Air Shield: A Multifunctional Workstation for a Safe and Connected Workspace

Protecting Employees While Promoting Collaboration

In these challenging times, the need for innovative solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of employees in the workplace has become paramount. Introducing Air Shield, a revolutionary attachable dual fan and filter system designed by Jung Joo Sohn and Barbara Young. This multifunctional workstation not only purifies the air but also blocks pathogen transmission with its unique air currents, providing a safe and secure environment for desk occupants.

What sets Air Shield apart is its ability to seamlessly integrate into any workspace, offering a practical and sustainable solution. The dual-fan system filters a variety of air impurities, effectively mitigating pathogen transmission and reducing allergies. Additionally, the gentle white noise generated by the fans ensures acoustic privacy in open office systems, enhancing concentration and productivity.

The design of Air Shield is a testament to its functionality and durability. The housing is made of extruded aluminum with perforations and molded plastic end caps, allowing for easy removal and replacement of the primary air filter. The outer fan blades are constructed with HEPA filters and customized Germ Defense material, ensuring the purification of the air. The inner fan, made from plastic, runs on a motor, providing efficient air circulation.

Measuring 57” wide, 31.10” deep, and 28.50” tall, Air Shield can be attached to any work surface over 57” wide. Its adjustable clamp holds the fan unit 0.5” off the work surface, allowing for optimal air flow. The design is illustrated on a custom-designed, adjustable height workstation that is 31.10” deep and can adjust between 28.5” - 42.00” high, showcasing its versatility and adaptability to different office setups.

Operating Air Shield is effortless, thanks to its user-friendly design. The workstation can be easily installed and removed with two screw clamps, ensuring convenience and flexibility. A simple push-button on/off switch located on the lower right-hand side of the unit powers the Air Shield fan. Motion sensors detect the presence of other individuals, activating the air-flow accordingly. For example, if someone is sitting on the left side, Air Shield detects them and activates the air curtain from the left side, providing an added layer of protection.

The development of Air Shield was not without its challenges. The design team aimed to create a solution that went beyond the immediate needs of the COVID-19 crisis. They wanted to avoid the use of partitions that would eventually end up in landfills, causing harm to the environment. Additionally, the team had to navigate through evolving scientific knowledge about the virus and its transmission, ensuring that the design was effective and safe.

Recognizing the importance of collaboration and social interaction in the workplace, Air Shield was conceived as a product that not only addresses the current pandemic but also provides long-term benefits. The team drew inspiration from healthcare and warehouse environments, where air curtains are used to control and contain harmful interior particulates. The final design not only offers a sense of safety but also contributes to the overall well-being of employees.

Air Shield has garnered recognition for its exceptional design and functionality. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Office Furniture Design category in 2021. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.

As we navigate the challenges of the post-pandemic world, innovative designs like Air Shield provide a glimpse into the future of workspace solutions. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of employees while promoting collaboration and connectivity, Air Shield sets a new standard for multifunctional workstations.