Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Designing Flexible, Inclusive Learning Spaces with Purposeful Flooring

  • 03/12/26

Mannington Commercial leaders Cindy Kaufman and Roby Isaac discuss how their “Crafted with Purpose” design philosophy informs products for education environments from K–12 through higher ed, with an emphasis on domestic manufacturing, sustainability, and performance. They highlight two major priorities in educational design: flexibility to support multiple learning modes (traditional instruction, small-group work, individual focus, and hands-on STEM/STEAM activities) and designing for neurodiversity by enabling learners to control and adapt their space. They explain how flooring contributes through wayfinding and zoning to reduce friction and clarify purpose, as well as through acoustics, using carpet for sound dampening, comfort, and aesthetics. They also describe Mannington’s Design Solutions team, which creates floor plate layouts using modular products to help designers achieve intent, and encourage a holistic approach that includes research on neurodiversity and biophilic design.

00:00 Meet Mannington Leaders
01:11 Crafted with Purpose
01:41 Flexible Learning Modes
02:37 Designing for Neurodiversity
03:22 Flooring for Wayfinding
03:58 Acoustics and Comfort
04:56 Design Solutions Service
06:02 Holistic Design Priorities
07:03 Closing Thoughts

Additional resources:

Sponsored by Mannington Commercial

Featured

  • Houston K–12 District Opens New Elementary School

    The Lamar Consolidated Independent School District (Lamar CISD) recently announced the completion of a new elementary school in a western suburb of Houston, Texas, according to a news release. Haygood Elementary School measures in at 110,000 square feet, has the capacity for 854 students, and is the first of three new schools scheduled to be built in the Cross Creek West community.

  • Wisconsin District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    The School District of La Crosse in La Crosse, Wis., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff of two existing schools, according to local news. Funding for the school comes from a $53-million referendum approved in 2024.

  • Hawaii Elementary School Breaks Ground on New Classroom Building

    Kealakehe Elementary School in Kailua, Hawaii, recently began construction on a new, $16-million classroom building for its campus, according to a news release. The 13,000-square-foot building will stand two stories and connect the existing upper and lower campuses.

  • DFW-Area District Opens New Replacement Middle School

    The Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District near Fort Worth, Texas, recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new replacement middle school campus, according to a news release. The new facility for Wayside Middle School, originally established in 1964, was built on the site of the former district administration building and funded through Bond Proposition A in 2023.