The Pod Squad

Harper's Bazaar, April 1965

With the world's population now topping 6.7 billion, it should come as no surprise that personal space is at an all-time premium. Futurists have long predicted the day when we ditch crowded buses and trains in favor of autonomous, personal pod-like monorail cars. But the practicality of personal pods extends far beyond transportation, as demonstrated by some recent pod-inspired innovations.

The 'Transport' Personal Sleeping Pod

The Ovei Home Theater Pod gives users a personal media experience by offering an enclosed space to watch movies, play video games, and relax in the lap of luxury. The 'Transport' Personal Sleeping Pod by designer Alberto Frias takes the antiquated waterbed to the next level with an integrated LED light show, stereo, and speakers (to lull you to sleep). Suzuki is even working on PIXY personal motorized pods, designed for solitary motoring in crowded urban areas.

And, because fashion is never far behind, it would appear that designers are drawing inspiration from the pod phenom with creations that would likely give the wearer a sense of added personal space, thanks to their cocoon-like designs. (Are you ready for this trend, or is it just too soon for the wearable personal pod?)

Liu Xing, Spring 2009

Shantanu & Nikhil, Spring 2009

Mila Schon, Fall 2008

Indra Miklava & Andris Stamguts, Spring 2009

Pierre Cardin, Spring 2009

Hiroko Ito, Spring 2009

Mikio Sakabe & Vanessa Soria Lima, Spring 2009

Ding Yong, Spring 2009

Maison Martin Margiela, Fall 2008