flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Phone booths for the 21st century

Great Solutions

Phone booths for the 21st century

Spotting a phone booth on a public street may not become any less rare, but they may soon become fixtures in the modern office.


By David Malone, Associate Editor | April 6, 2017

© 2016 Framery Acoustics

Cue the “Superman” theme, because Clark Kent’s favorite makeshift changing room may be primed for a comeback. That’s right, the phone booth, something that has joined the ranks of record players and VCRs as items younger generations quizzically look at in old movies and television shows, is getting its second wind.

These phone booths won’t be sprinkled around city streets to act as doodle pads for less ambitious graffiti artists. In fact, these phone booths aren’t meant to be outside at all but, instead, securely nestled into offices around the country.

Office noise is cited as the most frustrating aspect of the work environment by about 50% of employees in open offices, according to a University of Sydney study. Framery, a company based in Finland, is hoping to solve this problem with its soundproof office phone booths.

 

© 2016 Framery Acoustics

 

Differing from traditional office phone rooms by providing greater mobility at a lower cost, Framery booths come equipped with a table top, an adjustable stool, an electric socket, and LED lighting. An integrated air ventilation system ensures the user will remain at a comfortable temperature even when using the booth for long periods of time.

The booths resemble a traditional phone booth that has undergone a modern update, and are available in a variety of color combinations. In addition to the single-person booths, Framery also offers a larger option for two people to use at once.

Framery produced 2,800 phone booths in 2016 and has expanded that goal to 8,000 booths for 2017.

 

© 2016 Framery Acoustics

Related Stories

Great Solutions | Jan 19, 2016

Concrete innovation: voided biaxial slab slashes weight, saves concrete

System reduces slab dead load by 30% on medical clinic project

Great Solutions | Jan 19, 2016

Healing garden doubles as therapy trails

A Boston-area hospital takes the healing garden to the next level.

Great Solutions | Jan 14, 2016

WWII watchtower turned into ‘land yacht’

Architect Siemasko + Verbridge and contractor Windover Construction transformed a coastal wartime observation post into an amenity-filled guesthouse.

Great Solutions | Jan 12, 2016

Sprinkler system does double duty

Two innovations tap into the multi-use potential for fire/life safety infrastructure.

Great Solutions | Jan 7, 2016

Bacteria-killing paint and magnetic wallcovering highlight innovations in surface materials

Sherwin-Williams recently introduced Paint Shield, the first EPA-registered microbicidal paint that kills virtually all infection-causing bacteria after two hours of exposure on painted surfaces.

Great Solutions | Jan 6, 2016

Shepley Bulfinch develops elegant design solution to address behavioral issues in emergency departments

ED scheme allows staff to isolate unruly patients and visitors in a secure area.

Great Solutions | Jan 6, 2016

All-encompassing farming kit can provide communities with a sustainable food supply

Several manufacturers partnered with the group Farm from a Box to develop an off-the-grid farming solution for communities, all without the need for outside help.  

Great Solutions | Jan 4, 2016

Toronto’s newest hospital employs 10 robots for moving food, supplies, and equipment

The 1.8 million-sf Humber River Hospital is loaded with high-tech gadgets. Its coolest innovation is the use of automated guided vehicles.

Great Solutions | Jan 4, 2016

Snoozebox’s portable hotel rooms make outside events more livable

Since 2011, the London-based company has thrived by creating portable hotels that are set up for the duration of open-air events (or longer), and offer many of the comforts of conventional hotels.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category



Great Solutions

41 Great Solutions for architects, engineers, and contractors

AI ChatBots, ambient computing, floating MRIs, low-carbon cement, sunshine on demand, next-generation top-down construction. These and 35 other innovations make up our 2024 Great Solutions Report, which highlights fresh ideas and innovations from leading architecture, engineering, and construction firms.


halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021