Architect and Builder February/March 2019 | Page 76

INTERIORWATCH
THE LATEST NEWS AND PRODUCTS FROM THE COMMERCIAL INTERIOR INDUSTRY
WHY THE POD IS POPPING UP EVERYWHERE IN OFFICES IN SA
NEWSWORTHY
ROBIN SPRONG’S
STUNNING KLEINE
RIJKE COLLECTION
Robin Sprong
Cape Town-based,
winning
Wallpapers,
the
multi-award
wallpaper
studio
and
one of South Africa’s leading
bespoke
wallpaper
companies,
has released a striking botanical
range of designs.
Kleine Rijke is Dutch for ‘little
riches’. The wallpaper range was
inherited from a 100 year old
collection and was etched in the
1800’s. Each piece is truly unique
and consists of incredibly fine
detail. It can be used as a single
The pod - a small, free-standing box or space that is typically soundproof and designed
to fit just one or two people - is taking over offices in South Africa according one of the
country’s biggest office space and furniture consultancies.
Isla Galloway-Gaul, Managing Director of Inspiration Office said: “Privacy pods that allow
you to meet or talk on the phone without others overhearing, or work in complete silence,
have been installed in many offices ranging from start ups to large companies with thousands
of employees. We have experienced rising demand for pods over the past few years and
expect them to become increasingly popular in offices in South Africa.”
One of the biggest reasons for companies installing pods in their public spaces is people’s
need for silence and privacy. “We all need periods of silence, especially at work,” said
Galloway-Gaul. “Working and commuting in busy urban environments is putting a lot of
noise and busyness pressure on our lifestyles.”
People around the world tend to spend increasing numbers of hours at work compared
to decades past, and because of the rise of open plan offices we need the option to go
somewhere quiet and carry on working.
“While many people like open plan offices, others find in makes for a more difficult work
environment by creating more stress, reducing productivity and lowering job satisfaction.
Most people struggle with concentration anyway, even without interruptions and elevated
noise levels,“ she added.
Pods can be easily installed and they do away with the need to build entirely new private
rooms. They can be added and removed according to need and as they are small, can be
slotted in without making much change to the overall offices space or aesthetic. They are
also much more cost effective and far less disruptive than making wholesale changes to
an office,” said Galloway-Gaul. “Companies can still have uncluttered open offices and
accommodate those who need quiet.”
Productivity is another factor behind their popularity. Pods make it more convenient for
people to work more, thereby increasing productivity. Productivity in the workplace is vital
to support an efficient business and enhance the bottom line, but it is apparent that a lot
of employees feel that they are sometimes restricted by the environment around them.
Said Galloway-Gaul: “Organisations must create as much choice as possible to enable
employees to vary noise levels to meet their needs depending on what they’re working
on. There is a growing demand for pods around the world. It’s a growth area and one that
could be a disrupter to how companies plan their spaces.”
www.inspirationoffice.co.za
large piece or designed into a
pattern. The collection comes in
four designs:- Bromelia, Citrus,
Laurus and Limonia.
The wallpaper substrates used
come in a range of finishes suitable
for different environments. Each is
fire retardant in accordance with
EN13501-1:2007 and available in
a range of pre-pasted, unpasted
and heavy traffic options. The
wallpaper can also be laminated
to make them ideal for humid
spaces
such
as
kitchens
and
bathrooms. Furniture in images by
David Krynauw.
www.robinsprong.com
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Interior Watch