POD
'A Workspace That Grows with You'
Project Brief
"POD was my major project for the final year of my interior design degree at Cardiff Met. It’s a biophilic workspace designed to be open to the public, intending to boost productivity and focus through nature-inspired visuals and immersive plant-generated soundscapes. Using sensors that pick up plant signals and translate them into music, the space creates a calming, responsive atmosphere. These evolving soundscapes can be listened to through Bluetooth headphones or in-pod speakers, depending on the user’s preference."
"The design includes a range of spaces—individual and group study pods, meeting areas, wellness pods, and a herbal café called The Coffee Pod, serving organic teas and plant-based drinks to support well-being. I also proposed a research lab in collaboration with Cardiff Metropolitan University to explore the effects of plant soundscapes on productivity. For me, POD is a fusion of nature, sound, and science, creating an environment supporting work and wellness."
'Perform + Refresh + Support'
Plant music
Herbal refreshments
Ongoing research
STIWDIO SELIGMAN
Chapter Arts Centre, Market Rd, Cardiff CF5 1QE
Key Concepts
'A Workspace That Grows with You'
Hotdesk space
With more people now working remotely, finding a focused, inspiring place to work can be challenging. POD offers a flexible hotdesking solution within a biophilic environment, where visitors can drop in, choose a workspace that suits their needs, and enjoy the calming presence of nature and live plant-generated soundscapes. Whether it’s a solo task, a virtual meeting, or quiet collaboration, POD provides a refreshing alternative to working from home.
Biophillic design
Nature’s beauty isn’t limited to soft curves or greenery, it’s in textures, contrasts, and the way light moves through a space. This biophilic design embraces all those elements, visually reflecting nature and through sound, scent, and materiality. From the living soundscapes created by plants to the tactile surfaces and natural rhythms woven into the layout, every detail is rooted in the richness and diversity of the natural world.
Incorporating 'PlantWave'
A key feature of my major project, POD, is the integration of PlantWave devices, technology that translates the natural electrical impulses of plants into calming, ambient soundscapes. These devices are embedded throughout the space to subtly enhance focus and well-being by creating a deeper sensory connection between users and nature.
The sound generated is unique to the living plants in the space, offering a constantly evolving, biophilic experience that supports both productivity and relaxation. This innovative use of biofeedback technology brings an emotional depth to the workspace, aligning with POD’s core goal: to create environments where nature and neuroscience work in harmony.
Acoustic Mitigation
To address the risk of acoustic crowding in the central atrium of POD, I designed a series of bespoke acoustic mitigation panels that are both functional and visually striking. The panels take the form of layered, recycled timber triangles, chosen for their natural texture and structural rhythm, which are then lined with wood wool for sound absorption and finished with recycled fabric for an added layer of softness and sustainability.
Zoomed in panels
This approach not only reduces echo and enhances sound quality throughout the open space but also reinforces POD’s commitment to low-impact, environmentally conscious design. The result is a calmer, more focused atmosphere that supports both individual work and communal interaction.
Interior elevations
Acoustic Paneling
Within the study pods, I designed rectangular acoustic panels that hang suspended from the ceiling to help soften noise and create a more focused, peaceful atmosphere. The clean, minimal design complements the pods' natural aesthetic while enhancing user comfort, crucial in a shared working environment where clarity and concentration are key.
Plywood Fixtures
To bring warmth, texture, and continuity to the interior of POD, I introduced plywood wall panelling throughout the space. Fixed directly to the walls, the plywood panels offer a subtle rhythm and organic grain that contrasts beautifully with the greenery and industrial elements. Not only do they provide a visually cohesive backdrop, but they also contribute to acoustic softness and durability, supporting both the design's aesthetic goals and its long-term functionality.
Interior Elevation
Come and visit!
Opening Hours ( 13th - 20th June 2025 )
Weekdays: 10am - 6pm
Weekends: 12am - 4pm