Lifespine
Accessible
fire escape
ladder
Project duration:
September - December 2024
6 weeks
In collaboration with:
HILLARY CHEN
Eli Kimchi
Lifespine provides a quick and simple escape route for users of all abilities in the event of a housefire or similar emergency. Using its integrated belay and sling, users can first lower any household members with physical limitations or disabilities (e.g. wheelchair users, young children, or older adults) before descending the ladder themselves.
THE ISSUE
Children and older adults are twice as likely to die in a home fire as the U.S. population at large.
The fire escape ladder has remained functionally unchanged since 1904, and can be virtually unnavigable to users with limited mobility.
BELAYED DESCENT
FORM ITERATION
Lifespine integrates belayed descent into the traditional fire escape procedure, designed to be clear and sequential in high-stress situations.