Ohio State x Mohawk Group: Carpet Design

This project focused on designing a commercial grade carpet for Mohawk Group that would positively impact the environment and human experience. To inspire the concept, we were required to develop trend forecast reports that pertained to the future of design, with an emphasis on carpet. These reports were translated into the materials, color-ways, and meaning of our carpets.

Trend Research

War is a devastating phenomenon that produces a ripple effect seen globally. Throughout history, we have been able to track how changing geopolitical conditions trickle down and affect the options of consumers. With this information, we can predict changes in consumerism, whether it be fashion, manufacturing, or expression. This information can then be used to prepare and filter products to fit wartime needs and desires.

With interruptions in global supply chains, we will see an emphasis on slow fashion, sustainable materials, and purchasing locally. Companies and consumers will consider the processes and resources required to make their clothing, especially since resources can become limited during times of war. An emphasis on slow fashion equates to an emphasis on better-quality products, fair treatment, and consumption reduction.

During times of conflict, it is human nature to want to express one’s thoughts and opinions on issues. In the past, art has been used to commemorate heroes, boost support for a certain party, or expose the realities of war. For example, Warhol’s pop art, produced primarily in the 1960s, is known for directly and indirectly commenting on the social issues derived from the Cold War. Following history, we will see artists using their talents to speak out on issues they deem pertinent.

Full Trend Forecast Report

Visual Positioning Board

Concept

Whether it be international or interpersonal, humans are perpetually faced with conflict. Living in a state of chaos and disarray, especially one as extreme as war, leaves lasting physical and psychological effects on sufferers. With the Humanity collection, Mohawk is emphasizing the importance of slowing life down and taking a step back from the violence that is spread through conflict. We believe that with a return to humanity in everyday environments, we can help foster positive relations and an overall state of wellbeing.

Since World War II, the workplace has become an increasingly competitive and negative environment. By taking cues from hospitality design, we wish to reverse this trend and bring back comfort. Instead of focusing on productivity and deadlines, we want to emphasize human interaction and meaningful experiences with the Humanity collection. Modeling off of Durkan, this hospitality carpet tile will be integrated into workspaces to promote creativity, relaxation, and a feeling of home.

The importance of self-expression and art during times of conflict is exemplified through the two patterns offered in the Humanity collection. By combining the sharp, angular forms of expressionist art with the bold, contrasting colors of Pop-art, this carpet’s pattern encapsulates the passion and exposition of war art. The forms in the pattern were inspired by the work of Franz Kline, who was part of the Abstract Expressionist movement of the 1940s and 50s. The four colorways were inspired by the color schemes in Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe (1967).

Sustainability

Much of the trauma and psychological harm derived from war is facilitated by the weapons used in combat. To create the Humanity tiles, these methods of destruction will be recycled and used as fibers in the carpet.

In particular, firearms can be melted down and transformed into carpet fibers due to their substantial plastic content. The Glock 17, a widely used military firearm, was re-engineered in the late twentieth century to be made up of as much plastic as possible. This weapon that is capable of causing so much harm can be recycled to create a product that not only positively influences the human experience, but also the environment.

Mohawk’s Durkan PDI Tile already is produced in the USA and uses EcoFlex Air backing, which is made up of 58% recycled content. The ColorStrand fiber contains a total of 38% pre-consumer and 12% post-consumer recycled content, so adding recycled firearms to the process will only boost the product’s sustainability and environmental impact.

Carpet Design

This carpet tile can be used in commercial spaces with a focus on “workspitality,” which is the application of hospitality trends into workspaces. It is made of ColorStrand® yarn, which is durable enough to withstand the high foot traffic of populated areas. It can be purchased in 24” x 24” tiles to accommodate the typical workplace layout. The cut and loop texture emphasizes the movement of the pattern, while still remaining subtle. The tile can be installed using the quarter-turn or random installation method.