Project Objective
In partnership with Mohawk Group, Ohio State’s second-year interior design students were given the opportunity to research and establish a trending global issue that would later inspire an innovative and sustainable carpet collection. My trend forecast addressed the concern of gun violence within education spaces and how environmental factors can prevent such harmful situations from happening in the future. By establishing an organized, calming, and joyful place of refuge for K-12 students to work and play in, students will not only develop a feeling of belonging but a sense of protection as well.
Trend Research and Overview
For the past 22 years, the number of school shootings has steadily increased since the violent massacre at Columbine High School in April 1999. In 2018, The United States saw the number of firearm-related incidents in schools rise to 24. The same year, 35 students and faculty were killed as a result of a school shooting attack. A formal official of Homeland Security, John Cohen explained in a recent interview that previous school shootings, including Columbine, “absolutely” influenced subsequent attacks.
In the months/years leading up to past occurrences, many attackers experienced a significant personal loss, felt suicidal, depressed, or were motivated by retaliation. With these considerations in mind, it is crucial to create an atmosphere that nurtures those silently struggling while also examining ways in which to direct students and staff to safe spaces in the event that an emergency were to happen.
Trend Transition and Patterns
In efforts to redesign potentially stressful settings, I refined a set of patterns that are organized, soothing, and provoke a sense of happiness, belonging, and direction when it comes to lock-down emergencies. Circles, particularly interconnecting circles, tend to project a positive emotional message. Much like the Olympic rings, circles often suggest community, friendship, unity, and balance. To translate these feelings to students, teachers, and visitors, round elements with nature into the carpet tile patterns were incorporated in each of the patterns.
The STEMS tiles consist of two Dandelion patterns. Because of the soft, fuzzy ball of the umbrella-like extensions of the flower, the structure indicates a cozy, gentleness. The STEMS patterns can be placed in hallways as well as classrooms and suggest wayfinding through strategic placement or could be installed randomly.
The LEAVES patterns are simple yet friendly with a variety of whimsical lines and circles within the outline of the leaf. Every pattern within each is unique just as every student and teacher within a student body is unique. The colorways are also of those found in nature and are meant to create a calming, yet joyful atmosphere for students.
Specifications and Construction
Manufacturer: Mohawk Flooring
Tile Dimensions: 24x24 in.
Fibers/Materials: REPREVE® NYLON 6
Construction: Tufted
Surface texture: Textured pattern cut-Loop
Dye Method: Solution dyed
Pile Height: Cut: 0.25 in. Loop: 0.5 in.
Backing: EcoFlex® Matrix
Installation: Glued Down
Mohawk x Unify
Unifi is a North Carolina-based textile manufacturer focussed on becoming the world’s most sought-after performance and sustainability textile partner. By teaming up with forward-looking designers, innovators, and brands like Nike, Under Armor, Ford, Williams Sonoma, and United by Blue Unifi produces responsibly sourced products distributed around the world. Every year Unifi enters into sourcing contracts with municipalities along the East Coast and third-party buyers of used plastic bottles to create Unifi’s REPREVE® Our OceanTM collection of 100% sustainable thread (nylon, polyester, and resin).
Through their commitment to serving our planet and its people, Unifi strives to do what is right in regards to product and process as well as giving back to our communities and organizations that help take care of the environment for future generations. If Mohawk partnered with Unifi and K-12 schools around the U.S., we could collect the waste in schools that are commonly found on beaches or sent to landfills (food wrappers, water bottles/plastic caps, straws, food containers, plastic bags, binder sleeves). Once the plastic is transformed into REPREVE® yarn, it could be used as carpet fibers for Mohawk carpet and the Nature Nurtures collection. Just as the carpet tiles would benefit K-12 students in terms of reducing depression/anxiety and making more inclusive, safe solutions for those occupying schools, the students and staff would be giving back to nature by reducing waste that ends up in landfills and waterways. Nature nurtures us, now it is time for us to nurture nature.
