THE LODGE
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The Lodge is a modular, harm-reduction-informed rest pod designed for airports, using Albany International as a case study. Aimed at tired travelers, parents, and flight staff, it offers a private, affordable space to nap, stretch, or work, without needing a full hotel or lounge access. Inspired by Catskills cabin aesthetics, the 35 sq ft pod transforms between sleep, sit, and desk modes using foldable furniture and ambient lighting. With smart-glass windows, vending access, and low-maintenance features, The Lodge brings safety, dignity, and comfort into overlooked corners of the airport.
01 — Problem Framing & research:
For our final project in the Harm Reduction Studio course, we were tasked with identifying a space or atmosphere where harm reduction principles could be applied. We chose airports, focusing on the lack of accessible, affordable rest options for underserved travelers.
Our target audience included budget travelers, airport workers, parents with children, and those experiencing layovers or delays, all of whom often go without safe, private spaces to decompress.
02 — Brainstorming & Market Gaps
We used Albany International Airport as a convenient case study, and we discovered that Albany serves a mix of business travelers, families, and students, with frequent connections to cities like Washington D.C., Chicago, and Orlando with the farthest flight to Las Vegas.
Albany International Airport (ALB) sees over 100k passengers each month, averaging ~3400 people a day and ~3000 flights a month.
We studied products like Minute Suites and GoSleep Pods, noting a lack of accessibility, warmth, and child-friendly features.
03 — Ideation & Concept Design
We envisioned a hotel-lounge hybrid with Catskills-inspired materials, foldable furniture, and modular panels for transport and setup.
We envisioned a space that supports all levels of relaxation—from a quick recharge to extended rest—offering flexibility, privacy, and comfort for a wide range of travelers.
04 — Prototyping & Layout Testing
Cardstock models helped test furniture placement and pod flow, leading to changes like removing the back wall for bed clearance.
Summarized procedure of creating a cardstock prototype.
Avoiding drawers and closed compartments reduced clutter and minimized theft risk and soliciting. Elevating outlets and surfaces improved accessibility and cleanliness, especially for parents and overnight users.
The final prototype was a proportional 6.2” x 5” x 8” box with a 6-foot human model for scale. Insights into the construction can be found in the full report.
05 — Ambiance
The Lodge is more than a place to rest—it’s a thoughtfully designed environment that supports well-being through both atmosphere and access. Its exterior includes integrated vending machines stocked with essentials like earplugs, blankets, snacks, hygiene items, and over-the-counter wellness products. These aren’t just conveniences—they’re part of a harm reduction approach that acknowledges travelers may be tired, overwhelmed, or in need of basic care, especially in airports where such resources are limited or overpriced.
We took inspiration from Schiphol Airport’s Gate 24/7 vending convenience store and self-run cafés across Asia and Europe, then brainstormed and curated a list of practical, comforting items the Lodge could offer to support travelers' needs.
Paired with soft lighting, muted wood textures, and regionally inspired finishes from our Catskills moodboard, the pod becomes a microenvironment that invites rest while grounding travelers in the place they’re passing through. It’s a calm, self-contained moment of care in transit, designed to meet both practical and emotional needs.
06 — Implementation Plan
We proposed placing pods near monitored zones, using vending for payment, and disposable linens for simple, low-touch maintenance.
The regions highlighted in purple and pink indicate pod placements at Albany International Airport. The yellow circle in image 3 indicates where a disposable liner roll can be stored.
07 — next steps
Future versions may include smart-timer access, ambient light settings, and scalable design templates for different airports.
