The Earthquake Proof Table : It's Simple and Sure

A concept by industrial design students Arthur Brutter and Ido Bruno, this table is light enough for two children to lift and move yet can withstand the impact from a one-ton object falling onto it.

Bruno says, “The table functions well, thanks to very efficient impact energy management…It is a combination of structure and material that absorbs and transfers the energy in such a way that the important space underneath remains intact.”

"Duck and Cover" may not have been a viable strategy for surviving a nuclear explosion in the 50s, but hiding under a classroom table is still recommended action during an earthquake--standing under a door frame is actually one of the more dangerous things to do when the ceiling is collapsing around you. Finding shelter under a desk may be even more appealing with the new design of an earthquake-proof table created at the Jerusalem's Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design. The table's creators, Arthur Brutter and Ido Bruno, spent two years working on the design, which they claim is still light enough for two children to move around while being strong enough to withstand the crushing weight of 1000kg (over 2000 pounds) landing on its surface.
The patent-pending design uses the tried-and-true strength of triangles to distribute impact to four crush zones at the corners of the table. In the video below, you can see repeated tests of dropped weights deforming the tabletop, but the metal frame remaining intact as the pressure is absorbed and dissipated at the sides. The space under the table remains untouched, and the frame is structured in a way to allow children to crawl between tables and toward a rescuer.
The table has been nominated for the London Design Museum's design of the year award, and has already been licensed by a furniture manufacturer in Israel. Its unlikely to see widespread adoption stateside, though, as the table is expected to cost more than twice as much as current school desks. How about a wholesale discount for schools in earthquake-prone California?

Given the characteristics of Earthquake Proof Table, it is going to cost 2.5 times more than a regular desk. But it’s ability, to save lives from potential dangers, makes it worth the price.

 

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This school table by industrial design graduate Arthur Brutter and professor Ido Bruno is specifically designed to form a safe shelter for pupils during earthquakes.

It’s common practice for school children to hide under their desks when an earthquake strikes but standard tables are not built for the purpose and can trap those sheltering underneath if they collapse in the wrong way.

The students considered different collapse scenarios and the need to maintain an escape route, as well as the day-to day requirements of teaching and cleaning.

The table will be presented at Ventura Lambrate design district in Milan this month as part of a showcase of work by students from Jerusalem’s Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, entitled Design Bonanza Bezalel.

Above: detail of a crush zone element, photograph by Ido Bruno
It’s also been nominated for the Design Museum’s design of the year award, due to be announced on 23 April.

Above: 1000 kg steel and concrete block at moment of impact, photograph by Ido Bruno
Dezeen are media partners for Ventura Lambrate, which takes place from 17 to 22 April. Download a map and guide to Ventura Lambrate here and see all our stories about Milan 2012 here.

Above: 1000 kg impact test, photograph by Ido Bruno
Studio photographs are by Tzur Kotzer.

Above: Arthur Brutter demonstrating rescue tunnel, photograph by Ido Bruno
Here are some more details from the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design:

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At any given time, more than 300,000,000 pupils worldwide are facing impending danger because their schools are not built to withstand an earthquake. While it is common to instruct pupils to crawl under tables in case of an earthquake, existing classroom tables often turn into lethal traps for those taking refuge.

Above: table after 1000 kg sack impact test, photograph by Ido Bruno
This table is designed for a range of collapse scenarios. It provides a comprehensive solution by creating both covering, protection and a passageway for rescue team accessibility.

Above: standard school table impact test, photograph by Ivan Bianchini.
To date, the patent-pending design has successfully withstood a series of rigorous vertical impact tests and is currently awaiting official approval of the world-leading Structural Engineering department of Padua University, Italy.

Above: 500 kg impact test,photograph by Ivan Bianchini.
Earthquake table is light enough for two children to lift and move, as well as adapted to classroom cleaning and other routine, non-emergency needs.

Above: 800 kg sack impact test, photograph by Ivan Bianchini.
Design Bonanza Bezalel at Ventura Lambrate
Via Massimiano 6,
20134 Milan
Tuesday 17 – Sunday 22 April, 10:00 – 20:00

Above: 1000 kg impact test, photograph by Ivan Bianchini.