FAQ
Q: Why is it called The Honeywalk Project?
A: The sidewalk blocks are configured in a hexagon shape, analogous to the honeycomb structures that bees make when they create honey. Additionally, bees create a highly functional traffic system within their hives, and the walkways proposed in the project are intended to be functional in high population settings.
Q: What was the inspiration for The Honeywalk Project?
A: The idea for an elevated sidewalk was derived from two sources: Myers Hall (Drexel University Campus) and the Perelman Plaza construction zone (quad closed off via temporary wire fencing from Winter 2017 to Fall 2017).
Myers Hall was constructed in 1977 as a temporary housing building. Drexel University has announced that the plot of land that the hall sits on will be turned into a greenspace in the next few years (the residence hall will be demolished). One of the major features of an urban greenspace is a walkway or trail that runs through the space. Whether it is implemented in the design or develops over use, traffic will develop a flow. Unfortunately, this flow often means that plants are either trampled, smothered, or need to be removed from the greenspace (defeating the purpose of a greenspace). The Honeywalk project minimizes the environmental effect human transportation has on a space. The elevated platform only requires a fraction of removal of plant life, as opposed to 100% of a traditional cement sidewalk block.
The Honeywalk can have non-greenspace applications as well. The construction zone in Perelman Plaza at Drexel has required fencing off large areas of campus to work on the water drainage system. This forces many students to walk over areas that are uneven, rough terrains and over paths not meant for foot traffic (ex. the wooden benches). The Honeywalk, on a larger scale, could provide a raised path over the necessary construction areas, and with minor adjustments to the design, would create a safe and beneficial solution for both construction workers and pedestrians.
Q: How does The Honeywalk Project differ from current elevated walkways, for example, above train tracks or busy streets?
A: Although The Honeywalk can also be used for this purpose, the main goal of the project is to reduce the footprint (both literally and figuratively) that pedestrians have on their environment in a highly populated area. Additionally, its constructed from recycled HDPE material (high density polyethylene plastic) that is both sturdy and inexpensive.
Q: Why the change from constructing a model of actual recycled plastic to just a 3D printed model?
A: Part of the problem was the ability to physically construct the models. Although the Drexel Machine shop would be able to cut the sheets of recycled plastic, it was unclear if the group could have access to the adhesive that would be needed to securely attach the pieces to each other to create a stable structure. It was suggested by Dr. Ellis that, to save time, money, and resources, the group just 3D print multiple scale models using the printers in the Innovation Studio. This also cut out the time needed to wait for the plastic sheets to ship to Drexel and eliminated the chance that the order would be cancelled entirely or be unable to deliver.
A: The sidewalk blocks are configured in a hexagon shape, analogous to the honeycomb structures that bees make when they create honey. Additionally, bees create a highly functional traffic system within their hives, and the walkways proposed in the project are intended to be functional in high population settings.
Q: What was the inspiration for The Honeywalk Project?
A: The idea for an elevated sidewalk was derived from two sources: Myers Hall (Drexel University Campus) and the Perelman Plaza construction zone (quad closed off via temporary wire fencing from Winter 2017 to Fall 2017).
Myers Hall was constructed in 1977 as a temporary housing building. Drexel University has announced that the plot of land that the hall sits on will be turned into a greenspace in the next few years (the residence hall will be demolished). One of the major features of an urban greenspace is a walkway or trail that runs through the space. Whether it is implemented in the design or develops over use, traffic will develop a flow. Unfortunately, this flow often means that plants are either trampled, smothered, or need to be removed from the greenspace (defeating the purpose of a greenspace). The Honeywalk project minimizes the environmental effect human transportation has on a space. The elevated platform only requires a fraction of removal of plant life, as opposed to 100% of a traditional cement sidewalk block.
The Honeywalk can have non-greenspace applications as well. The construction zone in Perelman Plaza at Drexel has required fencing off large areas of campus to work on the water drainage system. This forces many students to walk over areas that are uneven, rough terrains and over paths not meant for foot traffic (ex. the wooden benches). The Honeywalk, on a larger scale, could provide a raised path over the necessary construction areas, and with minor adjustments to the design, would create a safe and beneficial solution for both construction workers and pedestrians.
Q: How does The Honeywalk Project differ from current elevated walkways, for example, above train tracks or busy streets?
A: Although The Honeywalk can also be used for this purpose, the main goal of the project is to reduce the footprint (both literally and figuratively) that pedestrians have on their environment in a highly populated area. Additionally, its constructed from recycled HDPE material (high density polyethylene plastic) that is both sturdy and inexpensive.
Q: Why the change from constructing a model of actual recycled plastic to just a 3D printed model?
A: Part of the problem was the ability to physically construct the models. Although the Drexel Machine shop would be able to cut the sheets of recycled plastic, it was unclear if the group could have access to the adhesive that would be needed to securely attach the pieces to each other to create a stable structure. It was suggested by Dr. Ellis that, to save time, money, and resources, the group just 3D print multiple scale models using the printers in the Innovation Studio. This also cut out the time needed to wait for the plastic sheets to ship to Drexel and eliminated the chance that the order would be cancelled entirely or be unable to deliver.
Great FAQ! I very much enjoy the home or "splash" page to introduce your readers to the project. Very nice.....
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