DESIGN FOR DISASTERAleksandra Pfeifer

February-March 2015

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

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 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

MOUNTING WALLS TO THE FLOOR(THE SAME SYSTEM FOR PARTITION WALLS AND THE CENTRAL BEAM)

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)

THANK YOU