CASE | Swiss Center for Design & Health

Designing spaces for health and well-being

The Swiss Center for Design and Health is a national technology competence center where the worlds of design and health converge. With a wide range of expertise, the SCDH supports clients from industry, science and the public sector in the conception, development and testing of design solutions.

With a team of 30 experts working out of a single location, they explore innovative ways to enhance health through design. Recently, the center transformed its office to reflect its research-driven vision, integrating Framery smart pods into its new layout. 

---

A conversation with the Swiss Center for Design and Health

We spoke with Klaus-Martin Gareis, Head of Operations at SCDH, to learn more about their approach to creating productive and supportive workplaces and how Framery smart pods play a role in their evolving space.

What inspired the redesign of your office?

Over the past year, we rebuilt our location to better meet the needs of the center. One of the biggest challenges was reconfiguring a large open floor into a space that supports collaboration, while still accommodating private and focused work. 

“We needed a solution that would maximize space efficiency and allow for spontaneous meetings without disrupting others.”

Klaus-Martin Gareis
Head of Operations
Swiss Center for Design and Health

What led you to seek solutions from Framery?

We needed a solution that would maximize space efficiency and allow for spontaneous meetings without disrupting others.

“We see Framery pods not only as tools but also as research objects – an opportunity to explore how office work and well-being are influenced by this type of technology.”

Klaus-Martin Gareis
Head of Operations
Swiss Center for Design and Health

How do Framery pods fit into your vision for a productive workplace?

We research evidence-based, participative, and iterative approaches to find human-centered solutions about how office work is influenced through technology.  These principles guide everything we do, including how we design our spaces. 

We see Framery pods not only as tools but also as research objects – an opportunity to explore how office work and well-being are influenced by this type of technology.

“It’s been invaluable to have quiet, accessible spaces available when needed – especially in an open office setting.”

Klaus-Martin Gareis
Head of Operations
Swiss Center for Design and Health

What were the most important goals or strategic factors in your decision to invest in Framery pods?

Space efficiency, connectivity, and soundproofing were our top priorities. Framery smart pods meet all these needs – and fit with our vision of creating a flexible and supportive workplace.

How are the pods typically used by your team?

The pods are a great space for small meetings and private calls. Employees appreciate the spontaneous privacy they provide. It’s been invaluable to have quiet, accessible spaces available when needed – especially in an open office setting.

What impact have the pods had so far on your workplace?

It’s still too early to assess the full impact, as the smart pods have only been in use for a limited time. We are in the process of understanding how they influence focus, productivity, and employee satisfaction as the pods become a more integrated part of our daily operations.

Which Framery workplace technologies do you currently use?

We use Framery Connect to make the pod easily bookable through our Microsoft Outlook calendar. We also use the Framery Office Sound Masking System to improve the acoustics across our workplace.

As professionals in designing spaces for health and well-being, what value do soundproof pods bring to this mission?

There’s a lot of interest and demand for flexible workspaces – especially for informal or confidential discussions. Framery smart pods provide privacy without creating the feeling of isolation. 

Their open yet contained design makes them an ideal addition to modern office designs, supporting both focus and collaboration. And the ability to easily and quickly find a space for privacy is an immeasurable value to office designs.

“Framery smart pods provide privacy without creating the feeling of isolation. And the ability to easily and quickly find a space for privacy is an immeasurable value to office designs.”

Klaus-Martin Gareis
Head of Operations
Swiss Center for Design and Health

---

Framery pods are quickly becoming a core feature of the Swiss Center for Design and Health’s workplace – embodying the organization’s commitment to research-driven solutions that enhance well-being. 

By blending flexibility, comfort, and soundproofing, Framery smart pods are helping the center explore new frontiers in how design can improve health and well-being in the workplace.