FAQ ¿ LAB !
Cubicle - Back to the healing power of nature
TYPE OF PROJECT
Semester project on analytical design, the design of the future, strategic foresight
DATE
10/2023 – 01/2024
TEAM
Lukas Boeckelmann, Jana Gerspach, Leene Voges
LINK
This semester's topic in Analytical Design was "The Future of Our Healthcare System", developed in collaboration with BARMER Health Insurance.
The Cubicle Transformation uses innovative technology and biophilic design principles to create work and health environments that actively promote mental health and reduce the burden on the healthcare system in the future.
2025 - bioenhanced phase
The Cubicle aims to enrich working environments through a combination of olfactory, acoustic and haptic stimulation. These are realised through the use of scents, sounds and panels made from various natural materials such as moss, stone or wood. The resulting multi-sensory experience promotes the well-being of employees and effectively counteracts mental overload.
A special feature of the Cubicle is its modularity, which allows the Cubicles to be linked together in offices. This creates 3-dimensional sound experiences that create shared experiences and thus promote the work culture. These sounds are based on five carefully developed ecosystems (Irish Coast, Japanese Garden, Austrian Alps, African Serengeti, Brazilian Rainforest), which provide comprehensive olfactory, acoustic and haptic stimulation. Thanks to a configurator, the cubicles can be customised by selecting panels, sounds and fragrances according to personal preferences.
2030 - biosimulant phase
On 1 February 2024, Apple introduced Spatial Computing with the Apple Vision Pro, which we are building on. Spatial computing and the increase in flexible working hours and workloads are creating new challenges such as increased stress and the need for new cultures of trust.
Cubicle Sense, compatible with common spatial computing glasses, revolutionises the workplace with a full space in which apps are integrated into an immersive experience. Cubicle Sense uses deep learning to record work routines and the circadian rhythm, enabling cognitive stress to be recognised at an early stage and preventative measures to be initiated. A key feature here is the integrated calendar, which adapts the working day to the natural rhythm and current stress level, prioritises tasks, plans breaks and supports optimal meeting scheduling.
The system also supports physical movement and provides natural feedback based on user behaviour. One example of this is a simulated storm that kicks in when it is time for a break to motivate users to interrupt their work.
Cubicle Sense thus creates a new, health-promoting working environment that supports preventive measures for mental health and lays the foundation for a natural and interactive working culture.
CubicleCare
The Cubicle can be further developed into CubicleCare by equipping it with additional panels and functions specifically for the health and care sector, including an emergency button, a projector and infrared panels. These customizations allow the Cubicle to be used in hospitals and care facilities to support healing processes, for example by projecting natural environments and improving indoor air quality. The CubicleCare offers solutions that benefit not only patients but also medical staff, whether during operations or therapeutic measures.
2035 - biophysical phase
We strive to break the boundaries of traditional working environments and move away from monotonous, hierarchically organised offices and the gloomy ambience of medical facilities. Instead, with our "CubicleSpace" we are focussing on strengthening the connection to nature by bringing people back into the real world. These efforts mark the culmination of our transformation of the cubicle concept. In the face of ongoing climate change, which is particularly affecting urban spaces, the development of new construction methods and spatial concepts that combine health and climate protection is essential. Research projects, such as the use of mycelium in construction, aim to support and heal people and nature.
The Real Nature Experience
Our aim is to promote a healthier, more sustainable future through our innovations.
