# Mixed-Use Office Pods ECAL University Students Have Designed Variable Pods Out of Workbays By Joey Haar | Published 2017-07-11 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/workbays References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2017/07/09/ecal-students-design-dedicated-farming-napping-gym-office-cubicles/) The office isn't as stodgy and stifling an environment as it was decades ago, and the new designs for Workbays from students at [ECAL](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Ritual-based-mobile-design) university shows just how far the modern workplace has come. The [mixed-use pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kokuyo) create spaces within offices for a broad assortment of tasks and activities. The ECAL students' project is based off of Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec's Workbays, which are [flexible, easily transported dividers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-pods) that can separate spaces. As more and more modern offices are opting for open concept designs, this leaves room to get creative with the space available. The new Workbays include spaces for things like sleeping (the Nap Bay), growing plants (the Farm Bay), socializing (the Bar Bay), and even working out (the Gym Bay) directly within the office. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 85% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Mixed-use Office Pods:** Opportunity for designing flexible office spaces with multiple functions, catering to various tasks and activities. - **Open Concept Office Designs:** Opportunity for creating innovative office layouts that encourage collaboration and creativity. - **Integrating Functional Spaces in the Office:** Opportunity for incorporating specialized areas in the workplace, such as sleeping, socializing, and fitness spaces. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Interior Design:** Opportunity for interior designers to create versatile office pod designs that enhance productivity and employee well-being. - **Furniture Manufacturing:** Opportunity for furniture manufacturers to produce customizable and adaptable office pod solutions. - **Workspace Technology:** Opportunity for technology companies to develop integrated solutions for managing and optimizing mixed-use office pods. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Quirky Solo Office Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/work-capsules.md) - [Modular Work Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mespace-workstation.md) - [First-Class Working Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kabin-work-pod.md) - [Customizable Office Privacy Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bay-work-pod.md) - [Colorful Creative Workspaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/podimo-office.md) - [Calming Workspace Productivity Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kabin-privacy-pod.md) - [Personal Cubicle Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ma-camilla-isabel-reyes.md) - [Contemporary Modular Office Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kameleon-office-booth.md) - [Connected Workplace Privacy Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/office-booths.md)