design for disaster overview
TRANSCRIPT
THE IDEA
Something to be helpful at the time
when the earthquake occurs
An earthquake can last from 30 seconds to 6
minutes
Aftershocks
PANICANXIETY
THE DESIGN PROBLEM:
In schools (ages 6 and over) there are specific procedures for when an earthquake occurs (“duck, cover, hold”; hiding under the tables; helmets or padded hats for every student).
In kindergartens, there are no specific procedures. Children play for most of the time in open playrooms, and there is usually not enough objects to hide under.
Children from the age of about 3 react to an earthquake with panic as it’s an unknown experience for them.
INSPIRATION:
PURPOSE
Designing this structure I aimed to mitigate the devastating effects of an earthquake by providing a safe venue (shelter) for children to hide in case of an emergency. The structure is to withstand any possible crumbling of the building > leaving children inside without any major injuries.
To avoid disruption among children. To provide an asylum, comfort.
END USER: children in kindergartens, 3 to 6 years old
CLIENT: kindergartens
IN CASE OF AN EARTHQUAKE(PROCEDURE TO BE INTRODUCED BY TEACHERS)
In case of a quake children are to find a pair and go hide inside an assigned shelter straight away
Stay inside until they are told it's safe to get out
Standing inside is not advised If any major damage to the building structure occurs children will stay inside until help arrives
WHAT IS IT MADE OF
Steel reinforced rubber shell and thick layer of foamSteel reinforced rubber shell and thick layer of foam
Rubber shell provides a steady and sturdy shape
Ensures that the space inside is completely safe
Smaller space provides a protective
environment
Foam ensures there won’t be any major
injuries
No injuries – less panic/anxiety
PROPOSED PLACEMENT OF THE SHELTER IN KINDERGARTEN PLAYROOMS
The structure is suitable to be placed in any interior of a kindergarten in an earthquake prone areas as long as the spatial requirements of the number of people in the room are preserved.
(according to UK requirements: a minimum of 2,5 sqm of the usable room space per child)