Milliken Carpet Contributes to Library Makeover

Lagrange, GA, June 25, 2007-- Milliken Contract Carpet has partnered with Library Journal magazine to contribute to the third annual library makeover.  The District of Columbia Public Library was chosen by the Library Journal for the interior makeover that was unveiled at the American Library Association annual conference this week. 

“This project is an excellent opportunity for suppliers catering to libraries to donate their products and showcase them in a real library setting while adding long-term value to the ALA host city”, says Francine Fialkoff, Library Journal Editor-in-Chief and project coordinator.

HMA2 Principal and project volunteer architect, Henry Myerberg, chose the Mad Professor design from Milliken’s Theory™ Collection for this project.  “I have seen Milliken at numerous ALA shows over the years and this product intrigued me,” says Myerberg.  He had been looking for a way to represent the process of learning and knowledge acquisition through books and reading and thought the Mad Professor pattern was perfect.  Myerberg also had an opportunity to work with Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC where Milliken is a strong supporter.   “This is a company that stands for something,” states Myerberg.  “The Library Journal makeover is a great opportunity to use Milliken.  Let’s do it!”  

Milliken’s Theory patterns range from loose, organic “thoughts” to definite structures, representing the development of knowledge from abstract to finite to theoretical.  Seven color families range from light to dark, drawing inspiration from campus architecture and the energy of student life.  

References to books and text appear throughout the collection, alluding to the transfer and recording of knowledge.  A graphic dot pattern conjures images of technology and the digital manipulation of text.  With names like Dewey, Mad Professor, Pop Quiz, Cram and Eureka, patterns project an edge of attitude, but provide the timelessness needed for interiors with extended renovation schedules.  

Various scales help designers coordinate spaces as small as conference rooms and as large as auditoriums.  Colors respond to the evolving nature of educational facilities, coordinating with existing finishes while providing freshly formulated selections.  Classic charcoal grays, camels, hunter greens and raisin browns are accented with vivid selections of indigo, ocean blue, ginger and crimson.  Each color family includes a signature palette of energetic and intense colorations for use in specialty areas.

“Like most learning environments the interior spaces of 21st Century Libraries are taking on a new high tech image that meets the diverse needs of today’s consumers.  The utilization of more sophisticated pattern technologies through Milliken’s digital color placement technology helps to energize interior spaces, define way finding and integrate the interior with surrounding exterior environments,” said Rick Bittner, Milliken Carpet Director of Educational Environments.  “Theory provides a fresh look that is ideal for library settings.  By specifying modular carpet with cushion backing they have also introduced other durability, comfort and acoustical advantages that reflects today’s trend toward selecting aesthetically pleasing materials that are highly flexible in multiuse interiors.”  

As with all Milliken products, Theory is entirely PVC-free and 100% sustainable. Theory’s Comfort Plus backing comes standard with ES (Engineered for Sustainability) backing with up to 35% recycled content and with the option for ESP (Engineered for Sustainability- Plus) that contains at least 10% post consumer and 20% post industrial content.  ES Backing meets Gold certification under the Sustainable Carpet Standard, NSF140, and California “Gold” Sustainable Carpet Assessment Program, while Milliken ESP Backing is “Platinum” Certified.

Another environmental performance option is TractionBack, a high-friction coating that allows carpets to be installed without traditional or “peel and stick” adhesives.  TractionBack eliminates VOCs and off-gassing, improving indoor air quality.  Milliken estimates the adhesive-free system also cuts installation time by 30%.  These environmental enhancements contribute toward LEED™ certification points.

The carpet exceeds the severe wear requirements of the carpet industry’s Appearance Retention Rating system by using Milliken WearOn nylon type 6,6 with Comfort Plus cushion backing that enhances ergonomics, acoustics and long-term wear.  AlphaSan antimicrobial technology inhibits the growth of bacteria, and an impervious moister barrier prevents spills from penetrating the backing.  Theory also includes Milliken’s exclusive StainSmart stain protectant and soil resistance technologies and is backed by a Performance First Lifetime Warranty and Quality Assurance package.