Announcing Pod Duo: the AGATI Pod That Fits Two
An evolution of AGATI’s popular side-entrance study carrel design that accommodates two people has launched today: the Pod Duo.
After only being on the market for one year, interest in the single-user Pod among universities and libraries has been strong, and the feedback received from users at these institutions is part of the impetus for designing the Pod Duo.
“We continue to observe library patrons, especially students, gravitating towards furniture that inherently blocks out distractions,” said Joe Agati, founder of AGATI Furniture and the designer of Pod and Pod Duo. “It is becoming increasingly obvious that libraries are viewed as sanctuaries where the myriad of the world’s distractions are left outside the door and focus can be real.”
A Sanctuary Inside a Larger Space
A key element that allows Pod Duo to create a space within a space are its fabric-covered walls that dampen ambient sound and prevent the patrons’ eyes from observing minor visual distractions. At the same time, these walls are at a height where enjoyment of the greater space allows one to not feel confined and isolated from the overall environment.
Like the single-user Pod, Pod Duo covers the backs of both users, preventing wandering eyes from seeing laptop screens and tablets. While this may appear to play into unnecessary paranoia, it really comes down to basic biology: when a human is aware their back is not exposed to any threats, they are inherently at ease and able to more clearly focus on other activities (in this case, studying).
The Need for Two
While having two people use a piece of furniture originally designed for uninterrupted focus may seem out of place, the Pod Duo facilitates a very common approach to learning: buddy studying. Increasingly and especially true of millennials, pairs of friends/classmates can be found peppered throughout libraries working on their individual tasks. These “duos” are not necessarily involved in a group project; rather, it is nothing more than a comfort mechanism of having a familiar face along while learning.
Beyond buddy studying, Pod Duo easily facilitates the requirement for two people to collaborate on a single task. Each user is situated such that direct eye contact is effortless, and the integrated table easily accommodates two standard laptops and space for reference materials. The upholstered walls absorb external noises to keep the Pod Duo’s interior at a minimum volume level.
“Pod Duo offers students who are studying together, either on the same or individual tasks, another option besides traditional library tables that are typically more exposed to distractions,” Agati mentioned. “Plus, the Pod Duo is far more flexible and economical than building study rooms within the library.”
Design and Versatility
Pod Duo offers a choice of fabrics and work surfaces in different colors and patterns. All of these options are harmonized with the single-user Pod, so libraries can have an assortment of Pods and Pod Duos that feature an identical aesthetic.
The Pod design continues to be a flexible alternative in creating private space within larger areas of the library. With walls of its own, many libraries have made the economical choice to install Pod workspaces instead of permanently constructing private study spaces.
Debuting in Chicago and ALA Orlando
The Pod Duo is currently on display at the Agati Showroom in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. It will make its first trade show appearance at ALA Orlando (June 23-28, 2016) at the Agati Booth #833.
For more information about Pod Duo or other AGATI products, please contact Lizzie Hoffman at 312.465.4698 or ehoffman@agati.com.
