Location: Galway, Ireland
Project managed by: John O’Reilly
Year: 2023
In 2023, the University of Galway returned to The Meeting Pod Company for its second order, commissioning a bespoke 10-Person Fully Enclosed Mobility Outdoor Pod. Designed to meet the needs of a diverse student population, the pod provides a comfortable, sheltered environment for studying, collaboration and quiet reflection.
The Brief
The aim was to create an accessible, 10-person fully enclosed outdoor pod that could be used by students with a range of mobility needs. The university required a space that could be used throughout the year, offering protection from the elements while providing a comfortable environment for studying and social interaction.
Accessibility was a key consideration in the design. The university requested bespoke branding, a wheelchair-accessible ramp and a turning circle at the entrance to help accommodate wheelchair users and improve ease of access.
The Solution
A Bespoke 10-Person Fully Enclosed Meeting Pods
Designed to provide a comfortable and functional environment for studying, collaboration and quiet reflection, the bespoke outdoor pod features:
- Acoustic foam liners
- Integrated LED lighting
- Fixed table
- Bench seating
- Deck board flooring
- Dual silent-motor air ventilation
- Double 3-pin power socket with USB and USB-C charging
- Double-glazed front and rear enclosure
- Wheelchair-accessible ramp (optional extra)
- Turning circle (optional extra)
- Back-panel-mounted heating system (optional extra)
- Back-panel-mounted air-conditioning unit (optional extra)
- Tech pack (optional extra)
Together, these features create a practical, self-contained environment where students can study, collaborate or take time for quiet reflection. The fully enclosed design provides shelter from the elements, while optional heating and air-conditioning can help maintain a comfortable environment in different weather conditions.
An Inclusive Outdoor Study Space
The bespoke pod offers the University of Galway a versatile alternative to traditional indoor study areas, giving students a dedicated place to focus, work together or enjoy a quieter environment away from the busy campus.
With accessibility at the heart of the brief, the design incorporates features intended to support students with different mobility needs. Combined with its enclosed construction and optional climate-control features, the pod provides a flexible solution for making better use of outdoor space throughout the year.
Creating Spaces for Everyone
At The Meeting Pod Company, we believe great spaces should work for everyone. We work with educational institutions and organisations to create bespoke indoor and outdoor environments that respond to their unique needs.
From accessible study spaces to collaborative breakout areas, our range of customisable pods helps transform underutilised areas into comfortable, functional environments that support different learning styles and encourage greater flexibility in how spaces are used.
