To elevate the visitor experience at the Kaffe Fassett: The Power of Pattern exhibition at Dovecot Studios in Edinburgh, two bespoke patterns were digitally printed onto the surface of Forbo Flooring Systems’ Modul’up adhesive-free vinyl.
The ‘bright, bold, and joyful’ designs reportedly helped create an immersive exhibition, while the adhesive-free vinyl contributed to the sustainability requirements on the project.
The exhibition The Power of Pattern explored the world of artist and designer Kaffe Fassett. It drew on original artworks from invited makers, as well as Kaffe and his partner Brandon Mably, textile works, photographs and archival material to illuminate the work of the distinctive artist and designer.
‘As Kaffe has such an amazing eye for pattern, colour and design, it was vital the exhibition space reflected his powerful work,’ says Ben Reiss, exhibitions manager and curator at Dovecot Studios.
‘As such, he wanted every aspect of the exhibition to be tactile and immersive. To achieve this, he designed patterns that would tie into the theme and overall aesthetic of the spaces. We contacted Forbo to see if they had a solution where Kaffe’s patterns could be digitally printed onto a floorcovering. Not only that, but we also needed a floorcovering that could be easily installed over underfloor heating, while being sustainable – and Forbo’s Modul’up adhesive-free vinyl ticked all the boxes.’
Says Forbo: ‘Forbo’s Modul’up is an adhesive-free sheet vinyl, which delivers best-in-class indentation resistance, making it suitable for heavy traffic and intense usage areas such as the Fassett exhibition. Requiring no adhesive, tackifier or double-sided tape, Modul’up can be installed quickly and can be walked on immediately after installation, which reduces downtime and minimises impact on day-to-day business.
‘What’s more, at the end of its long service life, Modul’up is also instantly ready for recycling, as once lifted, there is no adhesive residue stuck to the back of the material, and the subfloor is left clean and sound for repeat installation.’
Ben continued: ‘Kaffe designed a unique, tumbling blocks style design for the main exhibition space, which almost looks 3D as you stand on it. On top of the flooring sat brightly coloured stools, which looked like bright islands against the flooring, allowing visitors to sit down and take in the exhibition. In the smaller exhibition space, we had one of Kaffe’s first needlepoint designs printed onto the floorcovering and it looked brilliant – very realistic!’
Forbo’s Modul’up range is, the company says, available in an extensive palette of 94 designs or like Dovecot Studios, bespoke patterns can be printed onto the surface, offering a new dimension in design and colour.
The Kaffe Fassett: The Power of Pattern exhibition ran between 31 March and 8 July 2023 at Dovecot Studios in Edinburgh.
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IMAGE: Dovecot Studios in Edinburgh
