Swedish Design Takes on Risk at MoMA

The exhibition SAFE: Design Takes On Risk presents contemporary products and prototypes designed to protect body and mind from dangerous or stressful circumstances, respond to emergencies, ensure clarity of information, and provide a sense of comfort and security.

Developed and produced in Sweden, the NOAQ Tube Wall is a remarkably efficient means of stemming floodwater, comprised of air-filled tubes of reinforced plastic, interconnected by zippers to form a chain.  Contrary to traditional sandbags, which are very difficult and time-consuming to fill and to stack, the NOAQ Tube Wall is practically weightless and can be easily deployed in a matter of minutes. 

Other Swedish products and innovations featured in the exhibition include the Speedglas 9002X welding helmet, designed by Carl-Göran Craaford and Håkan Bergkvist of Ergonomi Design Gruppen; a safety boot designed by Glenn Elkstrand for Tretorn; two cellphone charms designed by Mattias Ståhlbom of TAF Arkitektkontor AB; a hair card designed by Pontus Wahlgren for IDEO; and soundwave panels designed by Teppo Asikainen for the Swedish firm OFFECCT.

SAFE: Design Takes On Risk
The Museum of Modern Art
11 West 53rd Street
New York City
October 16, 2005 – January 2, 2006

For more information about the SAFE exhibition: www.moma.org

For more information about the NOAQ Tube Wall: www.noaq.com

Image: © NOAQ Flood Protection AB