This is a conceptual design I did in January for the iF Concept Design Award, which failed though, I post it here to share with you.
U-Roadbed is a U-Shaped roadbed for railways in platform sections, where passenger is easily to fell into the tracks, it could be the last chance for passengers who fell into the track to save themselves.
Scenario overview
Unlike normal roadbeds which have shallow pit, the U-Roadbed is U-shaped, the space it creates in the center could accommodate one person or more lying down, without being hurt when run over by a train, and the groove between two neighboring components can be used to fasten the body.
Scenario with a person lying in the pit
German version briefing:
Die U-Schwelle ist U-förmige, besonders für Bahnsteigzone entwickelte Schwelle. Beim Bahnsteig rutschen oder fallen die Passagiere leicht in den Schienen, die U-Schwellen könnten die letzte Chance für die hingefallenen Passagiere sein, um sich zu retten.
Im Gegensatz zu normalen Schwellen, deren Gleisbett fast glatt ist, ist die Gleisbett der U-Schwelle auch U-förmig, in dem Raum zwischen beiden Schienen kann eine Person liegen, ohne verletzt zu werden, wenn ein Zug überfahrt. Die Nut zwischen zwei benachbarten Komponenten können verwendet werden, um den Körper zu befestigen.
This entry got posted on Yanko Design, with the editor’s comment:
The idea of a safety bed nestled within the railway track system is more than necessary for countries like India, where track-deaths are plenty. U-Roadbed is a U-Shaped roadbed created in the sleepers of the track. This cavity safely nestles the unfortunate person who slips onto the tracks of an upcoming train. I like the idea because any chance offered at survival and saving life is a good one. I only hope it’s a doable idea.
Thanks to following persons, who had given me hands in this project:
Baixuan Zhu, who discussed with me on the possibilities of the concept.
Zhe Liu, who helped me translating the brief into German for the jury.
Penghao Shan, who gaved me advice to define this design as “Schwellen” in German.