The Collaboration River

For an ongoing project at the Columbia University SEAS Institute for Data Sciences and Engineering, our in-house interiors department worked with the design team to develop a distinctive approach to the floor design that would define the collaborative areas of the space. The group created a fluid, wave-like swell—using three different ocean-inspired, textured carpet tiles—that moves through the central, collaborative areas of the IDSE suite.

As the pattern navigates through the open areas of the space, the team manipulated the transition between the tile designs to help define furniture configurations planned for different uses. Proposed clusters of soft seating or group tables are arranged in ways that establish community meeting zones and promote collaboration. At the same time, the design provides smaller niches for individual use that are still public enough to support impromptu discussions.

Part of the Net Effect Collection by Interface, the carpet tiles were inspired by the ocean. The product line was developed in collaboration with the fishing community in the Philippines. Net Effect tiles are made of recycled materials and are part of a larger effort to raise awareness about the environment.