A hundred tiny people, running round, playing, learning and laughing… schools are definitely a unique environment for interior designers and architects, and they present some unique requirements for School Principals and Facility Managers. Obviously one of the primary considerations in materials choice is safety, and nowhere is this more true than in schools.
Student Health
Despite a wealth of uninformed arguments that carpet ‘creates’ an allergen-laden environment, the truth is that the same amount of allergens is present in the air whether flooring is hard or carpeted. However, unlike hard flooring, dense-pile construction commercial carpet can actually trap allergens, reducing the amount of airborne dust and pollen, until they can be safely removed by vacuuming.
Ensure you choose flooring products with low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. The vaporized compounds can cause unpleasant odours, which can increase substantially in hot weather or under heated conditions. Many VOCs are irritants and can result in headaches, dizziness, difficulty in breathing and in rare instances can be toxic. They have a greater impact on developing bodies than on adults, so low VOC emissions should be an important factor in product choice for schools.
Flooring should contain antimicrobial protection
Those of us that have had children at home understand that while concepts such as spillage come naturally, hygiene is a concept that comes much later! Antimicrobial protection such as the patented Intersept® on leading carpet tile brands is especially important in a school environment. Antimicrobials prevent the development of moulds and fungi which can give off VOC gases that can contribute to “sick building syndrome”.
Flooring and colour psychology
The effect of colour on mood and the subconscious is an ongoing debate. Some studies show measurable differences in cognitive characteristics can be achieved through changes in environmental colour. As a designer, though, the aim is always to create a space that will inspire and energize the people using that space. Where linoleum and wood flooring have little patterning, and broadloom carpets are typically quite repetitive in pattern, carpet tiles offer the greatest inspirational possibilities in schooling environments.
Carpet tiles also offer the greatest opportunity to calm and relax those within their space – a wide range of subdued colours and patterns that mimic those found in nature is available to create a rich study environment in places like libraries.
Student Safety
Hard flooring carries an inherently greater risk of slips and falls, especially with the propensity of children towards spilling things! The traction that carpet provides ensures that even when students are ignoring the directive ‘not to run in the halls’, they are still safe. Carpet tiles are impermeable to water, yet still provide traction when wet.
Flooring should be built to last
Along with higher-quality products like carpet tiles, the cost of the materials is more likely to be backed by a warranty. Carpet tiles by their design are more durable, and many manufacturers offer long warranties. Modular flooring offers the opportunity to replace only the tiles in heavy traffic areas, or those that are stained or damaged, without replacing the entire floor. Some parts of your carpet will even outlast the students.
Is it sustainable?
Always a key concern in today’s architecture and design environment, sustainability is becoming not only a preference, but a client requirement. Carpet tiles can be sourced that are made from sustainable materials.. A GECA (Good Environmental Choice Australia) seal is a handy benchmark.
