Pause Time

Pause Time is a foldable meditation pod for busy offices or school spaces where constant noise and harsh lighting is unavoidable.

Time Frame
12 Weeks– March-May 2023

Individual Project
Under guidance of Amy Leidtke

When I need a quick break, I have no where to go…

What People Are Saying

“If I have to take a quick break, I would choose the bathroom.”

— Claire, a student who spends most of her days in studio.

“When I’m stressed, noise can overwhelm me to the point that I want to go home.”

— Annie, a PhD student who spends the majority of their time in a hospital.

Ally’s Day In A Life–

As an ambitious mid-level designer, Ally struggles to find time for herself amid her extremely busy schedule. This is a day in a life of Ally where she leaves her home at 6am and returns at 9pm. How might we relieve Ally of some stress by reminding her to take a break?

Permeable yet private.

Comfort was a key priority when considering this design. In addition to an easy access to the space, the flow of air and light were focal points when designing for the stressed individual.

Design Criteria

Proxemics and Sizing Study

By researching the study of proxemics– private and public spaces– I determined an estimate size of the interior space for intimate comfort. I used basic cardboard modeling to prototype the size in the real 1:1 scale.

Prototyping

Blue Sky Sketches and Sketch Models

My initial sketches on form and movement. Easy storage by a foldable opening and closing movement was my focal point.

I began with exploring polymodular paper structures, using origami fold patterns. Origami has been widely adopted in architecture and products related to portability and storage.

Ori-Dome

This structure successfully creates a lightweight but extremely durable structure. I was inspired by the open hole at the top and the diamond segments, resulting from the creases.

Modularity

This is one of the segments that interlock with one another. I explored the number of modules needed for the maximum and minimum amount of space.

1:12 Scale Model

To work efficiently, I worked at a 1 in= 1 ft ratio.

Felt

Felt is a soft recyclable material made from non-woven locally-sourced wool. It has beneficial calming properties such as heat insulation and sound absorption, which aids in creating an even more immersive and private space for the stressed individual.

Cork

Cork is a lightweight and recyclable material is perfect for the seating inside Pause. It is durable, waterproof, and has a low thermal conductivity. These qualities would serve for temperature regulation as well as staying durable after multiple uses.

Material Moodboard

I explored patterns in nature, sought colors, and collected patterns that would enhance the feeling of comfort, privacy, and calm.

Logistics of Manufacturing

Prototyping Process– Exploration

Felt moves, folds, and expands differently compared to paper and cardboard, so I returned back to exploring various forms. I ended up with the right structure due to the resulting large interior space.

I used a cinching technique used with hand sewing to achieve structure, material memory, and flexibility.

A reminder to take a break…