At VANK, we believe in the value of all talented employees who should be given the chance to develop and thrive. Our latest innovation, the VANK_BOX_EASY, is a testament to this belief. This acoustic office pod is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their mobility. The VANK_BOX_EASY complies with European Union regulations and adheres to the ergonomic guidelines set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It is a shining example of empathetic design, ensuring that all employees can work comfortably and efficiently in a supportive environment.
 

EMPATHETIC DESIGN

The core idea behind inclusive design is empathy. Our empathetic approach to designing objects in space takes into account the specific needs of disabled people. We believe that everyone deserves a comfortable, ergonomic, and accessible environment, regardless of physical abilities.

In today's dynamic working environment, providing adequate working and relaxation conditions for all employees, regardless of their physical ability, is not only an employer's responsibility, but also a sign of respect and understanding for diversity. A state-of-the-art office space makes it possible to acquire, hire, and facilitate the growth of a diverse workforce, while providing a welcoming setting for partners, suppliers, and clients alike.

ACOUSTICS AND WELL-BEING

VANK acoustic pods are a means to maintain the balance between personal space and teamwork. Personal offices which do not require fixed walls and glazing enable employees to focus on tasks without external distractions, which lets them fully engage in so-called deep or focus work. The excellent acoustics of the pods will prove invaluable to those who need silence to focus and get their job done, or who tend to be easily overwhelmed by stimuli due to sensory disabilities.

The pods are also a kind of sanctuary for those doing meditation or listening to relaxing music. They are an ever-dependable retreat for confidential talks and project meetings as they keep distractions to a minimum. Acoustic pods let you focus on the online meeting you take part in, enabling you to effectively build relationships and boast a professional business image through high-quality communication. The pods perfectly frame the user and provide a minimalist backdrop so that the focus stays on the speaker.

Thanks to the special design, seals, and the use of quality noise-absorbing finishing materials, curtains, and flooring, the pods effectively isolate their users from noise and make sure that what’s said inside — stays inside. The panels mounted on the pods can be made of biomaterial, non-woven recycled rPET fleece - grey or upholstered.

The pods can feature safety glass doors and equipment such as connection panels, a ventilation system, a fire suppression system, energy-efficient LED lighting, an audio/stereo sound system that works with mobile devices via Bluetooth, mobile device holders, and castors to move them across the floor. The inner and outer - smooth (plain) upholstered - walls of the pod can come with a ceramic white magnetic board to write on. VANK multi-user video conferencing pods can be fitted with a ceiling or corner mount for a screen - which can be adjusted in terms of height, tilt, and swivel.

INCLUSIVITY IN THE WORKPLACE

Download the INCLUSIVE WORKSPACES catalogue here >>

At VANK, we support efforts to eliminate barriers for people with physical disabilities. Our acoustic pods are designed to provide privacy, silence, and convenience, while meeting the relevant legal requirements for accessibility, ensuring full compliance with the law, and offering comfort and safety to wheelchair users.

The structure and design of VANK_BOX_EASY are the result of the design guidelines for acoustic pods conceived for people with special needs, especially those with disabilities, who use wheelchairs, developed by Maciej Sydor, PhD, of the Faculty of Wood Technology, Department of Machine Tools and Fundamentals of Machine Construction, Poznań University of Life Sciences. VANK pods have been designed in line with European Union regulations as well as ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) ergonomic guidelines.

Wheelchair users have specific needs that have to be considered in the design of office spaces and acoustic pods. Key aspects include:

ACCESSIBILITY

• pods must be easily accessible and have a wide door for convenient entry and exit,
• if the door does not open automatically, there needs to be a surface to ensure easy opening,
• pod doors should not have thresholds,
• the slope and width of the curb ramp should make it easy to enter the pod, and the edge of the ramp should be rounded,
• pods should offer adequate manoeuvring space inside

USER COMFORT

It is a good idea to automate the opening and closing of the door and make sure that the pod door is left open; the open door should not impede the movement of the wheelchair in front of the pod,

• access to various types of furnishings and pieces of equipment should be easy,
• the height of mounting of connection panels and controls - such as light switches - should be adjusted for a seated position.
• the interior of the pod should be resistant to damage and dirt left by wheelchair wheels.

SAFETY

• anti-slip surfaces are key to safety.
   

VANK_BOX_EASY

VANK_BOX_EASY is a large pod adapted to the needs of wheelchair users, designed as a personal workstation. It comfortably accommodates up to 4 or up to 6 employees as standard. The pod of this size can be used as an individual room to work or meet with wheelchair users.

The VANK_BOX_EASY pod features:

1. Expanded door, adapted to relevant standards/compliant with legal requirements,
2. A horizontal, longer door handle
3. A magnetic stopper that lets the door stop in the half-open position, allowing the wheelchair user to enter and exit the pod independently and the door to be closed and opened from inside the pod as well,
4. A door bumper to prevent the handle from hitting the glass,
5. A ramp made of plywood flooring with a non-slip surface in a black colour,
6. Mediaport under 40 cm,
7. FLAT rPET panels up to a height of 40 cm.

The inner walls of the pod are covered with 3D recycled panels in FLAT pattern and graphite colour, running up to 40 cm from the bottom to protect the side walls of the pod from impact caused by the wheels of the wheelchair. The connection panel is mounted higher than standard, at a height of below 40 cm.

CLOSE TO NATURE

The material VANK uses to finish its pods is a biocomposite based on fibrous plants, i.e. flax and hemp. This natural material is lightweight and boasts sound-absorbing properties. Interacting with natural materials not only brings a sense of comfort and security, but also has a relaxing effect. This finish brings cosiness and homely warmth to mind. The light beige or brown colour lends a minimalist look to the interior, while the unique surface creates a new value. Thanks to the natural colour scheme and the geometric rhythm of the panels, the interior is full of harmony.

Growing renewable plants has a negative carbon footprint, which is especially important for those concerned about climate change, global warming, and employers’ green initiatives. These plants absorb CO2 from the atmosphere during the rapid growth phase of their annual cycle and convert it into biomass through photosynthesis. The plants used to produce bio-fibres do not require fertilisation or much nurturing — and consume little water. Also, they don’t compete with food production because the panels are made from fibre waste material.

POD CUSTOMISATION

Pod for persons with disabilities can mark their presence in a large space with an illuminated mural artwork by VANK, available in 3 colour versions - or any other graphics of the client’s choice. A vivid, lively illustration by Polish artist Igor Chołda depicting office personalities is placed on the side walls. The graphics can be featured on the front, middle or rear module - or on all of them together.

The LED wall illumination is controlled by a switch with two modes of operation: automatic (occupancy sensor-based) and manual (switch-based). Thanks to the occupancy sensor, you can see from a distance that the pod for persons with disabilities is currently occupied. The choice of continuous illumination, on the other hand, will work well when the acoustic pod for persons with disabilities is to be visible from a larger distance.