SCHOOL MAINTENANCE & DESIGN
noravant timber provide the benefits of rubber flooring, such as durability and ease of cleaning, while bringing the benefits of biophilic design through its woodgrain design.
Elsewhere, softer flooring solutions including carpet tiles like Crafted Connections can help create quieter, more comfortable environments suited to study and collaboration, such as libraries and communal study spaces.
Beyond performance, these variations contribute to intuitive zoning. By clearly distinguishing between social, transitional, and focused learning spaces, flooring can support wayfinding while enhancing the overall user experience.
For neurodiverse users in particular, these design considerations can reduce overstimulation and create more inclusive environments that cater to a wider range of needs.
By minimising disturbances like noise and clearly marking areas for a distinct purpose, flooring is able to help students study better and achieve more, making it an important factor for estate managers and designers to consider.
“By clearly distinguishing between social, transitional, and focused learning spaces, flooring can support wayfinding while enhancing the overall user experience.“
Breaking new ground
The impact of design-led wayfinding can be seen in projects such as the University of Derby. Working closely with Blueprint Interiors, the University’s ambition was to create a modern education space that fosters engagement, collaboration, and wellbeing for all students. A coordinated flooring strategy helped to bring this vision to life, with a variety of flooring solutions specified, including carpet tile and rubber options such as Net Effect, Works Effect, Step It Up, Broome Street, Recreation, and Norament 926. These combined to create durable, versatile, and distinct zones within the building.
From high-traffic lecture halls to collaborative breakout areas, the flooring not only meets performance and aesthetic requirements but also contributes to building an environment where students are able to better focus, interact, and innovate.
Ultimately, when students are able to spend less time lost or distracted, they can learn better and enjoy higher levels of satisfaction at university.
With a wide range of durable, design-led flooring solutions available, estates managers, specifiers and designers have scope to create intuitive, cohesive environments that support wayfinding and inclusivity. By recognising the practical value of aesthetics, education estates can better meet the needs of modern student populations.
June 2026
University of Derby
www.education-today.co.uk 39
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