Design Challenge Honorable Mention: Soteria Chair

by Ecco Design Ecco Design

Creators: Ecco Design
Community: Nervous high-rise office workers
Project: Emergency gear chair


In a time of terrorism the humble office worker feels exposed, a reserve soldier in a global war. Ecco’s designers equipped their simple-looking office chair with a fireproof hooded vest, first-aid supplies, rope and sharp-edged tools. Armrests double as crowbars or shovel handles, and the chair back serves as a shovel. The hard-topped hooded vest sports a gas mask, battery, embedded LED lamp, heartbeat sensor that transmits the victim’s location, and FM radio for receiving safety instructions. If the building falls on top of you, just put on the vest, dismantle your chair, and try to dig your way out of the rubble.