This school table by industrial design students graduate Arthur Brutter and professor Ido Bruno is specifically designed to form a safe shelter for pupils during earthquakes.

It's common practice for school children to hide under their desks when an earthquake strikes but standard tables are not built for the purpose and can trap those sheltering underneath if they collapse in the wrong way.

The students considered different collapse scenarios and the need to maintain an escape route, as well as the day-to day requirements of teaching and cleaning.

The table will be presented at Ventura Lambrate design district in Milan this month as part of a showcase of work by students from Jerusalem's Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, entitled Design Bonanza Bezalel.

Above: detail of a crush zone element, photograph by Ido Bruno

It's also been nominated for the Design Museum's design of the year award, due to be announced on 23 April.

Above: 1000 kg steel and concrete block at moment of impact, photograph by Ido Bruno

Dezeen are media partners for Ventura Lambrate, which takes place from 17 to 22 April. Download a map and guide to Ventura Lambrate here and see all our stories about Milan 2012 here.

Above: 1000 kg impact test, photograph by Ido Bruno

Studio photographs are by Tzur Kotzer.

Above: Arthur Brutter demonstrating rescue tunnel, photograph by Ido Bruno

Here are some more details from the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design:

At any given time, more than 300,000,000 pupils worldwide are facing impending danger because their schools are not built to withstand an earthquake. While it is common to instruct pupils to crawl under tables in case of an earthquake, existing classroom tables often turn into lethal traps for those taking refuge.

Above: table after 1000 kg sack impact test, photograph by Ido Bruno

This table is designed for a range of collapse scenarios. It provides a comprehensive solution by creating both covering, protection and a passageway for rescue team accessibility.

Above: standard school table impact test, photograph by Ivan Bianchini.

To date, the patent-pending design has successfully withstood a series of rigorous vertical impact tests and is currently awaiting official approval of the world-leading Structural Engineering department of Padua University, Italy.

Above: 500 kg impact test,photograph by Ivan Bianchini.

Earthquake table is light enough for two children to lift and move, as well as adapted to classroom cleaning and other routine, non-emergency needs.

Above: 800 kg sack impact test, photograph by Ivan Bianchini.

Design Bonanza Bezalel at Ventura Lambrate
Via Massimiano 6,
20134 Milan
Tuesday 17 – Sunday 22 April, 10:00 - 20:00

Above: 1000 kg impact test, photograph by Ivan Bianchini.