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Iris by Openseed

A three-part collaboration between meditation-pod-maker OpenSeed, designer Yves Béhar (founder of multidisciplinary studio Fuseproject) and Deepak Chopra, Iris is a successful blend of industrial design, wellness technology and sustainability. The womb-shaped, assembled-on-site capsule features a structure partially made from 3D-printed upcycled saw-dust with 100 per cent natural sound-absorbing felt panels. Intended to “quiet the chatter and help…refocus on our well-being,” the stand-alone micro-environment is equipped with immersive audio for guided meditation, aromatherapy and specially designed LED sequences that are synchronized with the sound aspect, all controlled through an unobtrusive built-in touchscreen. In louder settings, noise-cancelling headphones can be used to help block out external distractions.

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Headspace Pod by Headspace

Challenged to bring the Headspace meditation app into physical form, San Francisco studio Mike & Maaike responded with a “joyful, inviting and simple piece of furniture” that offers users a secluded spot for reflection. To remove any indicators of or associations with work, the Headspace Pod (which is still in the prototype phase) features built-in directional audio, which requires no headphones, screens or other devices to activate — and the sound is heard only by those inside. Once users have settled into the felt-upholstered hut, a series of 10-minute guided mediations — relax, refresh and focus — are accessed via corresponding and clearly labelled buttons: simply push the button, take a seat on the small bench and begin to calm the mind.