Year
2024
TYPE
PHYSICAL
Category
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
Project Duration
4 months
BarrierBench was shaped by research into urban flooding, infrastructure failure, and delayed emergency response. Traditional flood systems rely on complex protocols and trained personnel, leaving the public dependent on first responders. This revealed a core insight: we need faster, more intuitive ways for the public to take action in a crisis.
The breakthrough came during conversations with NOAQ, a global leader in flood barrier technology. Their modular system revealed a critical opportunity: with slight redesign, this proven technology could be adapted into everyday urban furniture. By reimagining their solution as a public bench that transforms into a barrier, the design turned passive waiting into proactive readiness, thus making resilience accessible, visible, and immediate.
Through reverse engineering and close collaboration with NOAQ’s engineers and founder, the original flood barrier system was redesigned into a public bench that can be quickly transformed during flood alerts. The focus was on creating a solution that is simple to deploy, especially in crowded urban environments where rising floodwaters can accumulate rapidly. This intervention specifically addresses the redirection of water, a critical first response in flood situations to prevent stagnant pooling and minimize damage before formal infrastructure can respond.
Designed for flood-prone areas, it empowers communities to act quickly, without waiting for first responders. When waters rise, the bench flips to divert floodwater, slowing the spread and reducing damage. Its modular design allows multiple units to connect, creating a stronger defense. BarrierBench enhances resilience in public spaces, ensuring safety, accessibility, and adaptability in the face of climate challenges.
