When a retired Chinese inventor unveiled his design of an earthquake-proof bed a few years back, reactions were understandably mixed. The various models look like survival bunkers crossed with torture chambers. In animations, beds that drop into metal boxes and metal flaps flip down or slide up to provide cover, which makes one wonder about limbs. Inside are emergency supplies including water, food, fire extinguishers, gas masks and medical accessories. This idea of turning the spaces in which we spend close to a third of our lives into disaster-proof containers has precedents, though, that date back decades. Arguably, new designs could learn things from these old ones, too.....MUCH MORE
Follow the link for the earthquake bed's predecessor.
