Designing Spaces That Empower Students: A Community Room Reimagined

^{Young designers enjoying their new community room.}

What happens when young people are given the tools — and the trust — to redesign their own space? At the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)’s South Beach Houses in Staten Island, the answer is a bright, welcoming community room that reflects creativity, pride and a sense of belonging. 

This transformation started with the Salvadori Center’s STEAM Innovators program, where 4th–8th grade students worked alongside volunteers from Perkins Eastman to reimagine a room they use every day. They sketched ideas, built models, created material boards and even managed a real project budget. Their goal? Creating a space that feels safe, fun and truly theirs.

Turning Students’ Ideas Into Reality

Big ideas need support, and this is where the design community stepped in. Shaw Contract joined the effort by donating PVC-free EcoWorx™ Resilient flooring. Commercial flooring contractor and industry partner Consolidated Flooring donated the installation of EcoWorx Resilient style Experiment. Together with industry partners Sherwin-Williams, Steelcase and Smith System® these contributions helped bring the students’ vision to life.

“Perkins Eastman was honored to join the Salvadori Center’s STEAM Innovators program, working alongside the bright and determined students of New York City Housing Authority South Beach Houses as they boldly reimagined their community room. Our volunteers supported them every step of the way — reviewing sketches, refining ideas, digitizing drawings and celebrating their final presentation — witnessing firsthand the creativity and pride that flourishes when young people are empowered to shape their own environment,” said Russell Scheer, Senior Associate at Perkins Eastman.

_{Pictured from left: Dana Castillo, Shaw Contact; Nasra Nimaga, NOMA; Russell Scheer, Perkins Eastman; Nicholas Leahy, Perkins Eastman}

Why EcoWorx™ Resilient Was Chosen for the Public Housing Design Project

For a space that will see plenty of activity, durability and sustainability are key. EcoWorx Resilient is great PVC-free resilient product choice for a high-traffic community center.

• PVC-free and fully recyclable, supporting a healthier environment
• Low carbon footprint, designed for circularity · 
• Built to last, extreme durability, with advanced scratch resistance and protection against stains and disinfectants.

And when its life cycle ends? EcoWorx Resilient can be recycled into new EcoWorx products, closing the loop and reducing waste. Learn more about Shaw Contract’s Environmental Guarantee details. 

Want to learn more about EcoWorx™ Resilient and how it supports sustainable commercial design? 

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_{PVC-free EcoWorx resilient style Experiment installed at the New York City Housing Authority}