on its implementation.” It is a fact that in 2009 the program will be finalized and 300,000 children and 16,000 teachers have their computer. Without going into the discussion between apocalyptic and integrated about the pros and cons of computers in the classroom, we can see a reality: - Computers are revolutionizing the education. Unwittingly are creating a new Contructivism, this time the ideology is working in an almost involuntary way (the school is dynamic: all teach and all learn). - Equipment for the school space is not adequate for this new stage. Deficiencies are found in: use (the computers are used in various spaces); function (equipment does not organize space); ergonomics (the position of the child); aesthetics (present are old and ugly); shape (it seems that cost and durability are the only important factors); and semiotic (equipment does not communicate the values of this new stage). The new design tries to overcome this in an efficient manner but economic. - The economy of a developing country, or underdeveloped, prevents a radical change in the existing school facilities (Uruguay exist in desks in use, whose design dates from 1876). The new design does not replace but modified, adapted. - In an era of change might wonder whether it is valid a durable equipment. This proposal aims to be transformable and recyclable. - The trend in education is to transmit values such as: Solidarity education , sustainable development, development of the individual child and group development. The new equipment includes these values. So the new design in this context must be different, must innovate and should complement. Trying to be a start for other solutions. As inspiration takes the concepts of biology: Parasitism, Symbiosis, Cooperation, commensalism, and mutualism.

Describe the critical need your solution addresses.

The initiative will want to act in Uruguay, in schools that belong to the CEIBAL plan. The goal is to improve the comfort of the child in school, ergonomics, considering the changes generated by the computer in these aspects.

Currently, there are three design alternatives, three prototypes that were made by hand and with the final materials. Just missing the verification of these designs for later production. To Deliver the equipment, It will be working in a similar way that the CEIBAL did: starting with rural schools to reach those in the capital and its metropolitan area.

The manufacture (hand-made) will be made for an interdisciplinary team of technicians, volunteers, children and their teachers. Thus achieving a low cost and promoting values of developing. So, it is not necessary the use of advanced technologies. Besides, materials come in 80 to 99% from waste. Construction is simple and its cost would be from 1 to 10usd per unit.

At first a 15% of the money will be used to get an infrastructure for carrying out the proyect. The rest of the money would be distributed as follows: 2% for fundraising outreach, 8% for administrative costs and 90% for the construction and design.

First year would create a nonprofit organization, developing the design and research. Then a pilot plan for verification on site of the designs (construction and use).
Also, disclosure of the organization and finding partners and volunteers.

Second year. Begin to deliver and manufacture the equipment. In two years, all schools in the country would have it.

The third year continues the objectives of the two previous and starts looking to expand sustainable furniture design to other institutions. Perhaps for people affected by disasters or just to ones living in poverty. Also, Could be financed by selling sustainable design furniture.

Explain your initiative in more depth and its stage of development.

The design of this equipment:

It uses recycled materials and renewable. Also waste materials from production processes and bio-degradable. These may be replaceable and combinable.

Miniaturizes and avoids oversize, reduces thickness.
It uses components of "filler" like structure.
Facilitates the maintenance, repair and cleaning.
Minimizes waste: it is re-usable and could be refurbished. Facilitates the dismantling.

The materials used are low energetic intensity, are hand-made and use minimized processing technologies (Sliced and silkscreen)

Optimizes the initial volume (compact products), the system of storage, and transportation. Reduces the weight and dimensions of all transportable things.
Decentralize activities to reduce transport volumes through to products that were built in place with materials from the site.

Materials are used in accordance with product performance and life expectancy.

Designing products that are simple, transformable, changeable and can be improved.
Moreover, multifunctional and modular design that facilitates the adaptability to changing environments.

How does your strategy and approach respond creatively and comprehensively to key issues?

Personally, I feel qualified to carry out a project like this. I am studying the careers of Architecture and the Industrial Design. However, I think it would be necessary to resort to existing organizations in my country to get the know-how and support.
It is feasible to create a nonprofit organization or simply submit this proposal and its funding to some existing ones, other alternative is to work with government (State schools and CEIBAL)
In Uruguay there is a general interest, from both government and organizations and foundations, in participating in such activities. Many of them have achieved a strong social acceptance and volunteering, besides Further support and donations by the people and government.

As an example of these organizations give the following sources:

CEIBAL Plan: http://www.ceibal.edu.uy/portal/
Organic vegetable gardens in schools and families. There are many endeavors supported by the government and organizations: : http://www.fundacionlogros.org.uy/
There are also emergency plans by organizations. The clearest example is that of "a roof for my country" this one provides shelter to poor people who lack one: http://www.untechoparamipais.org.uy/

I believe that the proposal does not solve the problem at its roots but acts as design of emergency. This proposal aims to be a start for new proposals for sustainable equipment.