The world is changing and increasingly designers are turning their skills toward finding solutions for humankind to survive extreme weather, wars and other unforeseen disasters.
Survival Rooms, from designer Phil Pauley, are self-sufficient container-sized units that offer total protection within an enclosed capsule. Constructed from reinforced steel, and with the ability to accommodate seventy adults or children, the 40ft x 8ft x 8ft (12.2m x 2.4m x 2.4 m) Survival Rooms are designed to house people safely, but in very close quarters until the disaster passes.
“Once the door is sealed shut, the emergency lighting and life support system will automatically switch on,” explains Pauley. “Emergency food and water will be available for every person and will last on ration for up to two weeks. There is one toilet and a hand basin for basic personal hygiene.”
Oxygen is generated via a controlled release of compressed air and by electrolysis of water, while a CO2 scrubber uses chemicals to keep the interior air breathable.
“An atmospheric monitoring system samples the air for oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other gases. Poisonous gases are removed, and oxygen is replenished by use of an oxygen bank located throughout the unit perimeter,” explains the designer.
Once the exterior door is sealed to the Survival Room, an emergency signal will be sent out at regular intervals to attempt to establish contact with a central monitoring station and/or other survivors of the disaster. External cameras can monitor the perimeter of the Survival Rooms for security and observe any changing conditions on the outside of the unit.
The Survival Room comes equipped with an anti-rolling gyro for user comfort and to ensure the capsule will always remain upright regardless of the disaster. However, the units can also be bolted into the ground or incorporated into an existing building design.
Each unit costs roughly £300,000 (US$482,000, €332,000).
Visit: http://www.philpauley.com/survival.html
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