A suspended pod that isolates, relaxes and engages a student in order to enhance their work habits and benefit their studies.

The concept for this project came to fruition when two students realized the library was not tailored toward intensive studying or working. A library is meant to be a quiet place of work but somewhere there was a disconnect. Helpful feedback supported their realization and provided evidence that students were yearning for a change. Wanting to an environment where a student or two could sit and study with little to no distractions the idea for High Above was born.

It all started with the developing of sketches and evocative imagery the two classmates experienced during research. With many avenues to explore and a plethora of methods to use to construct their project, it took a while to settle on one specific design. Structural advice and guidance were given by Dr. Jiang and multiple Nuvu Coaches that helped them along tremendously. A notion to break away from the normal symmetrical build and make something original was prevalent throughout the entire design process. The two students achieved their goals by modeling a suspended, egg-shaped pod with the capabilities to compress in length, retract and deploy shade and provide isolation.

High Above’s greatest challenge was finding a frame that not only worked but achieved all of the goals stated during early development. Ideas ranged from using PVC Pipe to metal rings and wooden arms. Experimenting with all materials, the two decided that PVC is too hard to work with and wooden arms were the best alternative. The decision to go with wood allowed for a more lightweight frame allowing for the assembly process to be more pleasant for the user. A stretched fabric woven through the wooden ribs of the frame provides the enclosed environment the team strove for. A rotating base allows the arms to retract, exposing the user to the outside entirely, and deploy, enclosing the user entirely. Small features such as a laptop fold down, back support and LED lighting, provide a room like quality but with added comfort.

The final product is unique in its design, superior to its counterparts and beneficial to students. With a less than adequate library to use as a workspace High Above could ensure the library is used properly and efficiently.