The Swallow School District's process to select flooring for the renovated spaces as a result of the 2018 referendum was featured in the
June 2022 edition of Floor Focus magazine.
As detailed by project architect Nick Kent and interior designer Laura Frydach, the selection process included input from students, staff and parents who had a chance to see two vignettes set up with the two final choices in the front lobby the day before Winter Break in December of 2019. In addition to the carpet samples, boards had been created to showcase what the spaces could look like with each sample and iPads were loaded with 3D images of the designed spaces to provide a realistic sense of what each carpet would look like in place.
Those participating in this process then had a chance to fill out a survey, which led to a 70% to 30% recommendation in favor of the carpet selected. However, many commented that they loved the other carpet's herringbone pattern, which led to the selection of the floor tile for the front lobby which is laid in a wood-look herringbone pattern.
Superintendent Melissa Thompson explained that, "Including students, staff and parents in the final selection of carpeting for shared spaces throughout the building seemed fitting. Throughout the design process we included our stakeholders as this is a building for everyone in our community. The roofline and window pattern for the replacement wing, this carpet, and the cubbies were specifically designed with input from anyone willing to provide it. The pride and excitement this created when the building was reopened in September 2020 when the choices they picked were there, were priceless!"
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