Text from Adam :
There are over 400,000 reported drownings and 8 – 10 times as much near drowning experiences worldwide every year. In the UK there are 500 annual drownings. These figures have remained the same for nearly 20 years which tells us that any current equipment and practice is not having the required impact to reduce these numbers.

I have been a beach lifeguard for a number of years and further primary and secondary research has shown that there are a number of key problems that reduce the survival rate of beach users.
These problems are:

• Slow response time
• Surveillance
• Lifeguard safety
• Human limitation of lifeguards

From this research it was decided to look to the future to see what could potentially be new directions for beach safety equipment, this design is therefore based for the year 2020.

The design process was in close collaboration with the BSA (British Surfing Association) headquarters in Newquay (UK). Starting with brainstorming where no idea was a bad idea, followed by concept generation and a wide variety of modeling and system/ scenario testing, the design took innovation from nature, new and existing technologies and user testing.

Explanation of final design

The ‘Mantra’ lives on the sea bed during peak seasons just off the coast of beaches; it uses small hairs on its surface to collect and store energy from tides and waves (called ‘Super Cillia Skin’). It detects distress and drowning using electro sensors coupled with sonar which even today are highly sensitive, for example heartbeats and movements can easily be monitored. When a casualty is detected it swims up to 15mph using SMAs in the wings. The victim is carefully picked up onto an inbuilt stretcher where they are carried on top the water using hydrofoils and impellers. The ‘Mantra’ is always in constant communication with lifeguards and so is met at a specific beach location by lifeguards and ambulances where an EAP is in place and the stretcher is removed without disturbing the patient, who in the worst case scenario may have neck injuries.

Stretchers are replaced and the ‘Mantra’ can assume its position at sea once more. The whole process is estimated to take under 2 minutes.

The final design as can be seen from images, uses biomimicry from a manta ray for many reasons –

• Large flat surface area for all weather stability
• Excellent turning circle and manouverability
• Excellent strength to weight ratio
• Low energy travel
• Considered as a non aggressive creature/ form

Advantages of ‘Mantra’:

• Removal of contact with bodily fluid
• Safety of lifeguards
• Immediate response time
• Completely automated
• Better for spinal and other injuries
• Aesthetics
• Function
• Sustainable

Designer : Adam Scott

The Expandable Recycling bin features a low starting and increases its height gradually with the wastages, allowing effective space management and low drop for brittle electronics. The facility manager of an apartment or office can have a visual feedback through the expansion and a maximum size bin denotes it needed to be emptied. It features a RFID locking system that ensures only valid residents with a RFID tag can open and use the bin. Besides, there will be a designated person with a special access tag to unlock the wheels. Biopregs, an eco-friendly bio-composite is the main material that has been used to create the two major parts of the bin. Cautious emptying in the pickup-vehicle has been ensured by placing a reusable bag in the bin which is lifted out with a crane. The bag is prepared of heavy duty fabric with durable chemical proof coating.

Designer : SpringTime

Designer : Seonkeun Park and Byungmin Woo

Text from Eli :
The Gluco(M) is a medical concept that provides diabetics with three functions: instant and non-invasive glucose readings, history of previous readings with averages, and an insulin chamber with a loaded syringe cartridge for injections.

Diabetics must monitor their own blood glucose levels times a day, to determine how far above or below normal their glucose is and to determine how much insulin(s) they may need. This is usually done by placing a drop of blood from a skin prick onto a glucose strip and then inserting the strip into a glucose meter, a small machine that provides a digital readout of the blood glucose level.

The Gluco(M) uses a technology known as “reverse iontophoresis.” By using an electric current running throughout the sensors, it collects glucose samples from fluids in the body. The device is then able to read the sample and give a reading. With this technology, diabetics can keep a much closer watch on their glucose levels and avoid the problems that may occurs from having levels too high or low. The Gluco(M) enables users with the convenience of checking blood-sugar levels more frequently throughout the day, thus yielding for better control of glucose in the blood stream.

Designer : Eli Hariton

From Eduardo:
Autonomous Living Units is a somewhat satirical project that stands at the intersection of the current housing crisis, the tendency of people in developed countries to live on their own and the trend of turning architecture into a consumer product. The project poses a scenario in which living units (homes) have evolved into the most minimal yet visually alluring objects that can still provide for the basic needs of the 21st century human being.

Because of the morphing of architecture into furniture, the Living Units could be inserted in derelict areas and ruined housing projects. This project was exhibited among others at the d3 Gallery in New York for the “Future Cities: Past, Present” exhibition in April 2009.

Designer : Eduardo McIntosh via [Dezeen]

The new deck position allows direct access to the kitchen and dining room and offers additional activities combining with the salon/ living room. The pool deck can be traversed in three ways. First one is a direct outside walkway or bridge which divides the pool with an underwater opening that allows the swimmers to plummet from one side to another. Second method is a flyover which connects to the central stairs and elevator. A lower level lounge is the third option which includes glass portals into the pool. There is a helipad on the bow deck and the yacht can house 12 guests and crew.

[Press Release]

Infinitas is the second design launch of Schöpfer Yachts. Our new 300 foot (91.5 meter) yacht was designed by E. Kevin
Schopfer with Sparkman Stephens, Naval Architects. The design’s main inspiration comes from the symbol for infinity which has been abstractly expressed within the yacht’s elevation. The two major features of the yacht asserted by this closed loop infinity symbol are achieved by carving out stern and mid section elliptical deck constructs.

A central structural “spine” holds the loop together allowing the yacht’s superstructure to seamlessly flow within itself. The added benefit of “infinity” is the realignment of traditional functional areas. Within this realignment, the main deck living room, and dining room are detached. The dining room moves forward and is separated from the living room by a massive pool deck. This new deck location allows for the first time, direct access to dining room and kitchen for expanded activities, in combination with the living room/salon.

There are three methods to traverse the pool deck. First is a direct outside bridge / walkway which bisects the pool itself. This walkway has underwater openings in its support system, allowing swimmers to dive from one side to another. The pool has the option of being covered for larger venue needs.

The second method of crossing the pool deck is an overhead sky bridge which connects to the main stairs and elevator. The “sky” bridge is clear glass floor and ceiling allowing natural light to penetrate the pool below.

The third method is through a lower level lounge which features glass portals into the pool.

The main level contains the two aforementioned decks, living room, dining room, kitchen, storage, and bow deck (with helicopter pad). The interior design of the space, and others, reflects an intense minimalist palette with a dash of attitude. The main salon also features generous 12 foot ceiling height and fully glazed walls creating an island within the yacht.

The second level up is reserved for a series of guest suites and secondary bow deck. The owner’s suite occupies the third level with “sky bridge,” pilot house, and upper deck. All decks below are currently designated crew quarters, storage and
mechanical, engine room activities. Infinitas is designed to accommodate 12 guests and crew.

Thank you to Tangram 3DS for all rendering images.

Designer : Schopferyachts

Designer : Gowoon Jeong

James Salvidge own words :
In the UK today the introduction of new technology has meant that people have a far greater choice of how they access the post office services. Consequently, people are visiting post offices less, making the current service unsustainable. As a result the Post Office has already closed 500 post offices and has proposed the closure of 2500 more.

In the rural areas of the UK, the Post Office still plays an important economic and social role. So it is important that the services are not lost completely as this could make life for the elderly and poor increasingly difficult and also reduce the opportunities for social contact and communities to interact.

The project brief was to look at the role of the Post Office in a rural area and then to design a new service to be created in its place, one which was more sustainable and enabled the continuation of the postal services.

My concept was for a compact, automated post office unit which could be easily moved between villages, with each one being capable of supplying the services to around seven villages; saving materials and energy as fewer have to be produced

Following a timetable would allow the locations to be pre-arranged, the benefits of doing this are that larger villages, which have a greater need for the services, can be allocated more time and smaller villages less time. It also allows the people using the services to know when it will be situated in their village. As well as parcel and postal services, via a wireless internet connection it can provide users access to all the online post office services, including their insurance and bank services; allowing them to withdrawal their cash, pensions and benefits.

By constructing the mobile section out of relatively lightweight materials and by incorporating a trolley into the structure of the design, it will easily moved by the employees of the royal mail. To ensure it remains in location, via the screen, authorised employees will be able to activate the internal locking mechanism, which will securely lock it onto the post box; at the same time it will automatically lower itself to the ground, preventing it from being moved.

It would be a financially viable solution to problem facing the Post Office because it removes the need for a permanent structure and does not need an employee to supervise it. It can be entirely maintained by the Royal Mail, using their vans to transport it before their daily collection of post and parcels.

Designer : James Salvidge

Designer : Yasuhiro Akama

The Tiger concept has been designed for the year 2025 (to coincide with the 100 year anniversary of the land speed record), and with the current pace of innovation in the field of batteries and motors performance such as this is not that far away.

Designer : Ryan Skelley via [Diseno-art]