SMU Goes Solar: SMU Students Launch “Mod Pod” At Immersive Design Challenge

15 SMU students of diverse academic backgrounds were handpicked to answer the design question: How might one (or many) create a solar-powered, digitally-fabricated, public charging station that enhances community spaces? Their solution, nicknamed “The Mod Pod”, enhances electricity access in both urban & rural spaces.

Dallas, United States – January 25, 2017 /PressCable/ —

“Create things out of love, not fear”.

That was a common theme expressed by Southern Methodist University (SMU) students during their final presentation, following a for the week-long winter “Immersive Design Challenge”. The Challenge was hosted by the Deason Innovation Gym (DIG), at the Caruth Institute for Engineering Education in Dallas, Texas.

15 SMU students of diverse academic backgrounds were handpicked to spend the end of winter break answering the design question: How might one (or many) create a solar-powered, digitally-fabricated, public charging station that enhances community spaces?

Their solution?

The “Mod Pod”- A solar-powered public charging station, designed to be modular and easy to digitally fabricate. The “Mod Pod” unit is a customizable sitting surface with the ability to create printed add-ons such as bike racks, solar charging units, vinyl-cut logos, plant boxes, and more. Their working prototype is meant to be a solution to enhance electricity access in both urban & rural spaces.

This project came as a joint collaboration between the corporate partners Better Block Foundation, a nonprofit focused on enhancing neighborhood spaces, and Good Faith Energy, a social enterprise focused on solar energy solutions.

Katie Krummeck, Director at the Deason Innovation Gym states, “We cannot do these types of projects without corporate partners… to help ground us with real world context. They are the engine that drives the innovative spirit!”

About the Deason Innovation Gym: The DIG is a student-centered makerspace filled with both high-tech and common tools and materials. The space welcomes all SMU students, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, from across campus. Students can use the 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC carving machines, vinyl cutters and power tools to create objects and complete projects, both personal and for class. To learn more visit: http://www.thedig.org/

About The Better Block Foundation: This non-profit educates, equips, and empowers communities and their leaders to reshape and build environments to promote the growth of healthy and vibrant neighborhoods. Better Block’s mission is to enhance community and urban spaces. To learn more visit: http://betterblock.org/

About Good Faith Energy: Founded by North Texans, GFE is a solar energy developer with a mission to provide local communities practical & sustainable solar energy production. Their work is inspired climate action & social impact. To learn more visit: http://goodfaithenergy.com/

Image Attachment: The “Mod Pod”, created by SMU students, as a part of their winter Immersive Design Challenge.

Contact Info:
Name: Mohammed Abdalla
Email: info@goodfaithenergy.com
Organization: Good Faith Energy, LLC
Address: 5139 Sharp Street, Dallas, 75247 United States
Phone: +1-844-433-7657

For more information, please visit http://goodfaithenergy.com

Source: PressCable

Release ID: 164239