Privacy POD unit

Abstract

A privacy pod unit, said unit comprising: - a top portion; - a bottom portion; and - a structural portion comprising: - a base section; - a multiplicity of articulated vertical risers, wherein each one of said multiplicity of articulated vertical risers having a first extremity connected to said base section located at said bottom portion of said unit and a second extremity connected at said top portion of said unit; wherein two adjacent articulated vertical risers defining an aperture to enter said unit and wherein said structural portion connects said top portion and said bottom portion; - a plurality of modular wall segments, said modular wall segments adapted to securely fit between two of said multiplicity of articulated vertical risers; and - a door to block said aperture when in a closed position, wherein said unit is substantially egg-shaped.

Description

[0001] PRIVACY POD UNIT

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention is directed to a cubicle system more specifically, to a small footprint cubicle system (or pod) which can be installed in a variety of environments.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Everyday university students are struggling to stay focused while they study for their high level courses, forcing them to find areas that support productive studying. Students feel frustrated and feel added stressors because finding a spot or a controlled space to study is not an easy task. They experience time lost to finding these spaces and anxiety around this. Currently, they are forced to find alternative spaces such as home or spaces that have a nice ambiance, even if they know there are distractions around that may hinder their ability to study effectively. In addition, university students needs effective spaces to study and if this is not tailored to them specifically this may hinder their ability to studying effectively.

[0006] European patent application EP0867574A2 discloses a free office partition system which comprises panel including a skeleton-life frame having two vertical uprights (10) positioned adjacent opposite side edges. A foot (11) extends downwardly from the bottom of the frame to a floor surface. Two pairs of horizontal stringers (12 and 13) are attached to the outer faces of the uprights in a vertically spaced apart relationship, and define therebetween two horizontal raceway cavities (14). Cover panels (16) enclose at least those portions of the frame side faces disposed between the stringers. The upper ends of the vertical uprights have upwardly extending arms which define yoke shaped receptacles (19) for receiving drop-in wiring.

[0007] United States patent number 6,742,307B2 discloses an adjustable cubicle system for forming individual work areas within an open area. The system includes a spine wall extending vertically from a surface of the open area. A first work surface extends along and substantially perpendicular to one side of the spine wall. The first work surface has a length substantially equal to a length of the spine wall. A divider wall is positioned atop the first work surface and releasably connected to the spine wall at any point along the length of the spine wall for forming cubicles of desired size. An extension wall is releasably connected to the dividing wall for extending an area of cubicles formed on either side of the dividing wall.

[0008] PCT patent application no. W02016005712A1 discloses a relaxation module (10) comprising a base (20) and a visor (30) which is movable with respect to the base (20) between different configurations, including a closed configuration (Cl) and an open configuration, characterized in that the base (20) and the visor (30) delimit a space (12) for accommodating a user (1) and rest equipment (2) independent of the relaxation module (10). The invention also relates to a method for using such a relaxation module (10).

[0009] PCT patent application no. WO2015092157A1 discloses a work and discussion space which comprises two installation blocks (1, 100) that are identical and positioned opposite one another, each installation block (1, 100) being provided to accommodate two people and comprising: a vertical partitioning structure (3, 4, 101, 113); two seats (7, 112) positioned against the vertical structure (3, 4, 101, 113) and separated by at least one module (15, 103) for storing professional and / or personal accessories; and two work surfaces (16, 104) each associated with a seat (7, 112) and movable between a position that is distant from and a position that is close to the corresponding seat (7, 112).

[0010] Many different types of privacy cubicles or pods are currently available on the market, yet they all suffer from one or more of the following drawbacks: harsh overhead lighting; lack of natural light; physical distractions moving around outside the cubicle visible because of the clear glass walls; lack of sound proofing; presence of distractions; and absence of natural elements to balance out the harshness of the construction materials, etc.

[0011] In light of the state of the art, there still exists a need for a cubicle system (hereinafter referred to as a privacy pod unit) which may be installed in various locations and which is adaptable for optimum user enjoyment as well as provide the user with privacy and preferably, a quiet environment, and space to move around within the pod.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a privacy pod unit, said unit comprising: a top portion; a bottom portion; and a structural portion comprising: a base section; a multiplicity of articulated vertical risers, wherein each one of said multiplicity of articulated vertical risers having a first extremity connected to said base section located at said bottom portion of said unit and a second extremity connected at said top portion of said unit; wherein two adjacent articulated vertical risers defining an aperture to enter said unit and wherein said structural portion connects said top portion and said bottom portion; a plurality of modular wall segments, said modular wall segments adapted to securely fit between two of said multiplicity of articulated vertical risers; and a door to block said aperture when in a closed position, wherein said unit is substantially egg-shaped.

[0014] Preferably, said door comprises: a top door section comprising a hinge connection with a centerpoint located at said top portion of the unit; a middle door section adapted to cover said aperture; and a bottom door section comprising means to slide along said base section; and wherein said door is located on the outside of said unit.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each one of said articulated vertical risers comprise a number of articulation points along its length so as to provide a substantially curved shape, wherein each one of said articulation point is a point of connection between a first section of an articulated vertical riser and a second section adjacent thereto of the same articulated vertical riser. Preferably, said multiplicity of articulated vertical risers further comprise a multiplicity of crossbars, wherein each crossbar comprising two extremities adapted to bridge and connect to adjacent articulated vertical risers. Preferably, each one of said multiplicity of crossbars being connected to said articulation points of adjacent said articulated vertical risers.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular privacy pod unit, said unit comprising: a top portion; a bottom portion; and a structural portion comprising: a base section; a multiplicity of curved or articulated vertical risers, wherein each one of said multiplicity of risers having a first extremity connected to said base section located at a bottom portion of said unit and a second extremity connected at a top portion of said unit; wherein at least two of said multiplicity of articulated vertical risers defining an aperture to enter said unit and wherein structural portion connects said top portion and said bottom portion; a plurality of modular wall segments, said modular wall segments adapted to securely fit between two of said multiplicity of articulated vertical risers; a door to block said aperture when in a closed position, said door comprising: a top door section comprising a hinge connection with a centerpoint located at said top portion of the unit; a middle door section adapted to cover said aperture; and a bottom door section comprising means to slide along said base section; wherein said door is located on the outside of said unit; and wherein said unit is substantially egg-shaped.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the articulated vertical risers are articulated vertical risers comprising a number of articulations along its length so as to provide a substantially articulated shape. The articulations are the point of connection between a first small section of a vertical riser and the section adjacent thereto. Preferably, the connection between a first section and an adjacent section is done by the use of fastening means such as bolts or the like. Preferably also, upon being connected, the two adjacent sections of a vertical riser provide on either side of said connection at least one further point of connection to subsequently fasten crossbars which will extend from one vertical riser to an adjacent vertical riser. Preferably, the various connections are in the same planar, more preferably the connections are substantially in the same plane.

[0018] Preferably, said multiplicity of articulated vertical risers further comprise a multiplicity of crossbars connected to two adjacent articulated vertical risers. Preferably also, said modular wall segments are secured to the unit through securing means located on said crossbars.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said centerpoint comprises a hollow tube adapted to receive electrical wiring and the like, wherein said hollow tube extends vertically form the top of said unit.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the unit further comprises a floor connected to said bottom portion of said unit.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the unit further comprises a ceiling connected to said wall portion, wherein said ceiling incorporates a translucent or transparent section. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the unit further comprises a ventilation system comprising at least a fan and an air outlet.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the unit further comprises a height- adjustable desk and a chair, wherein said desk and chair occupy a surface area which is no more than 50% of the total surface area defined by the floor.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the door further comprises sealing means along an edge thereof to provide a seal around the aperture of said unit when said door is closed.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the unit further comprises at least one electrical outlet. Preferably, the unit further comprising at least one movable bookshelf.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the desk and chair occupy a surface area which is no more than 40% of the total surface area defined by the floor. Preferably, the desk and chair occupy a surface area which is no more than 30% of the total surface area defined by the floor. Even more preferably, the desk and chair occupy a surface area which is no more than 20% of the total surface area defined by the floor. Yet even more preferably, the desk and chair occupy a surface area which is no more than 15% of the total surface area defined by the floor. Yet even more preferably, said desk and chair occupy a surface area which is no more than 10% of the total surface area defined by the floor. Preferably, said ceiling has a smaller surface area than the surface area of said floor.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wall portion and ceiling are made of impermeable materials adapted for exterior use of said unit.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the floor defines a shape selected from the group consisting of: circular; oval; oblong; or the like.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wall segments are selected from the group consisting of: opaque panels; translucent panels; transparent panels; and combinations thereof.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said multiplicity of panels, when assembled together, define an apex at said top wall portion and a circular base at said bottom wall portion. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a privacy pod which can be installed in an outdoor location as effectively as in an indoor location. In some cases, where the location of the pod is in a warmer climate, it can be installed in an outdoor setting provided that there is a sufficiently stable base, floor, or ground on which it can be installed.

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0031] Embodiments of the invention will be described below, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of a modular privacy unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a modular privacy unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0034] Figure 3 is a top view of the exterior of a modular privacy unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0036] A study (sample size of 142 people) aimed at understanding student habits found that university students struggle on average 3-5x / week with procrastination, sensation of being overwhelmed and general phone distractions. The study also revealed that those students surveyed prefer to study alone in quiet spaces and wish to add natural and technical advantages to their study spaces. Comments to the effect of reducing distractions were raised as being of importance to allow some of the people surveyed to be able to better focus. In the same study, it was found that close to 84 % of respondents preferred to sit while studying, while a surprising 10% preferred being able to pace while doing so. The study also found that of the senses deemed to be most sensitive, auditory and visual were near even at 36.6% and 35.2 %, respectively. Also, noteworthy, is the respondents who answered (approximately 15%) that temperature affected them most, while over 12.5% noted that their sense of smell was their most sensitive. The study also found that close to 56 % of the respondents preferred to study alone, while almost 29% preferred to study in groups. The balance of the responses (roughly 15%) indicated that a mixed approach (group or alone) depending on the situation was desirable.

[0037] Another study (sample size of 37 people) directed to comments on the existing cubicles the wish list regarding study spaces available to university students highlighted a number of recurring comments. Those comments ranged from “Quiet, no distractions with lots of sunlight”; “A quiet space, no harsh overhead lighting”; “natural light to help me study, silence, no physical distractions moving around”; “Sound proof, free of distractions like friends coming into the study room that you're in.”; “Ambient, comfortable chair, spacious desk”; “More private spaces that feel clean and allow for ergonomically healthy sitting options and high quality chairs”; “Walls that are more soundproof’; “More spaces that blend various natural and technical elements”; and “more private study spaces, such as those not made entirely out of glass. I like to be alone when I study to be more productive”.

[0038] Procrastination experienced by the university students who were surveyed was often experienced (i.e. 3 to 5 times a week). Other common difficulties experienced by students include time-blindness; being overwhelmed and being distracted by their phone. Distraction by their phone was acknowledged by the university students as being felt at least 3 to 5 times a week. It was determined that students were only efficient (i.e. motivated and not distracted) only up to once a week.

[0039] It has been indicated in the previously mentioned studies, that desirable features for a privacy / study area would include some sort of privacy / frosted glass, which would allow to decrease surrounding distractions and remove the feeling of being constantly under observation; sound proofing which would decrease sound sensitivity; the incorporation of some green space which would provide some sort of buffer between stressful life events and psychological outcomes. Other desirable features include the possibility of having some study music, and perhaps most surprisingly a cell phone lock box which would discourage individuals to play or surf on their phones. Yet more features which seemed to be desirable include the ability to study while standing, so having the option of converting the study area from sitting to standing and providing multimedia features to allow for improved / enhanced learning.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the total height of the privacy cubicle is sufficient for a person within the working and discussion area, to be in a standing position and in some cases, be able to stretch their arms upwards without touching the ceiling and outwards without touching the sides of the cubicle.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the walls, defined by the multiplicity of vertical risers, will have a conical or quasi -conical shape which is defined by a larger base and where the walls meet at an apex.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modular privacy pod unit will be made of material adapted for both indoor and outdoor utilization. It has been noted that of all the known privacy modules available on the market, none have demonstrated the ability to be installed in both an indoor and an outdoor setting. This desirable feature allows the installation of the privacy pod in outdoor areas in order to benefit of the many advantages of being outdoors all the while reducing interruption and disturbing chatter or the like. In some instances, the privacy pod can be installed in abandoned industrial buildings where the interior appearance can be considered to be unpleasant. The wall segments may be made of recycled materials such as plastics, glass, and the like. The vertical risers and crossbars may be made of aluminum, steel or wood. The floor may be made of rubber, plastics, wood, steel, aluminum.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the contents of the modular privacy pod can be moved to a preferred layout by the user to optimize the working environment. Preferably, the desk can be adjusted for height, but it can also be moved within the cubicle. Preferably the desk will be located against the wall portion of the cubicle to as to benefit from the proximity to an electrical outlet. Preferably, the pod comprises a specially dedicated wall section (panel) which comprises the outlet and a cap which is adapted to be placed on the interior surface of a articulated vertical riser where the electrical wire is covered and thus not subject to tampering.

[0044] In referring to Figure 1, the modular privacy pod unit (10) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a top portion (15); a bottom portion (20); and a structural portion (25). The structural portion comprises a base section (24) and a multiplicity of articulated vertical risers (27), wherein each one of said multiplicity of risers having a first extremity (37) connected to said base section (24) located at a bottom portion (20) of said unit and a second extremity (47) connected at a top portion (15) of said unit. At least two of said multiplicity of articulated vertical risers (27) define an aperture (not shown) to allow a user to enter the unit (10) and wherein structural portion (25) connects said top portion (15) and said bottom portion (20); a plurality of modular wall segments, opaque wall panels (22) and transparent wall panels (23).

[0045] The plurality of modular wall segments (22 and 23) are adapted to securely fit between two of said multiplicity of articulated vertical risers (27) and be secured onto crossbars (31). Some wall panels can be opaque to provide privacy to the user while other wall panels can be translucent or transparent to allow for light into the unit. Moreover, while the wall panels are secured to the unit, they can be removed and replaced to modify the panel arrangement without having to replace an entire wall section (i.e. the space between two adjacent vertical risers). The adjacent articulated vertical risers (27) are connected to one another by a multiplicity of crossbars (31). Preferably, adjacent crossbars (31) between two adjacent vertical risers (27) such as seen in Figure 2 are connected to a single connection point (41). There is a plurality of connection point (41) on each vertical riser (27) each of which connecting four crossbars (41) onto a vertical riser (27). According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the crossbars have a middle ridge which provides as a separator between two adjacent wall panels sharing the crossbar as a support. Moreover, yet more preferably, the middle ridge of the crossbar forms a (upon installation) downward facing lip which provides at the same time a small space for the insertion of a top edge of a wall panel all the while providing a support edge for the wall panel located directly above that wall panel. This results in a quasi-interlocking feature, which also minimizes the use of securing means such as screws or the like. Preferably, the crossbars having a middle ridge forming a downwardly facing lip has the further additional advantage of preventing rain from coming into the unit in the event that the unit is placed in an exterior location. Preferably also, the crossbars may comprise a rubber seal on their surface which is in contact with the wall panels. This rubber seal provides both a sealing features to the crossbar-wall panel connection but also prevents direct contact of the wall panel onto the crossbar should the former be glass and the latter be metallic.

[0046] Figure 2 illustrates several elements which can be incorporated into the unit to provide a more user friendly experience, these include but are understood to not be limited to, a height adjustable desk (6) built- in and secured onto the structural portion (25) of the unit; a chair (7); a lighting fixture (8) hanging from the top portion (15) of the unit (10) as well as a plant (9) also hanging from the top portion (15).

[0047] The door (11) which blocks the entrance aperture (not shown) when in a closed position, comprises: atop door section (14) comprising a hinge connection (30) with a centerpoint (32) located at said top portion

[0048] (15) of the unit (10); a middle door section (18) adapted to cover the aperture; and a bottom door section

[0049] (16) comprising means to slide (34) the door (11) along said base section (24). The means to slide the door can simply be a channel located at a bottom edge of the door (11), wherein said channel is designed to fit onto atrack located on the bottom portion (24) surrounding the unit (10). This means to slide (34) combined with the hinge connection (30) with a centerpoint (32) on the unit (10) located the tope portion (15) of the unit (10) both supports the door and allows sliding movement in a circular path along the outside of the unit.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, the door (11) is located on the outside of said unit (10). Preferably, the door comprises at its edges a sealing element (12) adapted to seal the door aperture when the door is closed and minimize noises and other possible disturbances. The sealing element (12) can be made of any type of rubber typically used for similar applications, or brush-like bristle arrangement. Optionally, the user may easily replace the sealing element as the latter is designed to be easily removable form the edges of the door (11). In the illustrated embodiment as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the unit (10) is substantially egg- shaped. This allows to maximize the usable floor space as well as the inside volume within the unit, while allowing to minimize the amount of material necessary to assemble the unit and the overall weight thereof as well as allow the unit to be weather resistant (especially rain) if it is placed in an exterior location.

[0051] Figure 3 provides a top view of a unit (10) according to the present invention and highlights the geodesic structure (5) of the unit. While the illustrated unit (10) draws inspiration from the prior known geodesic dome structures popularized by Buckminster Fuller, it departs from it in a substantial manner as many of the panels making up the exterior shell of the unit vary in sizes. Another significant difference between the geodesic dome popularized by Fuller and the present invention, is that the latter has a backbone made of vertical risers (as described herein). Fuller’s design has repeating units of triangular panels centered on a point and where the repeating units are staggered hence a substantially vertical riser embedded in the wall (or surface) of the dome is completely absent from the geodesic dome design. While it is preferred that the wall panels all have the same triangular shape (same angles on each wall panel), it is recognized that it can be somewhat difficult if not inconvenient depending on the shape adopted. To do so may lead to forcing unnatural shapes onto the unit, or the overall unit shape which may be a predominant factor in the design of the unit. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the unit is designed to allow space for a user to stand and stretch out without having to leave the unit. Such a feature can be especially convenient in the event that units are placed very close to one another or when units are placed in an exterior location.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the unit further comprises at least one electrical outlet to allow a user to connect their computers, phones or the like.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the unit further comprises at least one movable bookshelf. The modular privacy pod unit may also further comprise a ventilation system comprising at least a fan and an air outlet. Preferably, climate control features (such as heating and cooling) can be provided in a unit according to the present invention.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and as a departure from other cubicle type arrangement, the unit is designed in a way to minimize the desk and chair surface area. Preferably, the unit is designed so that no more than 40% of the total surface area defined by the floor is occupied by the desk and the chair. This provides a user with a feeling of freedom and the ability to move around inside the unit despite the small seemingly confined space of the unit. More preferably, the desk and chair occupy a surface area which is no more than 30% of the total surface area defined by the floor. Even more preferably, desk and chair occupy a surface area which is no more than 20% of the total surface area defined by the floor. Yet even more preferably, the desk and chair occupy a surface area which is no more than 15% of the total surface area defined by the floor. Yet even more preferably, the desk and chair occupy a surface area which is no more than 10% of the total surface area defined by the floor. Preferably, the ceiling of the unit has a smaller surface area than the surface area of the floor.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wall portion (the wall panels) and top portion (ceiling) are made of impermeable materials adapted for exterior use of said unit.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the floor defines a shape selected from the group consisting of: circular; oval; oblong; or the like.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the said multiplicity of panels, when assembled together, define an apex at said top wall portion and a circular base at said bottom wall portion.

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modular privacy unit could be used in university facilities like classrooms, atriums, libraries, other public areas as well, e.g. city halls, corporate public spaces, airport lounges and such to reduce background noises and increase learning. Also preferably, a multitude of units could be set up in a large space to achieve any conceivable function, whether for work in solo, or small group work.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pod is linked to a software application (an app) to booking said pod. Preferably, the app could also capture the preferences of users including but not limited to temperature, light, music etc. This would enable a user to go to any pod and immediately have the default settings of their choice as they enter it.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modular privacy unit could be used in call centers to reduce background noise and increase productivity.

[0061] The embodiments described herein are to be understood to be exemplary and numerous modification and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the claims appended hereto, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A privacy pod unit, said unit comprising: a top portion; a bottom portion; and a structural portion comprising: a base section; a multiplicity of articulated vertical risers, wherein each one of said multiplicity of articulated vertical risers having a first extremity connected to said base section located at said bottom portion of said unit and a second extremity connected at said top portion of said unit; wherein two adjacent articulated vertical risers defining an aperture to enter said unit and wherein said structural portion connects said top portion and said bottom portion; a plurality of modular wall segments, said modular wall segments adapted to securely fit between two of said multiplicity of articulated vertical risers; and a door to block said aperture when in a closed position, wherein said unit is substantially egg-shaped.

2. The privacy pod unit of claim 1, wherein said door comprises: a top door section comprising a hinge connection with a centerpoint located at said top portion of the unit; a middle door section adapted to cover said aperture; and a bottom door section comprising means to slide along said base section; and wherein said door is located on the outside of said unit.

3. The privacy pod unit of claim 1 or 2, wherein each one of said articulated vertical risers comprise a number of articulation points along its length so as to provide a substantially curved shape, wherein each one of said articulation point is a point of connection between a first section of an articulated vertical riser and a second section adjacent thereto of the same articulated vertical riser.

4. The privacy pod unit of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said multiplicity of articulated vertical risers further comprise a multiplicity of crossbars, wherein each crossbar comprising two extremities adapted to bridge and connect to adjacent articulated vertical risers.

5. The privacy pod unit of claim 3 wherein each one of said multiplicity of crossbars being connected to said articulation points of adjacent said articulated vertical risers.

6. The privacy pod unit of claim 2 wherein said modular wall segments are secured to the unit through securing means located on each one of said multiplicity of crossbars.

7. The privacy pod unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each one of said plurality of modular wall segments is triangular in shape.

8. The privacy pod unit according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein said centerpoint comprises a hollow tube adapted to receive electrical wiring and the like, wherein said hollow tube extends vertically form the top of said unit.

9. The privacy pod unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a floor connected to said bottom portion of said unit.

10. The privacy pod unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a ceiling at said top portion, said ceiling is connected to said wall portion, wherein said ceiling incorporates a translucent or transparent section.

11. The privacy pod unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a ventilation system comprising at least a fan and an air outlet.

12. The privacy pod unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a height-adjustable desk and a chair, wherein said desk and chair occupy a surface area which is no more than 50% of the total surface area defined by the floor.

13. The privacy pod unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein said door further comprises sealing means along an edge thereof to provide a seal around the aperture of said unit when said door is closed.

14. The privacy pod unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13 further comprising at least one electrical outlet.

15. The privacy pod unit according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising at least one movable bookshelf.

16. The privacy pod unit according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said desk and chair occupy a surface area which is no more than 40% of the total surface area defined by the floor.

17. The privacy pod unit according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein said desk and chair occupy a surface area which is no more than 30% of the total surface area defined by the floor.

18. The privacy pod unit according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein said desk and chair occupy a surface area which is no more than 20% of the total surface area defined by the floor.

19. The privacy pod unit according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein said desk and chair occupy a surface area which is no more than 15% of the total surface area defined by the floor.

20. The privacy pod unit according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein said desk and chair occupy a surface area which is no more than 10% of the total surface area defined by the floor.

21. The privacy pod unit according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein said wall portion and ceiling are made of impermeable materials adapted for exterior use.

22. The privacy pod unit according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein said floor defines a shape selected from the group consisting of: circular; oval; oblong; or the like.

23. The privacy pod unit according to any one of claims 10 to 18, wherein said ceiling has a smaller surface area than the surface area of said floor.

24. The privacy pod unit according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein at least one of said plurality of modular wall segments wall is translucent.

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