# Flash Flood-Blocking Barriers The AquaDefender Has Extendable Barriers to Block Floods By Akihiko Tse | Published 2013-10-08 | Updated 2013-10-16 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aqua-defender References: [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2013/10/08/deflecting-flash-floods/) The scale of damage that Superstorm Sandy most recently ravaged on the Northeastern coast of the United States was a timely reminder of the necessity to protect low-lying flash flood-prone areas; something the AquaDefender hopes to achieve. Designed by Nicholas Tay, the AquaDefender is a series of multipurpose bollard barrier that can be engaged to prevent the flow of [flash flood waters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/breathing-sea-wall), or alternatively, be used as a way to block up an area for [traffic and crowd control](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polis) purposes. When not in use, the bollard barrier is hidden underground. When the [automated sensor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leak-detection-technology1) is activated, however, the barriers rise up from the ground and, once fully erected, a sliding panel will extend and join together with adjacent barriers, creating a protective barrier. The bollard barriers can be used for different situations, such as a lighting instrument when hidden, as a flood barrier, a safety mechanism for pedestrian and bicycle baths, and as a modular connective to provide space efficiency and coverage. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 23% | Activity: 33% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Flood Protection Innovations:** The AquaDefender showcases a disruptive innovation opportunity in developing flood protection barriers that can be easily activated and deployed to safeguard low-lying areas. - **Multipurpose Bollard Barriers:** The AquaDefender highlights the potential for multipurpose bollard barriers that can serve multiple functions, from traffic and crowd control to flood prevention. - **Automated Sensor Technology:** The use of automated sensor technology in the AquaDefender presents an opportunity for further development in creating smart flood protection systems. ### Who This Affects Most - **Construction:** The construction industry can explore the integration of flood protection barriers, like AquaDefender, into infrastructure projects, enhancing the resilience of buildings and critical infrastructure. - **Emergency Management:** The AquaDefender's flood blocking capabilities provide opportunities for the emergency management industry to improve disaster response and mitigate flood-related damages. - **Urban Planning:** Urban planners can consider implementing the AquaDefender technology to safeguard flash flood-prone areas and enhance the safety and security of urban communities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Flood-Smart Basketball Courts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grain-collective.md) - [Flood-Defence Nature Parks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cf-mller.md) - [Bio-Cement Oceanic Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reef-rocket.md) - [Semi-Amphibious Bus Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/estuary-hopper.md) - [Elevated Flood Refuge Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lift-house.md) - [Flood Data Management Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iceye.md) - [Floating Amazon Plaza](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-aquapraa.md) - [Coastal Concrete Building Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/econcrete.md) - [Flood Rescue Lifejacket Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flood-resuce-lifejacket.md)