Josiah Quincy Elementary School
Boston, MA
Category: 2025 Education
Architect: HMFH ARCHITECTS
Starnet Member:
Capital Carpet & Flooring Specialists, Inc.
Starnet Preferred Vendors:
Ardex, CLIMIT, Taylor Adhesives, XL Brands, Tarkett, Johnsonite By Tarkett, C/F Data Systems, LLC
Project Strategy
The flooring at the Josiah Quincy Upper School (JQUS) in Boston was designed to reflect the diversity of the city and its student body. A vibrant color palette symbolizes this diversity, with accent colors on each floor assisting students in navigating the building. At the entrance of each classroom, colorful linoleum "welcome mats" add pops of color, giving each room its own distinct identity. This thoughtful use of color enhances the interior design by creating a playful yet focused atmosphere, ideal for a learning environment.
Linoleum flooring was chosen for its durability, ease of maintenance, and extensive range of colors, which were crucial to bringing the design’s vision of diversity to life. Carpet was used in the library to evoke a sense of comfort and warmth while improving acoustic performance in the busy space.
The flooring provides the client with durable, low-maintenance solutions. Linoleum’s ease of cleaning saves janitorial staff time and eliminates the need for harsh chemicals, promoting a healthier environment for students and educators. The carpet adds a soft, inviting feel to the library while helping to control noise.
Sustainability was a key factor in the project. The linoleum, made from rapidly renewable resources, is a low-VOC material that supports a healthy indoor environment. The selected carpet enhances acoustic performance and was chosen for its environmentally friendly properties, aligning with the school’s commitment to sustainability.
The team is thrilled to have contributed to this project, as the design blends functionality and creativity to create a student-centered space that fosters engagement, comfort, and curiosity.
