Glasgow Caledonian University

The future looks bright for students at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) thanks to its newly refurbished airy and inviting library space. Using Forbo Flooring Systems’ Marmoleum Modular in contrasting colours and designs, a unique yet functional flooring design has been created, which has also led the project to be recognised as the winner of the Highly Commended award in the 2016/17 UK Fly Forbo competition.

After ten years of heavy footfall, the university’s library was in need of a refresh and so Glasgow-based visual artist Toby Paterson was enlisted to work on a new flooring design. After a visit to Forbo’s Kirkcaldy factory, Toby fell in love with the juxtaposition of Marmoleum Modular Lines with it’s plank format against the calming, pastel blue shade from the Marmoleum Marbled sheet collection.

Toby, a graduate of Glasgow School of Art, has a long-standing relationship with the GCU and was named a Cultural Fellow of the university in 2011, after his many years of working on various projects within the University. Toby has been the recipient of several public commissions, notably the completed Powder Blue Orthogonal Pavilion, part of the Portavilion project in London and the Docklands Light Railway for the London Olympics in 2012.

Speaking about the recent library refurbishment, Toby said: “The combination of the different Marmoleum designs and formats worked perfectly together to create a modern, yet practical area for the students to socialise and study within. The calming pastel colours have been used to differentiate the various activity areas, while the linear aesthetic of Marmoleum Modular Lines has been used to establish walkways and help the students with way-finding.”

Pauline McDonald, Project Co-ordinator at Glasgow Caledonian University said: “The floor surface of the library is very large and open and so, the seamless coverage and durability offered by Marmoleum appealed to us – as did the scope for working with the variety of colours and designs that the collection has to offer. The students seem to really enjoy the new space as it is now a relaxing place to eat, socialise and study.”