WMB studio designs a mobile sculptural feedback pod for hospital in liverpool

as one of europe’s largest and busiest children’s hospitals, alder hey children’s hospital in liverpool, requires feedback from hospital staff and users to continue improving and innovating. so, WMB studio was commissioned to create the vox pod – a sculptural object and contemplative space for people to record their thoughts and suggestions on video, to facilitate the process of feedback for the hospital.  the space is mobile, allowing it to move between locations to serve multiple departments within the hospital, and forming an orientation point for key public events. the pod is constructed as three separate segments to allow for reconfiguration and ease of movement around the hospital buildings.

the approach made by WMB studio was to design an adaptable and flexible object. the form is derived from a radiused and extruded equilateral triangle, divided into three equal modules. the segmentation facilitates ease of movement and allows for reconfiguration as individual elements, a connected pair, or as a completely enclosed pod. as well as fulfilling the key objectives of the brief, vox pod sits as a sculptural beacon within the hospital. located within active, open-plan areas, the pod also serves as an informal conversation space and micro-meeting room. 

the language of acoustic foam pyramids, commonly found within the interiors of sound booths, is inverted to become a functional, expressive, and tactile skin. this exterior provides an intriguing and distinctive texture within the hospital environment, engaging for patients and staff alike. internally, a birch plywood lining combines with warm coloured fabrics to create a comfortable and calming space for thought and contemplation. 

an oculus rooflight and porthole windows ensure natural light in the space. the openings also maintain visibility of, and connection to the wider hospital environment. vox pod is the first prototype, with further versions planned for 2020. 

project info:

design: WMB studio

project name: vox pod

client: alder hey children’s hospital 

location: liverpool, england

construction: Made by Make

upholstery: studioTHUD

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: cristina gomez | designboom