Haworth joined designer Marie-Virginie Berbet to present CalmSpace, a standalone “plug & play” power nap capsule for the office, at Orgatec 2012.
Individuals searching for rest enter through an acoustic curtain and lay down on a fabric-upholstered mattress. The user is able to select a power nap period—from 10 to 20 minutes—that includes preset sound and light cycles, which helps the individual fall asleep and wake up smoothly.
CalmSpace allows individuals to refresh, relax and reenergize to be ready for productive activity. In times of high-speed work and a demanding economy, many companies offer their employees collaborative relaxation areas like lounges and cafeterias, but few are exploring the benefits of calm, individual relaxation.
With an unusual background in neuropharmacology, Berbet used her scientific knowledge in the CalmSpace design. The short- and long-term benefits of mid-day naps include improved cognitive abilities (e.g. alertness, memory, learning and creativity), improved mood, stress prevention, better nightly sleep, and can even lower the likelihood of heart disease.
CalmSpace is a helpful retreat area for people who do intense work, have demanding schedules or are subject to jet lag.
Developed by Haworth in cooperation with Zyken, who provided scientifically-validated light and sound technologies, CalmSpace is made of dark gray-blue colored composite material. Acoustic foam is used between the internal and external skin.