Understanding the Design of Vaults in Fallout: A Comprehensive Analysis
The concept of the Vault in the Fallout series originates from the fictional company Vault-Tec. These large underground bunkers were designed to protect people from the perils of nuclear war and other disasters. As the name suggests, the primary function of the Vault is to ensure the safety of its inhabitants from radiation and the after-effects of a nuclear attack.
Matter Between You and Radiation
The deeper you are underground, the better protected you are from radiation. As illustrated by the principles of an underground bunker's effectiveness, more matter between you and the radiation source absorbed the radiation before it can penetrate and reach you. Thus, deep underground locations offer the highest level of protection against both radiation and the shock waves produced by a nuclear explosion.
Functionality of Vaults
Each Vault is equipped with an extensive life support system that ensures the basic necessities for survival - food, water, electricity, and air purification. These facilities are designed to last for an extended period, making Vaults self-sufficient and capable of sustaining life for extended durations.
However, it's important to note that Vault-Tec's true agenda goes beyond merely providing shelter. The company conducts secret social experiments within the Vaults, highlighting the darker side of their intentions.
Environmental Considerations
Some Vaults are designed with specific environmental factors in mind. For example, the specialized Vault is meant to provide clean air and synthesized oxygen, making it potentially more habitable in case of a nuclear disaster. This could be seen as a compassion-driven addition, ensuring at least some level of comfort for the occupants.
Mass Production and Standardization
The design of Vaults in Fallout is also influenced by the practical considerations of mass production. Their modular design allows for standardized components and processes, reducing costs and increasing efficiency in production.
These Vaults are products of a public-funded national defense project, with funding coming from war bonds and technical support from government agencies. Vault-Tec, the firm responsible for their construction, is known for employing the lowest bidder to build these structures, maintaining the tradition of free-market competition in defense projects.
Each Vault features a reinforced door capable of withstanding a nuclear blast, along with additional radiation shielding components. The internal design of Vault rooms is nearly identical, with common features such as cafeterias, courtyard spaces, and administrative areas.
Conclusion
The design of Vaults in Fallout is a sophisticated blend of practical engineering and strategic planning. These underground bunkers not only provide a safe haven from nuclear disasters but also serve as vessels for complex social experiments. Understanding the rationale behind their design can offer valuable insights into the series' themes of survival, experimentation, and the human condition.
By examining the construction and purpose of Vaults, we gain a deeper appreciation for the world of Fallout and the challenges it presents to its inhabitants.