ICAT Playdate — Kernel: A Collaboration with Steelcase

Hybrid collaboration is becoming more common in today’s social and corporate settings, presenting an increasing demand for spaces that facilitate this mode of collaboration with participants both in person and on a screen. In pursuit of a solution, Kernel proposes a form of a semi-enclosed hybrid collaboration pod that addresses acoustic and visual concerns. Inspired by a popcorn kernel, the hard shell reflects sound, while the soft interior absorbs sound. The pods can be reconfigured according to the needs of a meeting, and the components of each pod can also be altered to fit specific needs.