Study of Physical Natural Hazard Models
In recent years, floods and increasing amounts of heavy precipitation have had a negative impact on human health and property. Next to public risk management measures, the involvement of the population is crucially important. Therefore, an awareness of and sensitization to the topic of natural hazards is essential.
Interactive physical models are an essential training and communication tool for raising awareness. The study provides an assessment of 26 existing models mainly from the Alpine region. Based on the evaluation the best designs, practices and methodological approaches were identified to create a new model prototype. The general scenarios examined included flooding, a torrent and a heavy rain event.
The model represents a fictitious pre-Alpine landscape. It enables the simulation of various natural hazards and countermeasures. Visitors are invited to engage with the topic of risk management in a playful, vivid and haptic way: Technical protection concepts such as dykes, flood protection walls, dams and driftwood rakes can be individually constructed and their effect evaluated. Various designs of houses and infrastructure can be used to depict the damage and the resulting dangers from water ingress.
The aim is to raise awareness, provide information and motivate people to take more initiative.
Further information on the study: