• DESIGN
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Clerkenwell Design Week 2025: Flooring at the Heart of Purposeful Design

May, 2025

Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 delivered more than design inspiration. It challenged attendees to rethink the purpose behind the spaces we create. The clear message? Design must now respond to bigger societal needs—placing equal importance on sustainability, wellbeing, and community.

For those in the flooring sector, this presents a valuable opportunity to lead with both innovation and intention.

From Human-Centred to Life-Centred Design

One of the biggest shifts this year was the move from human-centred to life-centred thinking. Today’s design approach considers not only the end user, but also ecosystems, mental health, and sensory needs.

Flooring, often overlooked in interior planning, is now recognised for its impact on how a space feels and functions. From texture and acoustics to thermal comfort and pattern psychology, flooring plays a vital role in creating inclusive, calming, and stimulating environments. This is especially important in settings that support neurodiversity and mental wellbeing.

Sustainability Moves Beyond Carbon

Sustainability remained a key theme—but this year, the conversation went far beyond carbon footprints. The focus has shifted to material transparency, circular design, and digital product traceability.

There’s growing awareness that responsible design includes social equity, long-term value, and smart end-of-life planning. For flooring, this means using recyclable backings, modular formats for reuse, and material declarations that meet strict new standards.

Designing for Connection in a Digital Age

Another trend was the need to rebuild physical community in an increasingly digital world. Designers are being asked to create places that foster real connection—spaces that balance collaboration and quiet, offer comfort, and support diverse working styles.

Flooring plays a key part here too. It helps define zones, improve acoustics, and introduce biophilic elements like natural textures and colours that boost wellbeing.

Meeting a Diversity of Needs

Today’s users aren’t all looking for the same thing. Some crave simplicity and control, while others seek bold self-expression or tech-integrated experiences.

As a result, flooring solutions must meet a wide range of emotional and functional needs. The modern workplace must support focus, interaction, diversity, and shared experience—all within the same space.

In summary, Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 showed that flooring is much more than a surface. It’s a storytelling tool, a contributor to wellbeing, and a driver of sustainable design.

As the built environment continues to evolve, flooring will remain essential in creating spaces that are inclusive, resilient, and genuinely human-centred.

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