could be solved. Sometimes it's also evident that the same item is being served in various sizes of vessels in the canteen

• Examples, Tea/Coffee, Chaas, Sandwiches

Innovative Strategies for resolving the issue

Just one quantity for some food, making it difficult for one person to complete Examples, Chinese bhel, Similar dishes

Multiple Variants

• Canteens can have multiple variants of quantities for the same dish To suit the capacity of different aged people, and to decrease food wastage or crowd in ordering, food at the canteen can be served in multiple variants of quantities.

• The quantity in each variant would decide its pricing and the time to order correspondingly

Multiple Variants - Dishes

Following are two variants in the dishes that could be introduced

• Half Dish- Suitable for people with low food requirements, suitable during snack time Could cost half price of the Full dish

• Full Dish- Suitable for people with bigger food requirements, suitable during lunch/ Dinner times. Quantity can be optimized to average food requirements

For Example: If a Full Dish of noodles costs 70 Rs , a variant could be added with half the quantity for 40 rupees, which costs slightly more than half of the full dish.

Multiple Variants - Beverages

• Similar to the dishes, Two sizes could also be added to the beverages served in the canteens of the campus. (i.e. cold coffee). Currently, quantities of drinks do not correspond with the cost. And A bigger variant can be added.

Two sizes for the beverages could be introduced

• Medium Size (340 ml.)

• Large Size (480 ml.)

Standard Sizes

• Sizes of cups and dishes can be standardized in all the canteens on the campus

• Similar looks and sizes can be adapted for the dishes and cups.

Source : Internet

Source : Internet

Challenges Faced and How we Overcame it

• Allocating committed time for the team is required for the teamwork to progress smoothly. It being something i struggled in beginning, i was able to allocate few hours for the team each week.

• Understanding the speed of work for a team member is also sometimes required. Finding an appropriate time window that suited each team member was difficult because we all had different majors at university.

• One of the issues we had with the presentation was a lack of communication, which caused us to miss deadlines.

• This problem was handled by integrating more real-life encounters rather than relying on digital communication.

• Due to other issues, time was a major concern for me. I overcame this by devoting some time on weekends to group work when the weight of other topics was lighter.

COST EFFECTIVENESS OF FOOD AT THE CANTEEN Current Concerns with Cost

In accordance with the needs of the students and their suggestions, there exist two canteen areas, one cafe and one restaurant on the premises, each coming with their own price ranges for the food items and each serving different cuisines

Varied Cuisines

• The different eating zones available throughout the premises are :

• Old Canteen - Beverages, South Indian, Fast Food

• New Canteen - Fix Dishes, Snacks, Beverages

• Chauraha Cafe - Snacks, Fast Food

• Toritos Restaurant - Mexican, Italian

Price Ranges

• The average prices and the most ordered dishes across the eating zones are :

• Old Canteen - Most Ordered: Lemon Iced Tea, Average Price: ₹75

• New Canteen - Most Ordered: Fixed Lunch, Average Price: ₹60

• Chauraha Cafe - Most Ordered: Chauraha Burger, Average Price: ₹130

• Toritos Restaurant - Most Ordered: Pink Sauce Pasta, Average Price: ₹250

All the above data is based on survey responses from students of Faculty of Technology (137 responses) The average prices are "Cost for Two".

Based on survey responses from students of Faculty of Technology (137 responses)

Student Survey

Unsatisfactory (20%)

Satisfactory (80%)

Cost to Student Satisfaction Index (Old Canteen)

Based on survey responses from students of Faculty of Technology (137 responses)

Unsatisfactory (43%)

Cost to Student Satisfaction Index (New Canteen)

Satisfactory (57%)

Unsatisfactory (30%)

Unsatisfactory (80%)

A step towards cost effectiveness

After surveying about the cost of the various food items in the canteens and the satisfaction, we came up with various areas to cut costs and various solutions possible.

Cost Solutions

• From the previous survey, it was found that the student satisfaction to the costs was somehow linked to the quality of food served as well.

• It was seen that despite the comparatively high prices of Chauraha, it had a satisfaction index higher than that of the new canteen

• The first solution that can be thought upon is increasing the quality of the food served while still keeping the prices same rather than reduced.

• This can be achieved through a more careful approach to the cooking techniques and/or employment of more skilled cooks.

• The university can decrease the rent rates for the canteen spaces which in turn can result in the decrease of the rates for the items provided.

• For Example –

With the increase in the rent rates, the price for "Oreo Chocolate Shake" in the old canteen went up from ₹40 to ₹70, which on an individual might not be a huge increase but when put under a microscope, it is a 75% increase.

• Another solution can be the consultation of the vendors themselves. The vendors can be consulted and made to understand that since, this is an educational institution with students attending from the age of 18 and above, they can cut down on their profits since most of the attendees are living off of their parent's money.

• For example: The price of an Iced Tea (Lemon) at the old canteen is ₹40. On bifurcation it can be seen that the cost of the powder used for making the iced tea is ₹10 when not bought in bulk Upon adding the other variables such as water, ice and refrigeration costs, the total comes up to be ₹14 (on the higher end). This gives them a total of ₹26 per glass as a profit which can be reduced to make a glass more budget friendly.