AQUAPod

On average 4,400 people visit Scotland’s A+E departments every day, with 25% of A+E patients in Glasgow waiting more than 4 hours for care. As each hour passes waiting in A+E, patients become stressed, restless, bored, anxious and frustrated with very little to occupy their minds.

AQUApod is a kinetic aquarium system, populated by biomimetic magnetic fish, designed to improve the physical and mental well-being of A+E users. By bringing an element of nature inside the A+E environment, the modular system engages patients passively or actively, by occupying their minds and positively distracting them while waiting. Passively observing the movement of the fish through water, like real aquariums induces a biophilic response shown to reduce heart rate and blood pressure. The subtle relaxing colours, refracting through the water promote a calming environment to negate user stresses.