A scale dynamic model for fire protection education

This project was performed in a capstone design course. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the design and describe the construction process of a 3-D scale model for downtown Chicago. The model will be used to simulate and test the effectiveness of fire defense strategies to address fire or other catastrophes related to public health and safety. The testing is how the students' project will be used by the Chicago Fire Department. This model includes streets, buildings and other detailed information that will help the Chicago Fire Department in planning interventions, considering various scenarios and case studies. The model has been built in phases, with the overall design incorporating a sophisticated, computer-driven illumination scheme built within the model base, thus allowing the model to be able to display animated scenarios of virtually any depth and focus, by means of time-varying color and brightness. CAD Computer-generated images and laser-cutting methods have been the primary methods of design and construction for the model, but hand craftsmanship is also necessary. The completed model is fully modular, designed to transport easily between various facilities. The usefulness of the model fulfilled many of the needs of the Chicago Fire Department and City of Chicago as an educational tool within the fire department and for community outreach. This project included: (1) Identification of the scale, materials, technologies, and strategies for construction; (2) Physical mapping and computer modeling of the downtown built environment; (3) Design of the physical model and computer/electronic components; and (4) Construction of a reduced-area mock-up for final review and approval by the City of Chicago. © 2011 American Society for Engineering Education.