Framery office pods have proven their popularity and functionality in open-plan offices. But how do they work in different surroundings, let’s say for example, in education?
Hanze University of Applied Sciences is a vocational university in Groningen, Netherlands. With over 30 000 students and faculty members the Hanze UAS campus is most definitely a lively community. The campus main buildings atrium is the heart of all hustle and bustle, as it is the common meeting place and an area of passage. Students also use the atrium for spending their breaks and for independent studying or group work. And just like it is with any open space, the constant buzz of conversation and surrounding noise may disturb those who want to focus and concentrate.
Pods to the rescue
In September 2019, nine Framery O phone booths, Framery Q office pods and Framery 2Q meeting pods were placed in the atrium as a setting for a study conducted by the research group of the School of Facility Management of Hanze UAS. The goal was to explore how students use these nine Framery pods and how they perceive them in a lively and noisy environment.
They found that the students of Hanze University utilized the Framery pods for activities such as meetings, noise-free work, studying, phone calls and relaxation. Brand Bos, the Location Manager Facilities at Hanze UAS, was in charge of purchasing the pods. Bos tells us that the very reason why they chose Framery pods for their student’s use was based on research: “Framery pods are very satisfactory; you can work in them with concentration and in a good climate.” And according to the study, and student feedback, the user experience has overall been very positive. The Framery pods are comfortable to use and they guarantee better concentration in an otherwise rather loud environment. Students who used the Framery pods during the study also reported to feel less nervous than other atrium users.
Students who used the Framery pods during the study also reported to feel less nervous than other atrium users.
And what about the study question itself: do the pods work in educational environments? Students, just like office workers, need a variety of places to study in order to perform well. Framery pods offer this kind of a flexible and appreciated option for various study tasks.
The study concludes that universities seem to be better aligned with their user needs when adding tiny spaces, such as pods, to their selection. They also recommend that facility managers consider trying out pods in other active surroundings as well. “We will certainly recommend them to other companies, given the appearance, seating comfort and the like,” Bos agrees.
Read the whole study:
Living in a Pod: The Impact of Tiny Spaces on a Dutch University Campus
