There is a dire need for education all around the world, but especially in third world countries. A foundation called ‘The Floating City Apps’ have taken it on board themselves to design floating or mobile units that are placed at any location, but can also be moved about if desired. The material used for this is Corian as its high tech surfacing delivers hygiene, durability, and requires very little maintance.
Everybody knows how to work apps on their smartphone so the foundation has used the same principle here. Koen Olthius from Waterstudio N.L. said: “Imagine that the deprived area is hardware, then you can add functionality to it: the so called City Apps: smart units that act as a classroom or a data centre, are fitted with all the latest high tech facilities, such as tablets and the internet”. Waterstudio are an architectural bureau that is one of the organisers working on the project.
Because deprived areas are often located in areas with high levels of water, the units are fitted into a standard shipping container are transported to their destination. Once they are installed, they are fully operational straight away. Because the units are made with Corian, the material isn’t porous so it is very ideal in wetland situations and they are very easy to clean.
Corian can also be squeezed into any shape and seamlessly crafted to fit any design, which is very ideal for the unit’s interiors. They technology featured inside will be kept safe thanks to the strong and durable material. Not only does it work well, but Corian also looks great once the final product is finished. This high quality finish will show inhabitants and students that people are taking the area seriously enough and want to involve them in the digital world.