PLATFORM
San Francisco is bracing for "The Big One," a generational earthquake expected to cause unprecedented damage. In anticipation, how can we design a system capable of adapting to the evolving challenges in the aftermath of an earthquake?
CONTEXT
INITIAL IDEATION
Working with three search-and-rescue experts, we refined my ideas into a possible solution.
Collaborating with leaders in the search-and-rescue‹ field, we devised a plan.
Survey
National Alpine and Cave Rescue Corps:
“Before rescuers can help, they first need to figure out which areas are safe. Then they effectively organize teams and triage workers. Usually, this means surveying the damage from a helicopter or walking through the debris, but both approaches can be dangerous.”
Methane Detection
LAFD Station 50:
“Methane leaks were a big problem in 94’. The earthquake knocked natural gas lines loose and caused fires around the neighborhood, and we couldn't even respond because there was so much debris.”
Asbestos Detection
United States Marine Corps:
“In Turkey, when backhoes moved the debris in the aftermath, they stirred up large amounts of asbestos.”
AIR FRAME
The airframe is made of Die-cast magnesium-aluminum alloy. Integrated rails enable component swapping to adapt to evolving disaster situations.
Auxiliary lights ensure visibility to rescuers and civilians regardless of weather or time of day.
After finishing the modeling, I met with both the San Francisco Fire Department and the CNSAS dispatch operator to devise how these drones would be deployed in San Francisco in the event of "The Big One."