Self-inflating HEXA raft automatically deploys upon contact with water

At sea, situations often emerge where crew and passengers have to quickly evacuate the vessel, causing panic, and jeopardizing safety and organization. To help simplify such scenarios, designers Yoo JiIn and Lee Ji Sang created HEXA, a six-sided life raft that automatically activates upon contact with water. In order to be deployed, HEXA requires only that it be dropped in the water where it automatically self-inflates into a life-saving device. Six inflatable sections allow people to climb onto the raft. In addition to the efficiency of its design, the device also sends a RFID signal that can help rescue teams pin point its location. Related: The SeaKettle is a Raft + Water Purifier That Could Save Your Life Various survival supplies like food, drinkable water, flares and lifejackets are available inside the center of the pod, providing survivors with all the essential things which will allow them to survive while waiting to be rescued. Via Yanko Design

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Self-inflating HEXA raft automatically deploys upon contact with water

paraSITE Inflatable Shelter Uses Excess HVAC Air to Keep the Homeless Warm

Artist Michael Rakowitz designed a smart urban shelter that uses excess heat from building HVAC systems to keep the homeless warm. Inspired by Bedouin tents that respond to different kinds of desert winds, The ‘paraSITE’ shelters are simple, effective and cost under $5. Over the course of 17 years, Rakowitz has built at least 60 shelters in various cities he’s lived in and plans to develop this project further. Read the rest of paraSITE Inflatable Shelter Uses Excess HVAC Air to Keep the Homeless Warm Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: design for homeless , homeless shelter , humanitarian design , HVAC heat shelter , hvac systems , inflatable structures , inflatable urban shelter , Michael Rakowitz paraSITE , paraSITE plastic shelter , plastic bags shelter , temporary urban shelters , Urban design        

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paraSITE Inflatable Shelter Uses Excess HVAC Air to Keep the Homeless Warm

Europe’s First Cat Cafe Opens in London

Europe’s very first cat cafe, Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium opened its doors in London over the weekend. Located in Shoredich, just off Brick Lane, this unique teashop offers the prrrfect space for playing with feline friends over a cuppa, scones and jam. First seen in Japan , this sweet concept offers a safe, comfortable home to rescue cats in the capital. Read the rest of Europe’s First Cat Cafe Opens in London Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: animal rescue , Animals , cat cafe , first London cat cafe , Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium , London , Shoreditch , social responsibility        

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Europe’s First Cat Cafe Opens in London

Conservationists Scar Shells to Protect Endangered Tortoises

Tortoises are among the most endangered species on the planet, and a good shell can fetch tens of thousands of dollars. In order to protect the world’s tortoises, conservationists are defacing their most desirable asset: the shell. For years conservationists have struggled to preserve tortoises, only to face increased hunting and poaching. But reducing the value of the thing that attracts buyers – the shell – may make the threat more manageable. Read the rest of Conservationists Scar Shells to Protect Endangered Tortoises Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: carving tortoise shell , conservationists carving turtle shells , conservationists defacing tortoise shells , conservationists scarring shells , conserving tortoise , conserving turtles , defacing tortoise shells , endangered tortoises , endangered turtles , Eric Goode , Eric Goode Turtle Conservancy , extinction tortoise , Madagascar tortoise , npr , ploughshare tortoise , protecting tortoises , protecting turtles , tortoise pets , tortoise poaching , Tortoise rescue , tortoise rescue California , tortoise shell poaching , tortoise shell trade , tortoise shells , Turtle Conservancy , Turtle Conservancy California , Turtle Conservancy defacing tortoise shells , Turtle Conservancy Ojai , Turtle rescue        

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Conservationists Scar Shells to Protect Endangered Tortoises

3Gatti Unveils Plans for Bizarre Bubble Building Wrapped in Inflatable Antibacterial Skin

Read the rest of 3Gatti Unveils Plans for Bizarre Bubble Building Wrapped in Inflatable Antibacterial Skin Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: 3Gatti , antibacterial architecture , bubble building shanghai , bubble-like buildings , inflatable architecture , inflatable structures , interactive facade , italian architects , nylon architecture , rome architects , shanghai , shanghai architecture        

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3Gatti Unveils Plans for Bizarre Bubble Building Wrapped in Inflatable Antibacterial Skin

Monsanto Hires Former Senator Blanche Lincoln as Washington Lobbyist

If a senator fails to win a reelection bid, all hope of a political career is not lost. Like former Arkansas Democrat Sen. Blanche Lincoln, they can open their own lobbying group and attract big players such as Monsanto . On Wednesday, Politico Influence reported that the agricultural giant hired Lincoln’s company, the Lincoln Policy Group. Read the rest of Monsanto Hires Former Senator Blanche Lincoln as Washington Lobbyist Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: alson & bird , arkanas , comcast , experian , fourth branch of government , genetically modified organisms , interstate natural gas , lincoln policy group , lobbyist , Monsanto , monsanto protection act , politico influence , robert holifield , sen. blanche lincoln , senate committe on agricutlure nutrition and forestry , the huffington post , Valero , wal-mart        

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Monsanto Hires Former Senator Blanche Lincoln as Washington Lobbyist