Marbella
Rescue equipment
In April 2019, floods engulfed many villages and cities in Iran. One day, as I was watching the news on TV, I saw many old houses under water. People were standing on the rooftops in order to survive! The reporter in the helicopter showed them calling for help. That sight inspired me to develop Marbella, water-absorbent beads. These beads can be released into the flooded areas using drones or helicopters to quickly reduce the accumulated water. Once absorbed by the beads, the water in a transportable form and can be used for agricultural production in drought-stricken areas.
This innovative and simple solution still remains to be tested in reality. With climate change we need to be aware of a growing danger of floods, and any design innovation that can save lives merits further investigation. The double function of water preservation and storage makes this design doubly interesting. The storytelling about how the designer came up with this idea is also very credible and personal.
WINNER STATEMENTWinning this competition is a dream come true. This moment is remarkable for me. I dedicate this honor to the people of the flooded areas.
UNIVERSITY