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STUDENT CHALLENGE: FORBO X ETSAB

Spatial explorations by ETSAB

  • Student Challenge ETSAB | group 2 | Forbo Flooring Systems
  • Student Challenge ETSAB | group 3 | Forbo Flooring Systems
  • Student Challenge ETSAB | group 4 | Forbo Flooring Systems
  • Student Challenge ETSAB | group 5 | Forbo Flooring Systems

The Student Challenge

Student Challenge ETSAB | group photo | Forbo Flooring Systems

Forbo Flooring X ETSAB

Recently, Forbo Flooring initiated a collaborative project with the Barcelona School of Architecture (ETSAB), a renowned European institution offering a comprehensive five-year architecture training programme to approximately 3,000 students. This was Forbo's first project with a Spanish educational institute.

The workshop took place during the final week of an ongoing educational programme focused on interior design. It was initiated and guided by Forbo Flooring and supervised by Judit López Besora, Isabel Crespo Cabillo, and Lluis Ferrer Ayuso from ETSAB. Twenty fifth-year architecture students participated, divided into five teams of four, each assigned a different task related to Forbo Flooring's design philosophy 'Dynamics of a Building', using the school's interior as the starting point.

The challenge

Each team was assigned a different part of the building and given two distinct 'dynamics' or user scenarios related to the functionality and atmosphere of that area. The teams were asked to design spaces for relaxing, waiting, moving, meeting, or working, aligned with the two chosen dynamics, using Forbo Flooring materials and solutions. They were also required to visualise the transition between the two scenarios.

Student Challenge ETSAB | students working with Forbo Flooring samples | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge ETSAB | students presenting the project | Forbo Flooring Systems

The outcome

The deliverables aimed to help viewers understand and experience the intended atmosphere. Students created scale models, brief pitches explaining their interior concepts, 3D spatial drawings, material mood boards showcasing Forbo flooring products, and animations.

At the end of the week, the students presented their projects to a team of external experts selected by the teachers. In the end, Group 3 was chosen as the winner, primarily due to their excellent use of Forbo Flooring products in a highly original yet realistic manner, combined with their convincing visualisation and presentation of the concept in both words and images.

Curious to see the results? Click on the tabs above to see all the different projects.

Group 1

Student Challenge ETSAB | mood board group 1 | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge ETSAB | concept group 1 | Forbo Flooring Systems

Framing Duality | Àngela, Marta, Helena & Rosa

'Framing Duality' aims to harmonise the distinct rhythms of the entrance and reception areas of the school. The vibrant blue of the UPC school emblem serves as both a reference point and a guide for visitors. This colour is incorporated into the outdoor pavement as tiles and extends into the main corridor of the entrance hall.

In the reception area, this cool blue is complemented by organic shapes and materials in warmer tones. The addition of green vegetation further enhances the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

The two dynamics at play in the space are: Moving and Receiving.

Materials used:

Marmoleum Cocoa 3585 |stracciatella

Surestep Original 172112 | warm mortar

Flotex Colour 290024 | calgary fire

Student Challenge ETSAB | group 1 portrait | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge ETSAB | group 1 maquette | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge ETSAB | group 1, setting up the presentation  | Forbo Flooring Systems

Group 2

Student Challenge ETSAB | group 2 mood board | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge ETSAB | drawing group 2 | Forbo Flooring Systems

Sitting Island | Carlota, Alonso, Julia & Iván

With the integration of two specially designed zones, the exhibition area has become a multifunctional space for recharging and connecting with peers.

One area is designed for disconnecting, relaxing, and refreshing after completing a project or class. Opposite this space, there is a designated area for coffee breaks—an ideal spot to sit and chat with peers while waiting for documents to be printed and batteries to be recharged at specially designed plug-in stations.

The two dynamics at play in the space are: Recharging and Connecting.

Materials used:

Flotex Colour
s246012 | metro sand, s290006 | calgary sahara


Furniture linoleum
4180 | aquavert, 4001 | clay, 4182 | spring green, 4164 | salsa, 4183 | pistachio

Student Challenge ETSAB | group 2 portrait | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge ETSAB | students working with Forbo Flooring samples | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge ETSAB | group 2 - maquette  | Forbo Flooring Systems

Group 3

Student Challenge ETSAB | group 3 | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge ETSAB | group 3 | Forbo Flooring Systems

Art is how we decorate space; music is how we decorate time | Leandro, Bruno, Sofia & Sofia

This spatial concept embodies a fusion of functionality and style, catering to diverse dynamics. It provides a space for individual users to focus and concentrate while also accommodating groups for socialising and collaboration. This multifunctional space captivates the senses and elevates experiences.

The concentration area is strategically positioned in front of a window, allowing natural light to create a serene and stimulating study environment. To actively promote social interaction, a circular dynamic stage features circular tables for exchange and collaboration, which can be easily partitioned with curtains for privacy.

A piano is placed in "The Fishbowl," serving as a gathering point for musical and social activities, while versatile tables accommodate catering and conversations.

The two dynamics at play in the space are: Connecting and Concentrating.

Materials used:

Flotex Colour
t546037 | metro apple, t546022 | metro evergreen, t546019 | metro citrus


Marmoleum Cocoa
3584 | white chocolate, 3590 | meringue, 3580 | milk chocolate


Tessera
2116 | kryptonine


Bulletin board
2186 | blanched almond

Student Challenge ETSAB | group 3 | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge ETSAB | group 3 | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge ETSAB | group 3 | Forbo Flooring Systems

Group 4

Student Challenge ETSAB | group 4 | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge ETSAB | group 4 | Forbo Flooring Systems

In between | Laia, Adrián, Catalina & Lorena

In this project, a dialogue was created between two different dynamics using a unique design: an organic double-sided bench that defines the "in-between" space. This design encourages both dynamics to coexist harmoniously, sharing a common language.

The stairwell serves as a busy thoroughfare where people move up and down the stairs, meet others heading to meetings, or exit the lift.

The corners of the stairwell platforms are designed as cozy nooks, separate from the main path, where people can have private phone calls. These two spaces exist side-by-side, highlighting their different purposes.

The two dynamics at play in the space are: Recharging and Moving.

Materials used:

Marmoleum Decibel
313635 | concrete, 313135 | scarlet


Flotex Colour
S290014 | calgary lime

Student Challenge ETSAB | Group 4 | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge ETSAB | group 4 | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge ETSAB | group 4 | Forbo Flooring Systems

Group 5

Student Challenge ETSAB | group 5 | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge ETSAB | group 5 | Forbo Flooring Systems

Green spot | Sergio, Xue, Arnau, Leidy & Macarena

‘Green spot’ invites nature inside the ETSAB. At the intersection of the main access to the Auditorium, the classrooms in the basement of the Coderch building, and an outdoor terrace, a green space has been created to connect these popular areas and provide a place to recharge.

Nature takes centre stage, transforming this once forgotten area into a place of relaxation and interaction, surrounded by plants and natural lighting.

The two dynamics at play in the space are: Recharging and Connecting.

Materials used:

Surestep Laguna
178082 | snow


Sphera Energetic
51243 | vivid snow, 50236 | thyme


Bulletin board
2207 | cinnamon bark, 2166 | nutmeg spice, 2186 | blanched almond

Student Challenge ETSAB | group 5 | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge ETSAB | group 5 | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge ETSAB | group 5 | Forbo Flooring Systems