Acoustic Pods: Harmony (Not Disruption) in Workspaces

Modern work schemes, characterized by a paradox of collaboration and digital work, require the right balance in leadership and infrastructure to achieve levels of productivity that were not possible in the old world of 100% in-person work.

Part of the challenge in achieving this balance lies in how easily employees are distracted by conversations and ambient noise when trying to concentrate on individual tasks. On the other hand, much communication requires an acoustic level of privacy that is impossible to achieve in an office without spaces designed with this purpose in mind.

Soundproof pods are a logical solution to solve the infrastructure component of the modern work paradox. A quality office soundproof pod guarantees high levels of sound isolation and internal acoustic quality, without sacrificing natural visual openness or generating the perception of navigating a maze of cubicles.

However, as this solution is still in the adoption phase, it may seem complex to decide where and how to install a pod to maximize the benefits and productivity per square meter of an office. Here are our recommendations for using soundproof pods in the office:

Offices with Space Constraints:

• To maximize space: Use underutilized areas like hallways or beneath stairs to install pods without needing to rearrange your current work zones. For example, a hallway that previously had no return on investment can be transformed into a high-productivity zone with a series of Riparo or Doppio Riparo pods.

• To get the most out of the pods: Place them strategically near workstations to encourage smooth transitions between private work and collaborative work. This means giving employees the freedom to move several times a day between their main work areas and shared pods when they need more privacy.

  To harmonize the user experience: Orient the glass panels of each pod to achieve a balance between visual connectivity and privacy. Generally, orienting the pods so they do not block natural light is always a good option. If you require more privacy inside, you can add vinyl decorations to the glass panels.

Offices with Team-Based Spatial Distribution:

In addition to following the recommendations for offices with space constraints, if your goal is to encourage collaboration and innovation, we recommend distributing pods considering the proximity between areas to foster collaboration moments. For example, placing a Grappolo pod between two areas can serve as a center of interaction, encouraging fluid communication and the exchange of ideas between teams.

Large Corporate Offices:

While the recommendations for the previous office types also apply to larger corporate offices, we recommend:

Distribute pods across all levels, ensuring equitable access to work infrastructure across the building.

Analyze pedestrian traffic patterns to place workstations where your employees will need them. This way, you’ll avoid wasted time on long transitions between activities.

Each team is different and has unique needs, and while everyone will benefit from private spaces like a Riparo pod and collaborative spaces like a Grappolo pod, each team will benefit from a different proportion of access to these types of spaces.

Lastly, all types of offices can benefit from the diversity of spaces, and the exterior of your pods can also be utilized. For example, with Sessione's accessory series, the exterior of your pod can become a creativity zone with a whiteboard or a temporary workstation during transitions between areas of your office with our mini external desks.

Considering the implementation of soundproof pods for businesses in the architectural planning of your workspace will help eliminate the need for fixed constructions, maximize the return of each square meter of office space, and offer an inspiring alternative that fosters a dynamic environment for discussion and creativity.

Meetings that flow, inspire, and connect.