Privacy has become a major topic within the workspace. But how can we add visual and acoustic elements within the open plan without the hassle of construction?
A large focus in office designs this year has been the incorporation of open pods which range from fully enclosed spaces with doors to more minimal designs using posts, beams, curtains, or slats. This offers users with a dedicated space to collaborate while not feeling burdened by the neighboring workstations.
Here are some products and suggestions for your office space if you’re looking to help create some new spaces for your employees to work without the additional need for construction.
Campers and Dens
Campers and Dens is a new product recently launched at NeoCon 2024 in the Steelcase showroom. Available for order in December, this product offers the perfect blend of an enclosed space with a partially open design. The pod allows users to focus, while the awning provides partial visual privacy, making it inviting for impromptu, casual collaborations. The unique awning is available in felt, fabric, plywood, and cord, with various finish options that allow you to adjust and significantly change the product’s design.
The pod also features the iconic Orangebox opening roof system, ensuring both airflow and advanced fire safety. One standout feature is the versatility to create different settings, transforming from a booth to a meeting room or a casual impromptu space using just one product.
Omni Room
The Omni Room is a versatile room-to-room system featuring integrated lighting, storage, and options for either a fully enclosed roof or an open ceiling. The product comes in various sizes, like building blocks, allowing it to adapt to any space—from a single-focus pod to a large 8-person meeting area. This system includes a complete line of integrated slat walls, shelves, whiteboards, and storage. For those seeking a more open ambiance, curtains can be added for additional visual privacy. The sleek and sophisticated monochromatic finishes of this product offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional millwork solutions.
Mews
The Mews Collection introduces a flexible system of open, focus, and connecting pods, seamlessly integrating smaller pods with open spaces. Available in different sizes for 1-2 or 3-4 people, the pods can be fully enclosed or partially enclosed with one façade open, with the option to add a curtain for additional privacy. The Mews Connect also offers video conferencing capabilities with integrated lighting perfect for hybrid calls. It also features air quality and temperature controls.
One of my favorite features is the glass detail on the doors. The vertical slats give visual privacy but still allow light to penetrate through. The architectural finishes can either be cork, wood slats, whiteboard or all fabric allowing the designers to completely customize the pods.
Colony
This tried-and-true product, featuring a honeycomb design, was ahead of its time upon release. Built with a metal structure, it includes movable screens that can either open the space or provide protection as needed. The pinwheel design also incorporates shelves, whiteboards, and integrated media. You can customize the design further with various PET cutouts and optional curtain shielding.
One of the great features of the product is when required the user can easily move the felt or curtain screens for more privacy while also indicating to others that it is in use. This is a great product for open plans where you want a little bit of privacy while not requiring a fully enclosed space.
