Versatile and private seating
POD Public Seating
5 Weeks / Furniture / Spring 2023 / in collaboraTION WITH Alex Orelind
TOOLs: Rhino, keyshot, illustrator, & prototyping
Tasks: Art- User research, sketching, & presentation
Alex- CAD, sketching, & general research
Link: check out the full slide deck
POD is a public seating solution designed to provide users with privacy and versatility.
This is the bench in the WWU engineering building right now.
Uninviting, uncomfortable and uninspiring.
So how do we make public seating welcoming?
Our solution is Pod. The environment is busy, crowded, and can be loud at times. Pod's walls ensure both privacy and a buffer against disruptions, while still allowing sunlight to shine into the hallway.
This is the bench in the WWU engineering building right now.
Uninviting, uncomfortable and uninspiring.
So how do we make public seating welcoming?
Our solution is Pod. The environment is busy, crowded, and can be loud at times. Pod's enclosing walls ensure both privacy and a buffer against disruptions, while still allowing sunlight to shine through into the hallway.
Design Criteria
Must
Sitting Space
Comfortable
Cleanable
Manufacturable
Should
Working Space
Privacy
Durable
Versatile
Could
Simple
Interactive
Sunlight Access
Ideation
After ideation, 2 main schools of thought emerged. Both driven by privacy and versatility.
POD prevailed due to its open, yet private environment.
Further development: Ergonomic sitting (105°) and lounging (130°) angles were incorporated into the body for maximum comfort.
A cardboard scale model was constructed to test the Feasibility, Geometry, and Proportions.
From this we learned to lengthen and Heighten the Shape to better utilize the space.
The 3/4” plywood is kerf-bent, then glued and layered to molded radii.
The acrylic is mixed, melted, dyed to the desired color, pressed and cut into a long sheet, then bent.
The cushions are sewn, stuffed, then attached with Velcro.
POD is a public seating solution designed to provide users with the privacy and versatility they need in public spaces. It is constructed from durable materials that can withstand heavy usage, and its unique design allows it to be used in a variety of different seating positions, making it an ideal solution for busy public spaces.
