När: Constructing a Sensory Concentration Space

När: Constructing a Sensory Concentration Space presents a work that contemplates, designs, and materialises the notion of public personal space. Modern society often leaves us alienated from ourselves. This thesis is an exercise in constructing a restorative environment complementary to daily life. The fruit of this process is a personal pod I named När, derived from the word for “pomegranate” in Farsi, the symbol of vivacity and solace.

Experience is a point of departure and arrival. It is the path between the fact and abstraction, a pure product of the mind provoked by an external event. När fashions a bespoke experience for a self to arrive at a sense of inner peace. This work aspires to reproduce this trajectory and describes the process by tracing the interaction between the mind and the sensing body.

Striving to resolve the paradox of privacy and comfort in a dynamic public space, this two-part fabrication set explores the importance of the restorative niche and constructive rest. Through the juxtaposition of conventional and alternative relaxation and therapy methods, these pods provide a moment to disconnect, repose, and reflect inwardly. They become a personal space to meditate, nap, have a private conversation, or write an email, pivoting on the significance of comfort, security, and warmth.

Additionally, this thesis evolves apace with the intent to stay environmentally conscious throughout its course, materials, and manufacture. Felt and reclaimed plywood thus become the principal components of the design. This book reconstructs the design process for När: from concept to production.