Israel has donated a batch of 117 special protective tables to the ancient Taiwanese city of Tainan, in hopes of saving more people from the devastating effects of earthquakes.
The earthquake-proof tables, designed by a student from Jerusalem’s Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, are engineered to shield up to two students from flying debris during a natural disaster event.
The decision to donate the tables follows the 6.6 magnitude earthquake that killed 117 people in Tainan in February. The Israel Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, headed by Asher Yarden, decided to cancel the office’s annual Israeli Independence Day celebration and instead allocate the funds toward purchasing the tables.
Designed by student Arthur Brutter, under the guidance of Prof. Ido Bruno, the tables are built using standard metal profiles and a single piece of plywood panel. The tables can be constructed anywhere and come in a combination of different sizes that enable a certain area to be declared a safe zone.
Professor Ido Bruno said: “The gift of 117 earthquake tables to the children of Tainan is a wonderful example of the way design can contribute to the safety of children and enhance friendship between people”.
