Streetlamp Shelter

red dot
red dot award: design concept 2008

design:

Huang Qiaokun

Should an earthquake occur, citizens can unfold Streetlamp Shelters to create immediate shelters from the weather.

Most cities have open public places such as parks. Should earthquakes occur, these are safe havens where there is no danger of injury from falling building rubble. Tokyo, for example, contains many parks.

The Streetlamp Shelter could provide a city with hundreds and thousands of shelters after a disaster without any need for distribution from government or other organisations. The frame of the shelter is connected with springs to reduce the impact of aftershocks. Below ground level, the base contains a rubber tube, which will absorb shocks and help prevent the whole shelter from shaking. The shelter also has windows and a back door to facilitate ventilation for the victims staying inside the shelter. The fabric that forms the canopy is able to discharge humidity and block out the wind – GORE-TEX® for example.

Furthermore, the shelter is mobile and can be moved to a location that is safer or easier for help. Streetlamp Shelter aims to provide immediate assistance to victims.