STUDENT CHALLENGE: FORBO X IMIAD

Exploring the versatility of linoleum

Student Challenge Stuttgart | group photo students | Forbo Flooring Systems

The student challenge

Twenty-one students of IMIAD, the interior design masters programme at Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences in Germany, explored the functional properties and potential of Marmoleum, furniture linoleum and pinboard linoleum through practical experiments and a methodical approach.

The design task was to develop new functional areas of application and design a small piece of furniture or product of choice with Forbo Flooring linoleum. The material aesthetics were to be optimised, combined, and complemented with newly designed elements and an additional ecologically sensible material.

The final prototypes were documented by the students in a photo workshop with photographer Philip Kottlorz and presented in January 2023. Supervision of the semester project was provided by Prof. Karsten Weigel, Dipl.-Des. Alexander Klein (LBA), and Dipl.-Des. Melissa Acker (AM).

Material-based design

The topic of sustainability is gaining more and more practical relevance in spatial design disciplines. Not only industry and politics, but also creative professionals and future planners can make a significant and relevant contribution to a more environmentally compatible built world.

Due to technological advancements, plastics have frequently taken the place of historically reliable materials made from natural raw materials, such as clay and linoleum. For some years now, many of these have been experiencing a veritable renaissance. Linoleum, for example, is more than "just a floor covering" and offers a wide range of design and functional features thanks to its flexible and tactile properties.

Student Challenge Stuttgart | presentation at Interzum | Forbo Flooring Systems

Successful spin-offs

The IMIAD student collaboration proved to be very successful, with lots of interesting spin-offs. In March 2023, IMIAD projects were exhibited at the Blickfang Design Fair in Stuttgart. Two months later, a selection of six beautifully crafted IMIAD prototypes could be admired in the Forbo Flooring booth during Interzum, the leading global event for the furniture and interior construction industries.

During this same period, Sophie's project Alba was shortlisted for the One and Twenty Award 2023.

Furthermore, a publication with two double pages on the project has been planned in AIT, an internationally distributed magazine for architecture and interior design.

Student Challenge Stuttgart | presentation at Interzum, Leonie | Forbo Flooring Systems

Alba

Alba | design by Sophie

Modern manufacturing techniques, computer-generated art, and organic shapes served as inspiration for Alba. A versatile table lamp that invites intuitive use and stands out for its unusual and modern shape. It consists of two parts: the lamp itself and the organically shaped base with three support points. This allows for playful, free positioning of the lamp. With the combination of dimmable light and various angles and placements, both atmospheric and functional light can be created.

Made of layered pinboard linoleum, Alba has an unusual and novel look and feel. The light encourages you to try it out and touch it. The light fixture is battery operated, and the base acts as an inductive charging station that connects to the power while the light is charging.

Once it is charged, the cable can be removed, and Alba can be freely positioned. The switch responds to touch: tapping once turns the light on and off; placing a finger on it dims the light.

Materials used:
Bulletin board 2206 | oyster shell

Sophie | Student Challenge IMIAD Stuttgart | Forbo Flooring Systems

Bender

Bender | design by Klaus-Peter

Bender is an innovative side table that harnesses the inherent flexibility of Furniture linoleum, reimagining its traditional role as a table surface. Through the technique of "kerf bending," this unique characteristic is seamlessly transferred to wood, unlocking a realm of design possibilities that were previously unexplored. The primary objective was to scrutinise its functionality, form, language, and aesthetics, thereby accentuating the distinctive qualities of linoleum as a material.

By skillfully bending the table surface at seemingly arbitrary angles, Bender creates additional storage space, while its turned table leg ensures stability. The elegant arch, achieved effortlessly through milling, evokes a powerful visual statement. The alternating coloured surfaces further enhance the expressive use of linoleum, captivating attention and appreciation.

Materials used:
Furniture linoleum 4154 | burgundy
Furniture linoleum 4157 | pearl

Boog

Boog | design by Julia

Boog is not just an ordinary stool; it effortlessly transforms into a functional side table with its flat, plain top. The defining element of its design lies in the captivating arches adorning its front. The idea is inspired by linoleum as a stock item. The "linoleum roll" is a compact form of the flat material and can be bent particularly well in one direction due to the production process.

Drawing upon these characteristics, the concept was translated into three gracefully curved webs, which hang freely and are secured within a wooden structure. The underlying framework is elegantly covered with a linoleum sheet. The upper and lower curved tracks gracefully extend from the centre, encompassing the seat and base plate. A convenient storage compartment resides beneath the seat and is accessible via a linoleum overhang at the back.

The arches themselves consist of two layers of Furniture linoleum, expertly bonded together with the paper backing layer prior to insertion. The curved shape of the arches enhances sitting comfort, providing a pleasant guide for the legs along the edges. Additionally, bulletin board furniture glides protect the floor while creating a shadow gap effect, giving the sturdy stool a visually floating appearance. Boog embodies robust stability and boasts a seamless, uniform aesthetic thanks to its "all-over" lino look.

Jean

Jean | design by Claire

Lounge chair Jean consists of a frame made with two multiplex arches scaled to different sizes and carrying a seat made out of Furniture linoleum. The linoleum easily ‘flows’ over the frame, emphasising the flexible properties of the material.

For the seat, a two-layered, stable, and durable surface is created by glueing two linoleum sheets together with the base material. Brass wood screws and matching rosettes are used to connect the surface with the frame.

Jean is designed to be used in series in lounges or waiting areas, as well as as a single piece in smaller spaces as the centrepiece of the room. The extra width of 70 cm offers the option to take a seat on the lounge chair together. A beautiful chair that invites you to linger and relax, alone or together.

Materials used:
Furniture linoleum 4154 | burgundy

Claire | Student Challenge IMIAD Stuttgart | Forbo Flooring Systems

Pac-Man

Pac-Man | design by Leonie

Pac-Man is a child-friendly seating for daycare centres, schools, and similar institutions. The object has a semicircular and flowing shape and is inspired by the video game character "Pac-Man.". The shape allows the user to have different seating and standing positions and can be used for both playing and reading.

By sliding several Pac-Mans into one another, a larger modular bench-like seating area can be formed. The two round incisions on both sides allow the user to move around the object.

The central element of the design is an organically curved strip of desktop linoleum that emphasises the flexibility of the material and completes the childlike and playful design.

Materials used:
Furniture linoleum 4157 | pearl

Rocking horse

Rocking horse | design by Sonja

When niece Rosa Sophie saw the light of day, the idea matured to design a piece of furniture for the little ones. A rocking horse, not in the classic sense with runners and a horse head, but in a more modern interpretation. Plain and simple, shaped with wood and linoleum.

The design represents a highly abstracted image of a traditional rocking horse: the horse‘s head and tail disappear into the upper shell of moulded wood. The lower moulded wood shell replaces the classic runners and ensures easy rocking back and forth. The handle for good grip remains similarly located to ensure ergonomics and is made out of Bulletin board.

Materials used:
Furniture linoleum 4157 | pearl
Bulletin board 2206 | oyster shell

Sonja | Student Challenge IMIAD Stuttgart | Forbo Flooring Systems

Slide

Slide | design by Melissa Zoe

Slide is a sideboard that takes advantage of the flexibility of linoleum. Inspired by the classic wooden cabinets of the 50s and 60s, two linoleum elements slide past each other on two grooves, allowing the furniture to be used from all sides. It can therefore also be placed in the centre of any room.

The flexible opening options allow you to determine how much of the interior to show. The focus of the design is the linoleum, which not only stands out visually due to the pattern but also enables the function.

The furniture can be transported in individual pieces and quickly assembled or disassembled.

Materials used:
Marmoleum real 3236 | dark bistre

Melissa Zoe | Student Challenge IMIAD Stuttgart | Forbo Flooring Systems

System C

System C | design by Lara

The System C shoe shelf offers a unique storage system for footwear. In its concept, the shelf design refers to linoleum as a material that was originally used for flooring.

The prototype is made from a combination of Furniture linoleum and beech wood. A framework of round beech wooden rods provides the structural basis for the linoleum shelves.

As a highlight, a double layer of linoleum sheet material is bent into a C-shape and fixated into the framework, creating compartments. By doubling the linoleum, individual colour combinations can be created. The repetition of the C-shape bended linoleum results in an exciting surface on the back of the rack.

The basis of the shoe rack is a grid that allows width and height to be configured individually and allows easy pre-fabrication. The size of the shelfing system is designed in such a way that, during production, there is as little material waste as possible.

Materials used:
Furniture linoleum 4154 | burgundy

Lara | Student Challenge IMIAD, Stuttgart | Forbo Flooring Systems

Våg

Våg | design by Hanna

Våg is a modular shelving system with flexible shelves that can be moved and adapted. Not only do items find a suitable place on the individually sliding wooden shelves, but the flexibility of linoleum also offers the possibility of storing magazines and journals in the loops between the shelves. With the use of a T-profile of anodized aluminium, a special sliding system is developed.

Våg is made of domestic hard wood, local ash wood from the Lake Constance region, purchased directly from the forester. The vivid grain of the ash wood is clearly visible on the surface, and yet the wood colour is subtle and light. The edges of the brackets of the shelving system were bevelled on four sides to achieve a high-quality and pleasant feel.

Materials used:
Furniture linoleum 4157 | pearl

Hanna | Student Challenge IMIAD Stuttgart | Forbo Flooring Systems

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