Interface redefines the space for education 06.03.2014: Positive influence of interior design on student productivity discussed at Dubai educational forum

Positive influence of interior design on student productivity discussed at Dubai educational forum
       


photo caption: Interface showcases its modular soft flooring range designed for the education market at the GESS 2014 exhibition which closes today at the Dubai World Trade Centre.    


Well-designed spaces in schools and universities can have a positive influence on student productivity, an expert from a leading carpet tile manufacturing company has said.


David Gerson, Marketing Director for Interface Europe said that as children and students move through their educational journey, their requirements may change but they all need spaces that engage them and support their learning.


Gerson addressed delegates at the recent Global Education Forum, which ran alongside the Gulf Educational Supplies and Solutions (GESS) exhibition at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre this week.


He said: “Universities and colleges should be vibrant places where students are inspired to learn, grow and express themselves in defined areas; where there are spaces to study, live and socialise; and where the environment is engaging, clean, and safe.


“As a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of carpet tiles, we understand the impact that a space can have on a student’s learning experience and believe that it’s the wealth of textures, patterns and colour combinations that give you the real power to create unique spaces for learning.


“By mixing and matching products of different colours, patterns and textures, well-defined areas for work, rest and play can be created, helping children and teachers get the most from every available space.”


Interface showcased their modular soft flooring range, featuring visually stimulating designs ideal for every lecture room, library, social area, function room, refectory and halls of residence at the GESS 2014 exhibition.


The collection features bold colours, surface textures and patterns that can create an environment for more effective learning and gives a community feel to an open space, while the carpet has a cushioning effect that offers increased comfort underfoot thereby reducing the risk of back aches and pains.


Interface has been operating in the Middle East for more than 30 years through a network of distributors and was awarded The Most Sustainable Large Corporation at the BGreen Awards in Dubai in December 2013 for the commendable progress in its manufacturing technologies, which uses 95 per cent less water now compared to 20 years ago. 


Other highlights from the most recent Interface annual data metrics portfolio suggest the carbon footprint of the average Interface product is down 19 percent since 2008 while 49 percent of the total raw materials used by the company today, are now recycled or bio-based. 


Interface has also made significant progress toward its pledge to provide Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) that detail the entire life cycle impact of a product on all its standard products; there are currently 48 registered EPDs for products made in Europe, US, Australia and Thailand.



Sharrah Kapadia , Total Communications Dubai - also photo