Pratt MID
Ross Cameron is a multi-disciplinary designer and artist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ross' time at Pratt has shaped him into an aspiring Emergency Designer, with a major bend toward life-saving and quality-of-life-improving solutions to some of today's natural and humanitarian problems.
How can we enable escape for those trapped in flooding cellar apartments?
Part of what we're facing as a globe—with climate change and a rise in sea level—is a drastic increase in urban flooding over the next century. During floods, those in garden-, basement- or cellar-level apartments can become trapped in their living spaces due to the extreme pressure of the water rising outside. Wetwork explores possibilities for survival and lifesaving rescue in extreme urban flooding situations, revolving around the main entry door of these apartments, focusing specifically on illegally converted cellar apartments in New York City.
Wetwork enables escape, rescue and survival in three phases. First, the door is equipped with a flood warning system that senses submersion and warns residents with lights (which also serve to guide the user to the exit in case of an electricity blackout) and an alarm. As the water rises, the door is sprung open on the hinged side to prevent a pressure differential buildup.
When a critical water level is reached, the bolt and pin of the door knob are automatically withdrawn, forcing the door open completely and allowing easy exit by residents and easy access (with far less danger) for EMTs and first responders attempting a rescue.
WETWORK
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How can we enable escape for those trapped in flooding cellar apartments?
Part of what we're facing as a globe—with climate change and a rise in sea level—is a drastic increase in urban flooding over the next century. During floods, those in garden-, basement- or cellar-level apartments can become trapped in their living spaces due to the extreme pressure of the water rising outside. Wetwork explores possibilities for survival and lifesaving rescue in extreme urban flooding situations, revolving around the main entry door of these apartments, focusing specifically on illegally converted cellar apartments in New York City.