Problem
We have a client who recently purchased a 50,000 square foot mill building in downtown Providence that was built in 1880. Our client’s goal is to re-purpose the building into an inner-city grow facility that would grow and process a variety of vegetables to be sold to local restaurants and farmers markets. They will also donate vegetables to local homeless shelters. As Project Engineers, our role will be to work with the owner and architect to design electrical, HVAC, plumbing and fire protection systems. We will need to develop systems that will reflect the right growing conditions and that means the right cultivation facility design. While growing vegetables indoors is certainly not a new idea, growing vegetables in a 50,000 square foot structure built in 1880 will certainly have its challenges.
We need help to carefully design lighting, airflow & ventilation, irrigation and energy efficiency for the building to create an environment where vegetables can survive and thrive.
In order to protect and prevent against pests, how can we build employee decontamination areas, a sealed environment, and proper greenhouse coverings?
How can we develop lighting and HVAC systems that will be favorable to vegetable growth?
How can we create systems that will provide the proper air pressure and airflow that is positively pressurized, utilizing filtered and sterilized?
How can we design a semi-automated irrigation system that will help grow crops?
Mission Statement
To provide a greenhouse facility that can support year-round growth of plant products in order to create a stable business and give back to the community.
Corporation Departments
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- Alyssa Rego
RI Nurses Institute Middle College - Elias Frawley Gendron
The Greene School - Isabella Luchka
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West Warwick Senior High School
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South Kingstown High School
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Village Green Virtual Charter School - Yajaira Herrera
Toll Gate High School
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Mount Hope High School - Cole Faneuf
West Warwick Senior High School - Lily Budnick
East Providence High School - Evan Simone
Lincoln Senior High School - Seasia Kong
Pilgrim High School
Contacts
Mentors
Jean Paul Vandeputte
Engineering Manager, Thielsch Engineering
Susan Gimilaro
Education Consultant and Project Director, Across NH
Business Coaches
Stephen Dolinich
Head of Talent Acquisition, Thielsch Engineering
Yolanda Baez
Regional Director, Pharmacy Acquisitions CVS Health
Laurie Rafferty
Fidelity Investments