Dovecot Studios

FORBO ASSISTS THE POWER OF PATTERN

To elevate the visitor experience at The Power of Pattern exhibition at Dovecot Studios in Edinburgh, two bespoke patterns were digitally printed on the surface of Forbo Flooring Systems’ adhesive free vinyl Modul'up. The bright, bold and joyful designs have helped to create an immersive exhibition, whilst the adhesive free vinyl has contributed to the sustainability requirements on the project.

The exhibition The Power of Pattern illuminates the world of distinctive artist and designer Kaffe Fassett, as well as drawing on original artworks by his partner Brandon Mably and invited makers. The works include textiles, photographs and archival material.

“As Kaffe has such an amazing eye for pattern, colour and design, it was vital that the exhibition space reflected his powerful work”, says Ben Reiss, Exhibitions Manager and Curator at Dovecot Studios. “As such, he wanted every aspect of the exhibition to be tactile and immersive. To achieve this, he designed patterns that would tie into the theme and overall aesthetic of the spaces. We contacted Forbo to see if they had a solution where Kaffe’s patterns could be digitally printed onto a floor covering. Not only that, but we also needed a floor covering that could be easily installed over underfloor heating, whilst being sustainable – and Forbo’s Modul’up adhesive free vinyl ticked all the boxes.”

Forbo’s Modul’up is an adhesive free sheet vinyl, which delivers best in class indentation resistance, making it the ideal solution for heavy traffic and intense usage areas – like the Fassett exhibition. Requiring no adhesive, tackifier or double-sided tape, Modul’up can be installed quickly and can be walked on immediately after installation, which reduces downtime and minimises impact on day-to-day business.

What’s more, at the end of its long service life, Modul’up is also instantly ready for recycling, as once lifted, there is no adhesive residue stuck to the back of the material, and the subfloor is left clean and sound for repeat installation.

Ben continued: “Kaffe designed a unique, tumbling blocks style design for the main exhibition space, which almost looks 3D as you stand on it. On top of the flooring, sit brightly coloured stools, which look like bright islands against the flooring, allowing visitors to sit down and take in the exhibition. Within the smaller exhibition space, we have one of Kaffe’s first needlepoint designs printed onto the floor covering and it looks brilliant – very realistic!”

Forbo’s Modul’up range is available in an extensive palette of 94 designs or like Dovecot Studios, bespoke patterns can be printed onto the surface, offering a new dimension in design and colour.