GATE
EMERGENCY URNAN FURNITURE
GATE is a multifunctional urban furniture unit designed to function as both a daily-use public seating/light structure and an emergency medical response station in disaster situations. Under normal circumstances, it blends seamlessly into the urban environment, offering seating, lighting, and digital interface capabilities. However, in the event of a disaster, it transforms into a localized emergency hub, already assigned with a unit number and corresponding healthcare personnel, facilitating systematic and organized aid distribution.
In disaster situations, one of the major issues is the lack of structured and accessible meeting points for both victims and emergency responders. Confusion, delayed communication, and the difficulty of locating help can worsen outcomes. Additionally, most existing urban furniture has no utility in emergencies. This design addresses these issues by:
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Problem Statement
Creating pre-identified gathering points,
Assigning specific healthcare staff to each unit in advance,
Providing basic medical equipment and seating for initial aid,
Ensuring 24/7 visibility and usability, thanks to lighting and smart tech integration.
What?
Urban environments often lack adaptable public furniture capable of supporting communities both in daily life and during times of crisis.
Why?
People benefit from spaces that can shift from casual gathering areas to dependable points of support when emergencies occur. Designing with this adaptability in mind enhances both safety and trust in public infrastructure.
How?
The Gate project explores how modular structures and recognizable forms can guide people and assist responders. It investigates how everyday urban furniture can transform its purpose when needed, bridging the gap between functionality and resilience.
Ideation
The core idea was to develop a product that transforms in purpose depending on the context. Initial sketches explored combinations of street lamps, benches, and smart kiosks. The form evolved into a vertical structure that maximizes visibility, accessibility, and interaction. Several scenarios were developed to illustrate user interaction—from everyday use to emergency medical response. The renderings and interface mockups helped refine usability, proportion, and environmental integration.
Product Design
The design features a tall vertical structure with an integrated light source, seating, and smart panels. Its modern, minimal form allows it to harmonize with various urban settings while maintaining high visibility. Functional components like medical kit storage and digital interaction panels are discreetly embedded within the structure.
