Posted on 09/15/2006 2:30:22 PM PDT by Ellesu
LONDON - Two designers have come up with an unusual way of escaping a flash flood: a dining table that can quickly be converted to a life raft.
The table, entitled Either Oar, has removable legs that convert into paddles and a built-in buoyancy tank. It is part of a series of designs created "as a response to climate change and natural disasters of recent times," an apparent reference to crises such as Asia's tsunami in 2004 and last year's Hurricane Katrina in the United States.
The table will be on display as part of the Design Museum's Design Mart exhibition, which opens in London on Sept. 20 and celebrates new talent.
The "Climatized Objects" range was designed by David Cameron and Toby Hadden.
Other dual-purpose devices include a vase that switches to an emergency flashlight if knocked from its ledge, and a series of picture frames that turn into flashing navigational aids.
"We've always wanted to do a project that translates the way people in emergency situations use everyday objects in innovative ways in order to stay alive," the pair said in a statement.
"The effects of climate change can leave us facing dangerous situations in our own home, where we are affected by destructive elements such as flooding and earthquakes. Rather than shy away from these negative processes, our ideal was to offer functional solutions in these increasing times of crisis."
Oh, I HAVE to have one of those!
Gotta have it! It will go with my detachable ceiling fan which becomes a one man helicopter.
How about a paperweight that ejects projectiles at high velocities? That would be useful in the event of a robbery or civil disturbance.
<< It is part of a series of designs created "as a response to climate change"
Nice way to skim money off of the enviro-wackos.
LoL
My dining table is designed to serve as emergency biomass heating fuel.
Your device serves as a paperweight? Cool!
I have really fun "noisemakers" in my house that can make sound at different volumes. The first setting is the low volume which is appropriate for indoor use. The louder setting (using cartridge-shaped volume enhancers) is only used during celebrations or if I wish to project the sound towards someone visiting my home via the back window in the middle of the night.
~ Blue Jays ~
Next we'll have refrigerators that convert into personal submarines. "We all live in a yellow Frigidaire, yellow Frigidaire, yellow Fridgidaire."
No, I don't actually use a weapon for a paperweight. Nor do I need to be armed to intimidate my daughters prospective dates.
Cubans have been a lot more creative with floatation devices for years!
Usually with a dual-use item like this it is cheaper and simpler to simply have a real table and a real raft.
Climatize a toilet and I might be interested.
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