DESIGN FOR DISASTER Aleksandra Pfeifer February-March 2015
THE IDEA
An earthquake can last from 30 seconds to 6 minutes
PANIC ANXIETY
Aftershocks
Something to be helpful at the time when the earthquake occurs
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.
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
DAY TO DAY - AS A STRUCTURE CHILDREN CAN PLAY AROUND SIMILAR TO SOFT PLAY BLOCKS
WHAT IS IT MADE OF Steel reinforced rubber shell and thick layer of foam
Steel 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
MOUNTING WALLS TO THE FLOOR
(THE SAME SYSTEM FOR PARTITION WALLS AND THE CENTRAL BEAM)
PROPOSED PLACEMENT OF THE SHELTER IN KINDERGARTEN PLAYROOMS ď‚ 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)
THANK YOU