STUDENT CHALLENGE: FORBO X LISAA 2023

Designing dynamic spaces

In 2021 and 2022, Forbo Flooring asked a group of students from LISAA (L'Institut Supérieur des Arts Appliqués), the renowned Architecture & Design Institute in Paris, to participate in a Student Challenge. Both projects were so successful that they have now resulted in a third Student Challenge with a new group of LISAA students.

Student Challenge LISAA 2023 | group photo

FORBO X LISAA, THE 2023 EDITION

30 interior architecture students, divided into ten groups of three people, embarked on a 6-week project involving the analysis and transformation of five existing buildings in various locations:

• Cartier Foundation, Ateliers Jean Nouvel | Paris
• Maggie's Centre by Amanda Levete Architects | Nottingham, UK
• LISAA Architecture d'Intérieur & Design | Paris
• Metro Porte Dauphine | Paris
• Eden Lodge luxury hotel | Paris

Barbara Brink and Paul Bès De Berc from LISAA provided guidance to the students throughout this challenge. Marijke Griffioen and Dorothé Kessels from the global design team and Cécilia Aouainia and Maeva Debrun from the French marketing team supported the project on behalf of Forbo Flooring.

The students were invited to design different spaces in one of the five locations, using Forbo Flooring's design philosophy 'The Dynamics of a Building' as a starting point. They were asked to analyse two different interactions (dynamics) taking place inside the building and visualise the specific atmospheres that could support these dynamics.

The assignment was to craft scenarios that depicted interactions based on these dynamics, incorporating sensorial experiences, and defining the ultimate environment through elements like light, colour, material, texture, pattern, accessories, and furniture. The visualisation of these atmospheres was executed digitally, tangibly with a 3D scale model, and through material mood boards.

The culmination of the project took place on June 22nd, with the presentation of the results at the newly opened Forbo Flooring showroom in Paris. The two winning groups (Sohaila, Paulette & Yasser / Malak, Duc Kien, Sara Alexia) earned the opportunity to showcase their work to international designers at Forbo Flooring's annual trend and design meeting a week later.

Curious to see the finished projects? Discover a selection of the students' projects by simply clicking on the tabs above.

VIEW

all Student Challenges

Cartier Foundation

A walk in the park | Zaineb, Noémie & Apolline

"Cartier Foundation is known to create diverse scenographies for a variety of exhibitions. For this project, we decided to make a Dior spring collection exhibition. All outfits were created by Dior, and Christian Dior’s childhood garden inspired the scenography. With a complete glass façade, the exhibition will also be visible from the outside.

Our concept for this project is to create “a walk in the park”. The scenography of our exhibition is a replica of Christian Dior's childhood garden, along with the themes and elements that define Dior. People will feel like they have entered Christian Dior's past, along with seeing some of the most famous dresses."

Our approach on the Dynamics of a Building

"We chose the dynamics receiving and moving. In order to create movement, we decided to separate the building into three parts by creating different atmospheres. The central part that serves to welcome customers and guide them to the exhibition is indicated thanks to circles printed on the floor using Forbo products.

The first exhibition hall represents the garden of Christian Dior while drawing inspiration from previous exhibitions of the house Dior, it includes a mirror representing a basin and shelves serving as displays for dresses.

The second exhibition hall represents a more traditional garden with arches serving as a display for dresses as well as a gazebo. The spectators are guided through the exhibition thanks to the floor, which differs from that of the reception."

The products that we used

Marmoleum Cocoa | 3590 meringe
Allura | 63412DR7 blond timber

LISAA

Our school as a material bank | Isaure, Léa & Amal

“The concept was to create a space that reflects what a student does at school and that reflects the school spirit; to experiment, try, search, make models, and express ideas.

We chose the entrance to reflect the receiving concept because architectural plans are suggestive, direct, and straightforward. Everyone understands this international language. When you enter, you know where you are. There are lines on the walls and the floor, as well as several symbols to discover on-site.

As you walk further into the school, there are walls with materials that you can feel and touch, so you can find and choose what suits your school project best. There are tiles in the kitchen area and there's glass in the middle to let the light pass. This space, with its crazy material combinations and welcoming sofa, can engage people in conversation and will allow students to have nice interactions."

Our approach on the Dynamics of a Building

"We chose the dynamics connecting and receiving. We included the Forbo Flooring collections along the floors, walls, and furniture of the cafeteria so the students can connect with the materials through touch and sight. Each section of the room has a version of a mood board with all the product names, reference numbers, and their characteristics.

In this way, students are fully submerged in the world of design. They are placed in an area where they will encounter the different materials at any given moment, therefore increasing their curiosity for the texture and material."

The products that we used

Sphera Element | 50001 steel
Sphera Element | 50003 light neutral grey
Coral Welcome | 3201 silver shadow

Porte Dauphine

Merging Art Deco & Art Nouveau | Paulette, Yasser, Sohaila

"First, we did some research on the history of the metro. It was inaugurated in 1900 and was designed by two architects; Hector Guimard, who was very much into art deco, and Jacques Carlu, who was more into art nouveau. That explains the current state, with the two different entrances.

One entrance is art deco, which has more decorative, organic, and round shapes, and the other entrance has the art nouveau style with more straight lines. Our mission was to merge the two design styles and create a connection between them, respecting the colour palette of the metro line and finding a solution for the functionality of a metro station."

Our approach on the Dynamics of a Building

"The dynamics that we used were moving and connecting. The first dynamic was all about senses, guidance, textures, and colours. For the dynamic 'connecting', we focused on the keywords 'encounter, spontaneous, heart of building, and inspire."

The products that we used

"We used homogeneous vinyl Colorex EC in six colours to represent the colours of the Metro lines. Colorex Signal glow (EC 250299) offers a luminous effect in the dark, ideal for markings on the floor such as emergency exits or escape routes. The human eye is most sensitive to green light, which appears brighter, which is why Colorex Signal glow lights up green in the dark."

Eden Lodge

From mini park to zen garden | Ha-Thu, Gawtamy, Enzo

"Eden Lodge has an ecological garden with specifically chosen trees based on specific criteria: hardiness, water needs, local native species, organic, and local suppliers. It's a Japanese-inspired luxury, relaxing guest house caring for the well-being of the inhabitants.

For our project, we wanted to create a warm atmosphere with red pine walls that reflect light in beautiful colours. And plenty of private places to relax, outside as well as indoors."

Our approach on the Dynamics of a Building

"We chose the dynamics recharging and moving and have created a green bubble within this luxurious hotel for all the international clients that care about well-being and sustainable development. It's relaxing and provides a comfortable space.

The linear effect of the wood stripes connects the exterior to the interior, breaking down boundaries. We also used a colour gradient to depict the gradual change from the higher traffic area (lounge) to the calmer waiting area (mezzanine)."

The products that we used

Allura DR 0.7 wood for its realistic wooden textures and large range of colours.

Stairs steps:
Allura 60168 | elegant amber oak

Mezzanine flooring:
Allura 63643 | serene natural oak

Ground floor flooring:
Allura 63663 | terra ash

Connecting the gardens:
Allura 63664 | sage ash

Seating area:
Flotex 546022 | Metro evergreen

Cartier Foundation II

Student Challenge Beckmans 2023 | group 9

Human vs. Nature | Malak, Duc Kien, Sara Alexia

"Our concept focused on connection and recharging through immersive environments representing different natural elements. Divided into six rooms with vibrant colours symbolising nature, visitors can connect with each element and recharge themselves.

Mirror walls symbolise human disconnection from nature but also encourage self-reflection and reconnection. The concept aims to raise awareness about environmental impact, inviting visitors to take responsibility and commit to a sustainable future."

Our approach on the Dynamics of a Building

"We explored the dynamics connecting and recharging. This involved creating a maze-like pathway divided into six rooms, each representing a different aspect of nature through vibrant colours. These immersive environments are designed to allow visitors to connect with nature and recharge themselves by absorbing the unique energy and qualities associated with each natural element.

The use of mirror walls within the pathway serves a dual purpose: they reflect the disconnection caused by human actions, symbolizing pollution and separation from nature, while also providing an opportunity for introspection and reconnection. Visitors are prompted to engage in self-reflection and become aware of their impact on the environment. By acknowledging this disconnection, the strategy aims to invite visitors to take responsibility and recharge their connection with nature, fostering a deeper understanding and commitment to a sustainable future."

The products that we used

Maggie's Centre

Warm and cool ambiances | Anh Nhi, Lily & Marine

"Maggie's Southampton, a pavilion in Southampton General Hospital's car park, integrates greenery into the hospital environment. The one-story building with a pinwheel-shaped plan features a communal kitchen, defined by a circular skylight, at its core. Four "blade walls" extend into the garden, dividing it, and are constructed with pastel-coloured ceramic blocks for an earthy aesthetic. The interiors maintain a calming atmosphere with open communal areas and flexible spaces, emphasising the connection to the surrounding gardens.

We based our concept on the thermal camera system: the most crowded place (the common spaces in the centre) is the warmest, therefore represented by red. The least crowded place (the quiet rooms in the extremities) is the coolest, represented by blue."

Our approach on the Dynamics of a Building

"We based our spaces on the dynamics recharching and connecting. For the first, we focused on a space that replenishes and revitalises our physical, mental, and emotional energy reserves. A space where you can take time to rest, relax, and disconnect from the demands of daily life.

The second dynamic, connecting, focuses on the exchange of energy, ideas and emotions, and bringing a sense of belonging."

The products that we used

Eternal colour 45172 | medium rainbow

Digital library | digitally printed rainbow effect on a large scale, made to measure the space with a unique design that is custom made.

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STUDENT CHALLENGE: FORBO X LISAA 2023

Designing dynamic spaces

FORBO X LISAA, THE 2023 EDITION

VIEW

A walk in the park | Zaineb, Noémie & Apolline

Our approach on the Dynamics of a Building

The products that we used

Our school as a material bank | Isaure, Léa & Amal

Our approach on the Dynamics of a Building

The products that we used

Merging Art Deco & Art Nouveau | Paulette, Yasser, Sohaila

Our approach on the Dynamics of a Building

The products that we used

From mini park to zen garden | Ha-Thu, Gawtamy, Enzo

Our approach on the Dynamics of a Building

The products that we used

Human vs. Nature | Malak, Duc Kien, Sara Alexia

Our approach on the Dynamics of a Building

The products that we used

Warm and cool ambiances | Anh Nhi, Lily & Marine

Our approach on the Dynamics of a Building

The products that we used