Sleepbox for 40 winks in a mobile box

Juniper Foo | Nov 11, 2009

Sleepboxes can be installed at train stations, airports and shopping centers. (Credit: Arch Group)

With more devices dedicated to the sleep deprived on the move, the Sleepbox is one concept I'm rooting for. It's probably not for the claustrophobic, given its box-like interior, but it draws inspiration from Japan's capsule hotels. Parked along stretches of an airport, this private nap space would be a boon for Economy Class overnighters with no access to a Business or First Class lounge with sleeping facilities. Not all of us plebs are that fortunate, and usually have to make do with stretching out on awkward plastic seats.

Russian architect team Arch Group, thinking out of the box, has attempted to make its Sleepbox as comfy and sanitory as possible. The bed comprises a soft, flexible strip of foamed polymer with a surface of pulp tissue. The sheets are changed via a roller-like conveyer belt system, similar to the roller seat covers in loos. There's also Wi-Fi, an LCD display, sockets for charging laptops and mobile devices, a storage area to stash your luggage, and an alarm most likely for keeping tabs on your allotted nap time.

The plan is for travelers to rent these Sleepboxes for 15-minute slots or longer. This sleeps one, and hopefully stays that way.