A door that saves lives

A Kingston University student has created a door designed to save lives in case of an earthquake.

Masters design student Younghwa Lee’s door collapses to become a protective shelter. In an emergency, the door can swivel horizontally on a central pivot a little less than a metre above the ground. At the same time, it folds horizontally so the bottom half remains on the ground, anchoring it to the floor and providing additional protection. 

There is also a small cabinet built into the door frame in which Younghwa has housed a wind-up torch, sachets of drinking water and medical supplies.

Younghwa is among the 150 Kingston University MA students who will be exhibiting at Tent London 2010 from September 23 -26 as part of London Design Festival.

There will also be an exhibition of work by the University’s alumni, including Jasper Morrison, David Chipperfield, Gitta Gschwendtner and El Ultimo Grito, entitled Made in Kingston.