Forbo Flooring x Cesine
This project is a real case study of how to design the Forbo Flooring showroom in Madrid in such a way that it showcases the beauty and diversity of the total product portfolio while incorporating sustainable design solutions.
The design challenge
As part of the Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design at the School of Design and Creation in Santander, Spain, students were challenged to develop a design concept for the renovation of our Forbo showroom in Madrid. The showroom is envisioned not only as a showcase for our extensive product portfolio and brand values, but also as a tangible expression of our mission, "Creating Better Environments," which reflects our commitment to enhancing people's well-being while promoting environmental sustainability.
Five pillars of sustainable architecture:
Throughout the course, under the guidance of Professor Jorge Villamor Cantera, the students explored how design can reduce the environmental impact of each phase of a building’s life cycle. Their work focused on using resources responsibly, preventing unnecessary waste and maximising the value and lifespan of the materials selected.
Their showroom concepts were shaped by five pillars of sustainable architecture: optimising resources and materials, reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency, using renewable energy, minimising waste and emissions, and enhancing occupants’ quality of life. By applying these principles to their proposals, the students were encouraged to create spaces that are visually engaging, practical and environmentally responsible.
Bringing the design into practice
The winning team may have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Madrid showroom project alongside Forbo Flooring Systems. This would allow the students to take their concept beyond the academic setting and gain first-hand insight into how an interior design proposal is refined and translated into practice.
Working with a real brief, a physical location and a defined product portfolio provides an authentic professional experience. Throughout the challenge, students must balance creativity with practical requirements, sustainability considerations and brand values before presenting their proposal to a jury that includes Forbo representatives. The process also helps them develop valuable skills in concept development, material selection, collaboration and professional presentation.
The assignment
Each team was asked to create a comprehensive proposal for the renovation of Forbo’s Madrid showroom, based on the Dynamics of a Building (DOAB) philosophy. Their concepts needed to feature at least two distinct environments, each reflecting a different dynamic and showcasing products from across Forbo’s portfolio.
The designs had to use at least two Marmoleum products, selected from the Marbled or Solid range as the primary flooring. They also had to incorporate Furniture Linoleum, Bulletin Board, Coral and at least one Flotex product. Students were encouraged to combine product families thoughtfully, apply Forbo’s global colour palette consistently and explain their material choices, considering sustainability criteria such as circularity, natural raw materials, local sourcing and durability.
