by Brianna Crandall — March 1, 2021 — Innovative workplace furnishings manufacturer Teknion Corporation recently introduced its POD (Privacy on Demand) family of freestanding workpods designed for occasional, short-duration privacy from the open plan.
POD is designed to support technology and help shape an environment where people want to work and where they feel comfortable and connected. Its freestanding design enables relocation and independence from building architecture. Consisting of Tek Booth and the new Tek Room, together they create a diverse range of small-scale private environments.
The POD collection consists of various iterations of Tek Booth and the new Tek Room, which provide quiet focus or meeting places in an open-plan environment. Image courtesy Teknion
Tek Room, the newest addition to the POD series, is designed to support the individual or small groups when focus, privacy and comfort are needed apart from the open-plan environment. Its universal approach to planning works with a wide variety of freestanding furniture and allows for easy reconfigurability.
Michael Laudeman, vice president, Architectural Interiors, stated:
We’ve seen increased demand for smaller scaled private areas in the open plan. Tek Room responds to the need for private meeting or working spaces that feel comfortable and welcoming while providing a high degree of planning flexibility.
Tek Room technology is designed for adaptability, incorporating vertically integrated central power to accommodate various ergonomic settings as well as secondary communication and technology devices. An infinitely dimmable lighting system provides a high degree of environmental control and a more personalized work experience.
Accessibility and safety are also incorporated into Tek Room’s design. Accessible room and door sizing support a variety of end users, while fire suppression systems can be seamlessly retrofitted when needed. Tek Room can respond to different regional requirements to ensure successful integration into any building or project.
Tek Room incorporates features that provide privacy and comfort for extended periods of use. Fascias are configured to provide sound-blocking and sound-absorbing properties while achieving a balance between visual privacy and light transmission. Ventilation intake is provided by two pairs of low-noise fans integrated into the micro-perforated back ceiling fascia. The fans work in tandem with the base fascia, which acts as an exhaust, enabling full air exchange.
Tek Booth is designed to support the individual when focus, privacy, and comfort are needed from the open-plan environment. Hard external surfaces ensure sound isolation, while fabric and microperforated fascias on the interior minimize sound reflectivity. Tek Booth’s interior fully integrates power, technology, and ergonomics for an overall intuitive experience. Equipped with an angled worksurface, power receptacles, and a motion sensor that activates a dimmable task light and ventilation fans, Tek Booth is a space to feel comfortable and connected.
POD is backed by Teknion’s impressive finish program to allow endless color palette combinations selected to suit any environmental aesthetic. Tek Room’s exterior dimensions are 90” high, 96” wide, and 70” deep. Tek Booth measures 90” high, 48” wide, and 48” deep, allowing for the seamless dimensional combination of 1 Tek Room and 2 Tek Booths back-to-back.
For more information and specifications for Tek Booth and the new Tek Room, see the POD Application Guide on the Teknion website.
You can also find more information specific to facilities managers (FMs) on Teknion’s FMLink page. The Canada-based international designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative workplace interiors provides a versatile and integrated portfolio of office furnishings, seating, ergonomic accessories and architectural products designed to support workplace wellness.
