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The following technology design considerations were created by AMD and the 50x15 partners and are meant as a guideline for entrants of the AMD Open Architecture Challenge

50x15 creates and sustains digital inclusion ecosystems needed to spread computing capability and Internet access around the world.

50x15 ecosystems are created by ensuring that local solutions for the six key areas of a successful digital inclusion deployment are thoughtfully considered.

The six key areas of a digital inclusion ecosystem are:

AMD is exploring a 7th key area of a digital inclusion deployment;

Once the ecosystem partners and their solutions are established, AMD and the 50x15 partners develop a 50x15 Learning Lab. Learning labs are measured, strategic deployments of technology solutions used to gain knowledge on how best to foster digital inclusion worldwide. The learning from the AMD Open Architecture Challenge will be encapsulated in a document for all to use in replicating additional digital inclusion centers.

In designing the structure for a digital inclusion center whether a telemedicine center, technology or community/job training center the following areas need to be considered in respect to the technology it will house and the people welcomed to use it:

-HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning)
-Ergonomics and Comfort
-Privacy
-Security
-Water and Sanitation
-Nourishment
-Waste Management

The following is a list of items for Architects to consider when submitting designs for the Challenge.

Power

The power to the center can be supplied by wind, solar, power grid, battery back up or a combination. The 3 most common power solutions are grid, grid plus battery back-up and solar plus battery back-up. It is important that these systems are professionally installed and proper grounding is used.

Battery back-up systems are very common. When using battery back up system; the batteries should be as far away from people as possible for safety. The lead acid in batteries can degrade over time and become a caustic agent. Low maintenance, deep cycle batteries are recommended. They are very heavy.

Often, other power management devices are needed as well, including power strips, power stabilizers and UPS systems.

Consider a rack shelf or an innovative way to organize the devices. They should be out of the way and in a ventilated space

Place computer servers higher than batteries to allow the heat from the servers to rise; if they are located in the same room

Power should be deployed in modular and flexible way depending on usage of the structure

The ability to shut down sections of the space to reduce power consumption (turn off the medical lab if only the café is in operation)

Consider access to power outside of the structure that can be used as an alternate source of income for the center. Power source for charging a cell phone through a coin operated access.

Power Jacks; consider at what level they are placed to limit access to bugs, animals etc. Floor access not recommended

Access to emergency back up. In the case of a power outage access to an emergency generator or external source of power needs to be provided in a secure way to power the facility.

Solar panels; ensure security for solar panels, they are considered the hottest commodity around. (see security)

It is common for the solar panels to be placed on the roof of the structure which houses the ICT equipment. The roof must be sturdy enough to handle several 60 – 120 watt panels and designed in a way that they can maximize power generation.

Wind turbines

Consider a high solar array that provides a beacon for community information; use structure as a larger communication vehicle such as a billboard.

Connectivity

Various types of Internet Connectivity may be used as follows:

Wireless broadband, which will require space for an antenna receiver, ideally on the highest point available, such as the roof or tower (see below)
Mobile carrier data services, which has a small device footprint and can be located inside the building
Standard wired DSL or dial-up (unlikely in rural areas)
Satellite, which will require space for a satellite dish near the facility

Consider a multi-use tower configuration that acts as lighting rod and flexible hard point base for Satellite, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max (broader range than Wi-Fi), PA system

All tower elements need to be easy to access but also deter people from climbing it
All tower elements need to be properly grounded.
Consider a core to building that becomes the tower, if the roof breaks the tower does not break

Devices

Configuration of computer stations

For education setting; consider clear visibility of all monitors by teacher/moderator to supervise students work and ensure that they are not accessing inappropriate material

Consider more than one chair per computer station

The demand exceeds availability; classroom and training settings typically cluster users up to 4 users per station
Children learn by example; four kids often surround a station, one typing, another spelling, a third pointing at the screen and the fourth driving the mouse, rarely do we see a one to one ratio of computer to user
Comfort
Consider seating height for children and adults

Consider a multi-use technology area; day time teaching area converted to an evening internet café or entertainment screening area; devices and their associated furnishings need to be designed to be mobile based on varying uses.

Cable protection

Cables and wiring need to be secured from both users of the system as well as potential pests (bugs, animals) which can chew through cabling and like to nest in devices.
Consider incorporating PVC or other piping as conduit for cables where possible.

Expertise (Training)

Consider a multi-use teaching space, modular design to create one large or several small teaching areas.

Consider where clear space can be used as a projection wall

Projectors are often used as teaching aids to project what is on the monitor to a larger audience. Larger, low power flat screens may also be used.
Consider also using this open area for the following
Technical, general education, health, agriculture, language, or other training
Evening entertainment; movies, sports
Public service announcements
Note: creating a light source where there originally has not been one may create a beacon for insects

Spaces within the environment are necessary for the community to be able to change and manipulate as a local bulletin board and decorative example of local culture.

Content

Projection wall (see expertise/training)

A multi-lingual center may require a pictographic signage system throughout the center

Consider a multi-use center with diverse age groups may require blocking an adult training area from children due to content

See 50x15 Learning Lab capsules for other content considerations

Financing

To be ensure the longevity of this center it must be financially sustainable

Consider a secure area
Every aspect of the center must have multiple uses to ensure that it provides varying sources for revenue

HVAC

Consider how heat and dust can be damaging to technology; proper temperature control is essential

Consider window panels to keep heat out in the summer and allow heat in during the winter

Privacy

Consider the types of content that may be accessed; financial transactions may require more privacy than educational content

For telemedicine centers; separate diagnostic area

Consider modular and portable privacy walls to create small changing or exam rooms

Louvered systems to funnel natural light for examinations

Security

Consider hard points on the roof structure to screw in wi-fi and solar panels

Consider hard points to allow secure access inside the structure and eliminate external screws; if there are no bolts outside the building the panels cannot be stolen from the outside

Location of the most valuable items in a centralized hub;

Consider securing items in the center of the building (or most secure part of the building. Some of these items may be movable and may require a secure storage room.

Consider securing computers individually to the desks

Nourishment

Consider people may be traveling great distances to the center

Create kitchen or eating area for general use

E-café for socialization,

Liquids need to be kept clear of technology
Consider tear drop trailer design, keep food separated from the rest of the center to provide a safe, secure and clean space

Access to Fresh Water

Rain water collection and filtration system
Solar powered pump to direct water where needed

Solar Cooking

Self service cooking area important when loved ones are obtaining long-term medical treatment
Pasteurization/Sterilization of clear fluids

Waste Management

Consider alternate use for packaging from technology

system cartons, monitor cartons
paper
printer ink toners

Organic Waste from e-café