1.
Weather Protection
"The primary goal of our design is to provide e ective shelter from rain while maintaining
ventilation. Unlike fixed sheds, our retractable structure adapts to di erent weather
conditions, ensuring users stay dry and comfortable."
2. Retractability & Flexibility
"One of the key features of our design is its retractability. It can be easily opened or closed
depending on the weather. This flexibility makes it more convenient compared to
permanent structures, which may not always be needed."
3. Structural Integrity
"Since this shed will be exposed to the elements, it must be strong enough to withstand
wind, rain, and repeated usage. We’ve designed it with durable materials and a sturdy
frame to ensure longevity and safety."
4. Material Selection
"Speaking of durability, we have carefully chosen materials that balance strength, weight,
and cost. For example, lightweight aluminum or steel for the frame and polycarbonate or
treated fabric for the roof to ensure both durability and ease of operation."
5. Ease of Installation & Maintenance
"We designed the shed with a simple installation process in mind. It should be easy to
assemble, disassemble, and maintain over time, making it a practical solution for various
applications."
7. Sustainability
"Environmental impact is also an important factor. We have considered using recyclable
materials and, if possible, integrating solar-powered automation for an energy-e icient
solution."
8. Cost-E ectiveness
"We aim to provide a high-quality solution while keeping costs reasonable. Our design
balances a ordability with performance, making it a viable option for universities, public
spaces, and even private use."
9. User Safety
"Finally, safety is a top priority. We’ve incorporated features to ensure stability, prevent
slipping, and make sure the structure is secure in di erent weather conditions."
1. Strength vs. Weight
"For example, when choosing the frame material, we had to balance strength and weight.
Steel is very strong but also heavy, which makes the shed harder to retract. On the other
hand, aluminum is lightweight and easy to move but not as strong. We chose aluminum
because it provides a good balance between durability and ease of use."
2. Durability vs. Cost
"Another tradeo was durability versus cost. High-quality materials like stainless steel and
polycarbonate last longer but increase costs. Cheaper materials, like plastic or untreated
fabric, reduce costs but don’t last as long. We had to decide where to invest more for long-
term reliability without making the project too expensive."
3. Manual vs. Automatic Operation
"We also considered whether to make the shed manually operated or automated. A
manual system is simple, reliable, and a ordable, but it requires e ort to open and close.
An automatic system with motors or sensors adds convenience, but it increases cost and
maintenance needs. Depending on the budget, we can o er both options."
4. Fixed vs. Retractable Design
"A fixed shed is always ready, but it takes up space permanently. A retractable design saves
space but requires a mechanism that may wear over time. Since our goal is flexibility, we
chose the retractable approach, knowing that it requires careful maintenance."
5. Aesthetics vs. Functionality
"Lastly, we had to consider how the shed looks versus how it performs. A sleek, stylish
design might be more expensive or complex to build. A simple structure is practical and
a ordable but might not look as modern. We worked on a design that balances both,
ensuring it complements the campus environment while remaining functional."
Closing the Slide
"These tradeo s show that design isn’t just about making something work—it’s about
making smart choices that balance di erent priorities. In our project, we aimed to find the
best compromises to create a rain shed that is durable, cost-e ective, and easy to use."
