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The Thurman Botanical Tapestry: Integrating Engineering Design, Botanical Aesthetics, Scientific Innovation, and Pedagogical Enrichment

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Conference

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Portland, Oregon

Publication Date

June 23, 2024

Start Date

June 23, 2024

End Date

July 12, 2024

Conference Session

Architectural Engineering Division (ARCHE) Technical Session 2

Tagged Division

Architectural Engineering Division (ARCHE)

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/48142

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Paper Authors

biography

Pavel Navitski Oral Roberts University Orcid 16x16 orcid.org/0000-0002-9752-9298

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Dr. Pavel Navitski is Associate Professor at Oral Roberts University from 01/2020 after a stint as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Oklahoma State University, where he was researching drift detecting using sensor systems for field spraying and guest lecturing. He is originally from Belarus, where he was the head of the department of agricultural machines at the Belarusian State Agricultural Academy. The Belarusian State Agricultural Academy is where he earned his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Dr. Navitski’s professional interests are mostly in modern agricultural machinery: setting the main types of agricultural machines for quality work; device features of configuration of new agricultural machinery; perspective cropping systems; precision agriculture; modern machines for chemical plant protection; renewability and bio-energy. He represents Oral Roberts University at ASME and Tulsa Engineering foundation.

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Rachel L. Budavich Oral Roberts University

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Anna K. Kinnunen Oral Roberts University

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Nathaniel Youmans Oral Roberts University

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Tanner David Craig Oral Roberts University

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Hannah Marie Lucy Oral Roberts University

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Abstract

This paper presents the Thurman Botanical Tapestry project, focusing on its comprehensive definition of completeness in engineering. The project's core objective is the creation of a budget-compliant vertical plant wall equipped with an automatic plant care system, meeting specific criteria such as budget adherence, aesthetic enhancement of the building, structural integrity, and accommodation of diverse plant types for a visually pleasing impact. The primary goal of the project is the meticulous design of a modular plant wall within stringent constraints, emphasizing the integration of nature into the academic environment. In addition, it encompasses the development of an indoor waterfall with a tribute to the university emblem, incorporating electronic readouts and monitoring systems for plant maintenance parameters, designed to be user-friendly for untrained student research assistants. An essential aspect of this endeavor is the correlation between biological input factors and the success of the automated fertigation system. This involves constant monitoring of pH levels, sunlight intensity, and moisture content within plant pockets. The design of the green wall is tailored to biology student research assistants, ensuring intuitiveness and compliance with OSHA regulations. A mechanical system is also integrated to safely raise and lower plant modules. Quality assurance procedures include virtual simulations and the operation of a mechanical prototype. Virtual simulations assess structural soundness, while the prototype trial run validates the irrigation system, checks for stress deformations, and monitors plant health. The final testing phase evaluates the functionality of the pulley system and the effectiveness of the indoor waterfall feature, harmonizing aesthetics, science, and engineering in a unique interdisciplinary project.

Navitski, P., & Budavich, R. L., & Kinnunen, A. K., & Youmans, N., & Craig, T. D., & Lucy, H. M. (2024, June), The Thurman Botanical Tapestry: Integrating Engineering Design, Botanical Aesthetics, Scientific Innovation, and Pedagogical Enrichment Paper presented at 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Portland, Oregon. https://peer.asee.org/48142

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