The Challenge

There has been a great deal of work done in the field of Appropriate Technology in recent years. Many time saving devices have been built, such as the Universal Nut Sheller. By harnessing human power, these devices save countless hours each day. In order to better harness human power, such devices are often converted to be "pedal powered." Organizations such as Mayapedal and Technology for the Poor, two of our partners in this conference, build pedal powered solutions for use in developing countries. During this Flash Conference, we will be devoting time to designing a universal pedal powered platform, which will allow the same "bike" to be used with many different machines, multiplying the impact that such organizations have.

Schedule

On October 19, some of the Boston’s most enthusiastic thinkers, designers and planners will converge on the conference with little more than some previous research, some good ideas, and a desire to design a pedal powered platform for use around the world. With the help of on-site experts, they'll spend the weekend developing excitind Appropriate Technology solutions.

Click here to see the Schedule.

Registration

In keeping with the ‘Focued Environment’ concept of the flash conference, process we’re not going to let anything get between you and your design. Olin College will help provide transportation, and will provide food and lodging for the flash conference weekend for all participants. There is a conference fee of $15 per student. Financial aid is available upon request.

Transportation

The OSA Flash Conference 2007 will be held at Olin College of Engineering in Needham, MA.

Directions can be found here.

Transportation is also available upon request

Food

Food will be provided by the Olin College cafeteria. Ranked #6 of all college cafeterias by the Princeton Review College Guide, the cafeteria offers vegetarian and vegan options daily.

Lodging

Lodging with Olin students will be in the Olin College dorms, ranked #5 for “Dorms like Palaces” by the Princeton Review College Guide. Each room has private bathroom with shower. It is recommended that you bring a sleeping bag.

Contact Information

If you have questions about the flash conference, don’t hesitate to ask. We answer every e-mail. Contact Jef Gluckstein (jef@students.olin.edu) for details.