Thrive – A Blog by MooreCo

Health-Conscious Design and Covid-19

Written by MooreCo Inc | Mar 31, 2020 7:48:15 PM

Health-Conscious Design and Covid-19

In the midst of a global pandemic, it's more important than ever to avoid the spread of illness. As people continue to practice social distancing, schools and office buildings await their return. Now is the time to think about how to design workspaces and classrooms with health-consciousness as a foundation, so that going forward, everyone is protected. Choosing furniture and office items that are easy to disinfect and antimicrobial will reduce the risk of spreading infection to others, keeping your patients, students, and employees healthy and happy.

We Can Help...

Designing a workspace with well-being at its core is easy when you know what materials and fabrics to look for. Mooreco has been a trusted name in design for over 35 years, because we’ve included well-being as a core element of creation in all of our products. If you’re looking for ways to keep your community working and well, we can help.

Below are just a few of the many products we offer that can help you rebuild an office or school space that is functional, beautiful, and above all: health-conscious.

 Porcelain Steel Desks

When it comes to reducing the spread of germs in the classroom, the best choice for students are porcelain steel desks. Porcelain steel is impervious to moisture, making it resistant to bacteria. According to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), porcelain has a water absorption rate of 0.5 percent. This makes it a superior choice for material when considering reducing the spread of germs. Wooden desks, by contrast, have a much higher absorption rate, trapping the water particles that can lead to mold and mildew. Porcelain steel also provides a smooth surface that’s easy to disinfect with common household cleaners.

Chairs

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dust is considered an environmental source of germs. In the workplace, at hospitals, and at schools, it’s especially important to choose furniture items that will not easily collect dust and lead to the spread of infection. Our Opti+ Chairs with Cantilever Framing provide limited space between the floor and the chair leg, preventing the collection of dust particles and germs. Four-legged chairs tend to collect dust more easily and can be difficult to clean.

Mobile Teacher’s Desk

Featuring Wilsonart’s Laminate surface, this durable teacher’s workstation contains antimicrobial protection that prohibits the growth of damaging microbes that can lead to infection and illness. The base features a locking cabinet that keeps teaching materials safe, clean, and organized. The wheelbase for this workstation allows for movement as needed, enabling each educator to create space and social distancing when necessary.

Vinyl Fabric for Soft Seating

Dr. Kelly Reynolds is an associate professor at the University of Arizona’s Zuckerman College of Public Health. She points to research that found that harmful bacteria can be transferred to soft seating and then back to people. This could lead to the spread of infection. Without the help of a precise vacuum hose attachment, these seating surfaces are difficult to clean, and many are incompatible with disinfectant cleaners like bleach. Vinyl fabric on soft seating can drastically reduce the spread of germs from upholstery to people. The vinyl surface ensures that dirt and grime won’t be easily trapped beneath fibers is easy to clean with a simple antibacterial wipe.

Our goal is to continue to provide the highest quality products, designed with your long-term success and well-being in mind. Mooreco is proud to have furnished offices, schools, and healthcare settings for many years, and we care deeply about your safety and satisfaction. Let us know if there’s anything we can do to assist you in your design journey to help you feel more secure in an ever-changing world.