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We’ve previously written about how office design can improve focus. We also wrote about the “Eudaimonia Machine” concept, an office space designed to encourage “deep work.” These ideas in action have to do with a field of study called “neuroarchitecture,” which explores how buildings and public spaces impact our mental state. That means architects holistically design spaces in a way that considers how humans within a space react to it. When a person walks into the building or goes about using one of its spaces, does the person feel happy? Calm? Focused? Motivated? Inspired? This merging of human emotion and architectural design make neuroarchitecture especially relevant for office, as people utilize various areas for different purposes throughout the day. 

Humans have been awed by space and architecture for millennia - think the Parthenon, the massive cathedrals of Europe, the mind-blowing scale of the pyramids - but the fascination with modern architecture’s influence on human emotions and neurological response came from an unlikely place.

When Jonas Salk, the doctor and researcher who invented the polio vaccine, hit a dead end in his experimentation, he took a trip to Italy. The change in his environment, along with the beautiful architecture he encountered there, helped him get out of his creative rut and solve the challenges that had previously blocked him. When, years later, Salk planned to build a research institute in La Jolla, California, he worked with architect Louis Kahn to develop a space inspired by his experience in Italy. The campus was designed to fit seamlessly into its natural environment and to promote serenity, collaboration, innovation, and infinite discovery. The Salk Institute has become a well-recognized architectural marvel and a coveted research facility.

While not all of us have an office on the cliffs of the California coast, the architectural principles used at the Salk Institute and in the ever-growing field of neuroarchitecture can be implemented by anyone. In this article, we’ll cover how you can apply neuroarchitecture to your own workspaces to promote mental well-being.

1. Big spaces, big ideas

It’s well-documented that taking a walk or changing up your environment can help you get out of a creative rut. Furthermore, tall and open spaces also help spark creativity. Researchers believe that space and creativity are connected because when we expand our depth perception, we also open ourselves up to fresh ideas and perspectives. Workspaces with expansive ceilings and lots of light, airy open spaces provide a feeling of “infinite possibilities.” 

The second key in designing an office space that promotes creativity is to understand that employees need space to roam and feel a sense of freedom. As one researcher told Forbes, “The important thing is the freedom to move without external constraints.” You can simulate this feeling by providing a “diverse experience” around the office, with a variety of places to work. When employees can move around and change up their environment, they get a sense of movement and possibility. 

One Stanford University study noted that walking indoors or outdoors can boost creative thinking. That means that even when employees don’t have time to take a walk around the block on a particularly busy day, providing the opportunity to move from one space to another - rather than glued to their desk - could be especially important. Moreover, research published in Nature by professors at NYU and the University of Miami found that “new and diverse” experiences generate more feelings of happiness which, in turn, is correlated to brain activity. Therefore, the key is in freedom of movement throughout a space. 

2. Cozy and calm

On the flip side, cozier spaces seem to promote analytical thinking and attention to detail. As one researcher put it, that’s why it may be beneficial to have low ceilings in operating rooms - a surgeon needs to be completely focused on the task at hand. So, after generating biggest and boldest ideas in a tall and open space, hunkering down in a smaller, cozier room to really get down to business might work in your favor. 

But it’s not only about providing smaller, more private spaces for this focused work. Colors, light, and temperature can also affect one’s productivity and focus. Many studies have shown that colors, building materials, and light all play a role in learning, concentration, and memory. Here are a few tips on design for focused work: 

→  Keep the colors in these spaces cool or neutral. Greens, blues, and even purple, can help people focus and impart people with a sense of calm. Red, on the other hand, tends to be associated with stronger emotions that may not be as favorable for focus. 

→  Think through texture and material when designing the space. One study on the impact of design on learning spaces found that steel, concrete, and glass could improve attention, while wood, concrete and glass could improve memory. Based on these results, you might consider what, exactly, you’d like a space to be used for and then decide on the appropriate surroundings. Even if you’re not building a space from scratch, you could consider these materials in the type of furniture or art and decor you choose for the space.

→  Bring nature inside. A group of researchers from the University of North Florida demonstrated that contact with nature during the workday can reduce stress—another key to relaxation and focus. And, when you just need a private moment to yourself, a small space with warm light, plants, or images of nature can help. 

→  Consider the furniture—that’s right, even furniture style can impact mental well-being. At least one study from Oregon State University suggested that soft-edged, “curvilinear” furniture elicited more feelings of relaxion and calm than sharp-edged furniture. 

3. A Note on Lighting

It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what type of lighting is best for what tasks. Although research has been done on how lighting can affect workers, researchers have encountered challenges in its exact measurability. In addition, people have a wide range of personal preferences (or physiological needs) when it comes to vision and lighting. 

However, one thing is certain: access to proper ambient lighting (whether natural or artificial) can improve work productivity and well-being in the workplace. And, unsurprisingly, access to windows that allow employees to look out into the distance are highly beneficial. The easiest way to make sure employees have access to appropriate lighting is to design an office space that takes each space’s desired functionality into consideration. 

Neuroarchitecture is still a developing field. There’s much more research to be done about how design and architecture can actively facilitate mental well-being. As a fascinating intersection of psychology and design, neuroarchitecture has critical implications for the “science of work.” The more we can understand about how materials, sound, lighting, and space impact how we work and how our brains react to these various environmental factors, the better equipped we will be to do our best work. Investing in spaces designed to prioritize employees’ well-being pays dividends far into the future. When people have a variety of spaces for creativity, productivity, calm, and refreshment, they’ll always have a place to put their best foot forward.

Cover image by Chris Schramm

You may have heard us call our new office pod, Jetson, “innovative-driven,” “earth-friendly,” and “people-focused.” And you may be thinking, “Hey, that’s a lot of marketing mumbo-jumbo.” But rest assured, here are a few reasons why it’s just the truth! Regarding Jetson and designing our acoustic pods, we not only talk the talk, we also walk the walk. 

Pioneering assembly system 

Jetson is designed to be the first truly DIY office pod that could be built during a casual lunch break by two people. To make it happen, we needed to come up with completely new technology. 

The key element of Jetson’s revolutionary assembly system is our patent-pending system of connecting walls that require no tools. This now makes what has traditionally been the most difficult part of constructing an office pod similar to playing with Legos. All resources required are 2 people and some spare time (30 to 60 minutes, depending on the pod size). No drilling, no bolts, no complicated tools, or special technical skills are needed. 

We believe that listening to music makes most things easier. So for those who will decide to do the assembly themselves, our team has created two dedicated Spotify playlists. They both include songs that will boost your motivation and set the right mood. And it's not a coincidence that they take 30 and 60 minutes

Holistically environment-friendly 

 “Sustainable” may be one of the most overused adjective about any product. But at Mute, we really mean it. When we developed Jetson, we didn’t only want to include “energy-saving features” (though it has them) or several “sustainable solutions” (though it is equipped with many). We wanted Jetson to be genuinely and holistically environment-friendly from every point of view, starting from materials through maintenance, conservation to energy-saving.  

Unlike most acoustic pods, Jetson is built of aluminum, regarded as the world’s most sustainable building material. Sometimes it’s even called “green metal.” Why? Firstly, it’s easy-recyclable material—every batch of material is more or less 70 percent recycled and ready to be reused over and over again. Secondly, aluminum makes Jetson super-durable, meaning it will hold up for years or even decades. And, thanks to aluminum, Jetson is 30 percent lighter than similar office pods on the market, leading to lower CO2 emissions in both manufacturing and transport. 

“Sustainable” also means long-serving. And that concept doesn’t end with durable materials. That’s why Jetson is maintainable and suitable for quick and unproblematic repair. Every element of its construction—including its walls, doors, and ceiling—is easily replaceable. So, if needed, the service is quick and cheap. Basically, it comes down to ordering missing parts and replacing them. No more unrepairable malfunctions right after the warranty period!

Lastly, Jetson's power consumption is 25 percent lower than similar office pods. That’s because every electrical device inside is meticulously chosen to keep power usage to a minimum. We spent dozens of hours going through hundreds of devices and picked only those matching the highest power efficiency standards. 

Flexible accessories system

Yes, Jetson is an acoustic pod, but it was also designed to provide additional functions too. Dedicated accessories installed on the walls, like shelves and whiteboards, make it more useful, universal, and adjustable to fit every office’s needs and vision. 

There are two sets of add-ons that users can choose from. The “Library Set” includes deep and shallow shelves, bookends, and additional accessories to display books, photos, and catalogs. The “Note Set,” includes a whiteboard to note down your boldest ideas during brainstorms. 

What’s really game-changing about the accessory add-ons is that they can be placed virtually anywhere on Jetson’s walls both inside or outside the pod, thanks to the smart and innovative system of hidden wall notches installed every 4.5 centimeters. The system allows reconfiguring the set effortlessly. All you need to do is grab a shelf, lift it gently to remove it from notches, and then hang it at another place or height. 

These are only a few of Jeton’s fantastic and useful innovations. If you want to learn more about our Jetson’s novelties, check out our website or listen to the audio guide we created especially for Jetson. Or better yet, experience Jetson for yourself at a trade fair or one of our showrooms across Europe. You can find us next at Orgatec in Cologne, Germany, from October 24 to 29. See you there! 

Buying and placing an acoustic pod may seem like a no-brainer for some. You choose the product, look for an empty spot at your office, check if a pod fits, and… there you go!

Well, that’s the easy way. But from our experience, if you’re up to making the most of a pod’s capabilities, you should consider taking a more conscious approach to the process. So, let’s dive into some basic rules for choosing and implementing acoustic pods. 

This article is a part of the Acoustic Pods Consumers Guide, which we created to address the most crucial questions about acoustic pods. The guide walks you through how to choose the right pod, place it within your office and introduce it to your team. Download your guide here.

Acoustic Pods: Choosing the right number and types

Fact: Choosing the correct number and type of acoustic pods is crucial to making the most of each. So, what’s the secret? The trick is to find the right balance: you don’t want to see your employees fighting for pod time. On the other hand, putting too many pods in one area will clutter up your workplace. But believe us, the right choice helps you transform your office and enhance your employees' well-being. Here are two key tips to consider. 

→ In most cases, one pod is not enough:

Believe it or not, one of the classic mistakes our clients make is that they believe one pod will magically solve all their problems. But the truth is that an acoustic pod is not magic. It’s almost impossible to utilize one pod as a soundproof phone booth, a place for focused work, and a meeting room all at once. It just doesn’t work. If you choose too few pods, they will always be occupied (unless you are a super-small business). It can even lead to tension between those who want to use the acoustic office booth for a quick but crucial phone call and those who want to use it for several hours of focused work. Make sure you consider what needs your employees have, what pods can meet those needs, and make your purchasing decisions from there

→ Consider teams’ varying needs and expectations: 

When you’re deciding on how many of which types of pods your office needs, analyze your teams’ expectations and the nature of each team’s work. There are at least four different purposes pods can serve: quick calls, collaboration, meetings, and concentration. Each purpose requires a different approach. For example, a big sales team would likely require more one-person acoustic booths for making phone calls. On the other hand, a marketing or strategy team needs at least one larger pod to meet and debate over ideas, away from typical office hustle and bustle. If you’re unsure about teams’ needs, try preparing a questionnaire for team members and hear from them directly the kind of space they want and need most.

Place your acoustic pods wisely

In the property business the three most important factors to determine a property’s potential are “location, location & location.” You’ve probably heard that before—and the same goes for acoustic pods. In our guide, we cover the subject comprehensively by presenting tips for each function. But for now, let’s look at four basic rules.

→ Keep them close (but not too close):

Most acoustic pods should be located close to potential users to allow comfortable access. This is especially true for pods dedicated to quick phone calls. However, try to make sure you leave at least two meters of space between the pod and the closest workstations. This makes sure the fans’ light whir does not disturb any nearby employees.

→ Give it space: 

Let’s face it, while working on something intense or giving a client an important presentation on Zoom, the last thing you need is a stuffy room. That’s why excellent ventilation is the hidden gem of a quality office pod. It’s an underappreciated, yet often decisive, factor in making the pod interior a comfortable and enjoyable place to spend a few hours.

Here’s an important tip: to ensure that pod fans work optimally, leave at least 20 centimeters of free space above the ceiling and on both sides of the pod walls. Also, avoid putting the pod too close to a window because it can heat up the pod (especially if it’s turned east or south).

→ Use pods as partitions:

Soundproof pods generally provide impeccable acoustics inside. However, note that they also influence acoustics on the outside. Pods can also be perfect partitions to separate zones in your office space. While enabling team members easy access, pods are also very effective sound blockers and provide some privacy for groups in your office.

→ Move them if you want to: 

Of course, placing a pod is not a lifelong decision. In a dynamic business environment, you may be required to reconfigure your office. After all, change is a natural element of progress. Therefore, it’s probably good news that moving the pod doesn’t have to be an all-day job. There are plenty of pods on the market (including our Space) with additional casters built-in so moving them and rearranging them is super simple.

Make acoustic pods part of an office well-being policy

The hardest part is over after buying and placing pods, but… we are not through yet. Think of what you can do to introduce pods to your employees properly. It doesn’t have to be a huge and elaborate plan. A few smart and easy actions will let you make the pods an integral part of your employee satisfaction strategy. You can base it on our 3-step plan outlined below.

→ Welcome:

Not everyone is familiar with the concept of a pod and its functionalities. Acoustic pods might be a novelty for most people used to traditional office equipment.  At first, some team members might feel apprehensive about using pods. Try to do everything you can to encourage them. You can start by sending a memo around that introduces the pod to your team and spreads awareness about the benefits of excellent acoustics in the workspace. 

→ Educate: 

Put up posters that describe the function of the pod on its walls. For example, on the pod dedicated to quick phone calls, post a sign reminding everyone to keep their pod time short and sweet. On a pod dedicated to meetings, it would be helpful to remind people that the pod is included in the online booking system and that you should make sure it’s free to use before dropping in.

→ Check and analyze:

Monitor how every pod is used. After teams have used the pods for a few months, send out a survey that asks employees about their thoughts and feedback on pod functionality and placement.

→ Move them if you want to: 

Of course, placing a pod is not a lifelong decision. In a dynamic business environment, you may be required to reconfigure your office. After all, change is a natural element of progress. Therefore, it’s probably good news that moving the pod doesn’t have to be an all-day job. There are plenty of pods on the market (including our Space) with additional casters built-in so moving them and rearranging them is super simple.

Enjoyed these quick tips and want to learn more?

We believe acoustic pods are tools that, with smart use, can single-handedly transform your office into a better, more productive, and more joyful place. If you are eager to learn more, check out the complete Acoustic Pods Consumer Guide here.

Office distractions are the “elephant in the room” of the modern workplace. Nearly three out of four workers admit feeling distracted while on the job, but very few people bring up the problem to their managers. Let’s face it: if you are reading this article at your office, you will probably get distracted at least once in the process.

Is there a solution to office distractions? In the previous article, we proposed several ideas, and, unsurprisingly, one of those suggestions was to use office pods as a place for focused and creative work. Today, we’ll dive a bit deeper into how to fully utilize acoustic pods, including where to place them for maximum efficiency and productivity. We’re sure these tips will help you create cozy shelters for employees who need a place to focus. Let’s start!

This article is a part of the Acoustic Pods Consumers Guide, which we created to address the most crucial questions about acoustic pods. The guide walks you through how to choose the right pod, place it within your office and introduce it to your team. Download your guide here.

Don't put pods too close to workstations 

While some soundproof pods can be placed close to workstations for easy access, pods purchased specifically to provide spaces for focused work need to be located further away. There are three main reasons for this: 

→  To escape distractions: When you want to finish an important task - like a presentation, data analysis, or a blog post -  it's best to sit down in a secluded place to focus. It’s simple: the further you go from your desk, the less likely your colleagues will drop by to ask about something or to show you the latest meme. Ideally, try to cut off all electronic distractors like emails and social media for a while to give your full attention to the task.

→  To boost creativity: It’s scientifically proven that walking boosts creative thinking. Researchers from Stanford University found that the creative thinking of people while walking was 60 percent higher compared to those same people while sitting (Steve Jobs, known for his “walking brainstorms” would probably agree). We all know that the idea of dragging your laptop through the whole office doesn't sound great to you. However, a brief walk across the office could help you come up with more innovative ideas. 

→  To use the Commitment Rule: Building on the suggestion to walk a bit further from your desk, the more time and effort you put into getting to another part of the office for focused work, the higher your chances of staying put and finishing the task. 

It's a trick based on the "effect of commitment", one of the six popular psychological rules coined by psychologist Robert Cialdini. The rule states that once we make a decision and take the first steps towards that decision, we feel internal pressure to behave consistently with that call. A few extra steps could work wonders and make the time spent inside more effective. 

Group pods together to create "Focus Valley" 

It’s invaluable when an employee is always sure that he has his own private workspace whenever he needs it. That’s why it’s better to have more than just one pod dedicated to focused work in the office, so more employees have a chance to use them. Consider creating a “Focus Valley” by grouping these pods together and away from the office’s main workstation areas. It could be some less-visited office alley or a part of a corridor. 

Remember to leave at least 20 centimeters of free space above the pod’s ceiling and on both sides of the pod walls to ensure that pod’s fans work properly. You can also display posters on the pods’ walls that reinforce their function as areas of focus. It can be helpful to assign your pods with a specific purpose so employees make the most of them.

Use the pods as "deep work" chambers

Deep work is a state of distraction-free concentration when your brain operates at its full potential. This level of focus allows you to work more efficiently, especially when it comes to learning challenging concepts more quickly or producing high-quality work.

How can you achieve a state of “deep work”? There are plenty of easy-to-implement guidelines, mainly regarding organizing your work, scheduling time, and training your brain to develop certain habits. Many of them point out that it's essential to prepare a set of rituals before you start deep work. Going to a specially prepared, sound-isolated place, like an acoustic pod, could be one such ritual. Consider encouraging employees to block out time for "deep work" once a week. It will give them a window to concentrate on the task and signal to colleagues that they are unavailable. Moreover, it will help them plan their work better.

Want to learn more? 

We believe acoustic pods are tools that, with smart use, can single-handedly transform your office into a better, more productive, and more joyful place. If you are eager to learn more, check out the complete Acoustic Pods Consumer Guide here.