Planning a space? Here’s why you should put flooring on the priority list

MANILA, Philippines – How often do we notice the floor we’re stepping on? Maybe when something is out of the ordinary: a pothole, a loose tile, a slippery spot. But more often than not, we just take it for granted.

We look at the walls, the furniture, and even up at the ceiling but not always down on the floor. But do you know that this very thing that we often ignore can affect the way we feel, think, and work?

“As clichéd as it sounds, we often just step on it and forsake it. Designers are usually concerned about the colors, patterns, and the maintenance. But more than that, it is very important since it covers much of our space or our office–it is everywhere,” said Adrian Diaz, managing director at Studio ATD, a group of passionate designers, space planners, and flooring experts. “As much as its aesthetics can affect the users, the floor plays a big role in acoustics, behavior and overall well-being of those who stand and step on it. “

So, how does stepping on a floor affect our well-being?

According to Diaz, their clients would often complain about the noise being produced by certain floor finishes. Without carpeting, noise can easily bounce off the floor, not to mention the clickity clack of shoes and stilettos. And a noisy office, of course, can distract employees, affecting their productivity at work.

“Noise and acoustics have many effects on the productivity of its users on a physical and behavioral level. Noise adds to the stress of the employees and this also leads to less motivation to workers. Good acoustics allow employees to multi-task and increase productivity,” said Diaz.

Now that more and more companies are adopting open plan offices, employees are getting less peace and quiet and more exposure to noise coming from the neighboring table, the pantry, or the conference room.

This is why Studio ATD is encouraging offices to take flooring into consideration right from the very beginning of space planning.

“The flooring, in terms of looks, must consider not only the preferences of the owners or the company that it will be in. It must take into account how it will be used and how much abuse it will take,” said Diaz. “It is important to take note how much foot traffic it will absorb.”

For offices, Diaz highly recommends using carpets because of its acoustic properties that’s perfect for a workplace setting.

“What’s beneath the carpet is what adds value to it. The cushion below the yarn plays a significant role in adding acoustic properties to a space. Good quality backing helps in the reduction and absorption of noise whether it comes from footsteps or other noise in general,” said Diaz. “It also plays a very important role in absorbing the pressure from being stepped on. The better the quality of the cushion backing, the longer you are able to retain the design and the more comfort it provides to its users.”

For those of you who are worried that carpets may not be suitable to those with asthma, Diaz would like to debunk this myth. Carpets actually help in keeping the office cleaner because the dust and dirt are contained on the floor instead of floating around the air people breathe.

“Carpets also have an aspirational effect on its users. Carpets often convey a feeling of being special or important. If you work in an office that makes you feel special or important, then you become more productive and inspired to work better.”

This 2019, Studio ATD wants more and more offices to have the right flooring for their needs.

Expect products and services that not only contribute to the well-being of its users but as well as the well-being of the environment.

“We want to offer our customers the products that has a holistic effect.” – Rappler.com

Studio ATD, recognized floor experts, is the trusted distributor of global brands like Royal Thai and Carpets Inter. Helping and working together with designers and clients to craft the right carpet solution for their space.