TUNE

Tohoku University

Tohoku University Research News of Engineering (Tune) is a publication of School of Engineering (SoE), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan. Each Tune volume provides the scientific community with the latest research results of SoE on a selected topic.

Interview

Providing (subtly) is Preventing
Masashige MOTOE

Text by Stophe POMEROY / Photographs by Hayato IKEGAMI

Providing (subtly) is Preventing

Making Use of Wealth in Experience

SP: So, you mean we can make better use of knowhow accumulated from the past if designed properly?

MM: Indeed, the idea is to enhance the efficacy of measures available in countering ill effects of widespread damages such as evacuation orders. Though it would be a panic-conducive scene, if there is a readily-available plus simple set-up that could expedite a quick exit while allowing vital documents, etc. to be secured, a smooth flow would be realized - the wall-hanging carrying case we produced is a case in point**.

We are also prototyping cushions that contain (potable) water, these can during uneventful times be placed on couches and baby cribs. The carrying case can hang next to the calendar, transformed into an integral part of everyday scene at work or in the home. Speaking of calendar, as for emergency goods, seasonal gift packs can have extra compartments added so such gifts as replacement for time-sensitive items could be provided.

** Wall-mounted “pockets” comprise a stable platform through which the designed system components are melded into people's lives.