How can this table save lives? Designed by young Israeli Arthur Brutter and his former lecturer Ido Bruno, it can resist even the most severe of earthquakes and could offer reliable shelter to millions of people living in earthquake prone areas.
The tough table for rough times —
How can this table save lives? Designed by young Israeli Arthur Brutter and his former lecturer Ido Bruno, it can resist even the most severe of earthquakes and could offer reliable shelter to millions of people living in earthquake prone areas.
Courtesy Arthur Brutter/Ido Bruno/Bezalel Academy Jerusalem
When an earthquake strikes, the common drill in schools is for children to seek refuge beneath a table. If the ceiling caves in, a table can act as protection from falling debris.
The tough table for rough times —
When an earthquake strikes, the common drill in schools is for children to seek refuge beneath a table. If the ceiling caves in, a table can act as protection from falling debris.
Courtesy Arthur Brutter/Ido Bruno/Bezalel Academy Jerusalem
However, as Brutter and Bruno proved, a typical table is not strong enough to resist significant blows and hiding underneath can have catastrophic consequences.
The tough table for rough times —
However, as Brutter and Bruno proved, a typical table is not strong enough to resist significant blows and hiding underneath can have catastrophic consequences.
Courtesy Arthur Brutter/Ido Bruno/Bezalel Academy Jerusalem
The two designers set out to build an earthquake-proof table that can withstand significant pressure and improve chances of survival.
The tough table for rough times —
The two designers set out to build an earthquake-proof table that can withstand significant pressure and improve chances of survival.
Courtesy Arthur Brutter/Ido Bruno/Bezalel Academy Jerusalem
The earthquake-proof table "transforms energy and absorbs it," says Brutter. "When something falls on the table it absorbs the object's energy, and debris is forced to the side."
The tough table for rough times —
The earthquake-proof table "transforms energy and absorbs it," says Brutter. "When something falls on the table it absorbs the object's energy, and debris is forced to the side."
Courtesy Arthur Brutter/Ido Bruno/Bezalel Academy Jerusalem
It is designed so that weight is spread across it and tests have proved that the structure can endure up to a ton of falling weight.
The tough table for rough times —
It is designed so that weight is spread across it and tests have proved that the structure can endure up to a ton of falling weight.
Courtesy Arthur Brutter/Ido Bruno/Bezalel Academy Jerusalem
The table is not only strong enough to resist large amounts of pressure but is light enough for two children to lift it and can provide a makeshift walkway to aid rescue efforts.
The tough table for rough times —
The table is not only strong enough to resist large amounts of pressure but is light enough for two children to lift it and can provide a makeshift walkway to aid rescue efforts.
Courtesy Arthur Brutter/Ido Bruno/Bezalel Academy Jerusalem
Initially the table was tested by the Israeli military but currently it is undergoing tests in southern Israel and awaiting official approval from the world-leading Structural Engineering department of Padua University in Italy.
The tough table for rough times —
Initially the table was tested by the Israeli military but currently it is undergoing tests in southern Israel and awaiting official approval from the world-leading Structural Engineering department of Padua University in Italy.
Courtesy Arthur Brutter/Ido Bruno/Bezalel Academy Jerusalem
The earthquake-proof table has been nominated for a number of awards including the Design Museum's design of the year award in London. It has also been acquired by New York's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) for its permanent collection of architecture and design.
The tough table for rough times —
The earthquake-proof table has been nominated for a number of awards including the Design Museum's design of the year award in London. It has also been acquired by New York's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) for its permanent collection of architecture and design.
Courtesy Arthur Brutter/Ido Bruno/Bezalel Academy Jerusalem