Interior Design towards the Sustainable Environment: People, Environment, Design, Technology

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Interior architecture and new paradigms in the realm of sustainable environment pose new challenges to designers and outline novel areas for research. We would like to invite you to report upon your insights into this subject considering the following four areas of interest.

People. Spaces within architectural interiors should be designed to support its occupants’ both mental and physical well-being:

• Research on spatial solutions that keep the inhabitant in good health: interior space as a basic health preservation tool;
• Ergonomic studies and experiments on qualitative and quantitative universal and inclusive interiors for people with disabilities;
• Research and design that foster the virtue of sleep (dynamic lighting), daily rhythm maintenance and colour therapy (chromotherapy);
• Model and simulation studies that guide safety solutions;
• Model research for solutions that create mental comfort and promote a sense of belonging and happiness.

• Experimental and qualitative research on natural and traditional materials, and their application in architectural interiors;
• Experimental and qualitative research on low-energy production and recycled materials, and their application in architectural interiors;
• The concept of reuse and recycling elements that have been recovered in novel contemporary interior design case studies.

• Research on the spatial concepts of sharing: co-working and co-housing;
• Research on new time and spatial strategies: the arrangement of jobs and residences in the context of social and cultural changes, such as the expansion of remote work;
• Application of visual perception analysis: for example, using the eye tracking technique in interior architecture research, and the application of specific research techniques, such as encephalography;
• Structural and functional analyses: optimal distribution of functional areas, the space model, the distribution of activity and the analysis of the neighbourhood of rooms, and the distribution of focused components in workspaces.

• Research on the implementation of dynamic furniture, and high-tech solutions in experiments on furniture, prototypes and analysis;
• Modelling, qualitative research, and experimental solutions regarding domotics and techniques that aim to provide services to interior users;
• Technical Equipment: HVAC, water–sewage installations, electrical and gas installations.

Prof. Dr. Oleg Kapliński
Prof. Dr. Agata Bonenberg
Prof. Dr. Jan Słyk
Prof. Dr. Wojciech Bonenberg
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Architecture architecture	-	-	2021	26.4 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Buildings buildings	3.8	3.1	2011	14.6 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Energies energies	3.2	5.5	2008	16.1 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ijerph	-	5.4	2004	29.6 Days	CHF 2500	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.9	5.8	2009	18.8 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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30 pages, 1444 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Design Thinking in Lighting Design to Meet User Needs

by Kamil Kubiak

Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3561; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su16093561 - 24 Apr 2024

Viewed by 217

Abstract

In the age of noticing the adverse effects of our activities on the climate, we pay more and more attention to designing sustainable solutions. Assumptions made during such sustainable designs often do not fulfil user needs. Therefore, we frequently encounter discrepancies, such as [...] Read more.

In the age of noticing the adverse effects of our activities on the climate, we pay more and more attention to designing sustainable solutions. Assumptions made during such sustainable designs often do not fulfil user needs. Therefore, we frequently encounter discrepancies, such as higher energy consumption and user modifications in the building systems compared to the design and use stages. To mitigate these problems in the lighting design context, the author describes the proposed lighting design method based on the Design Thinking methodology and concerns the commonly applied basic lighting design process. As an example design, an office room interior and lighting design are presented using the Design Thinking method described by the author. The utilised method allowed us to learn about problems that are only sometimes typical for offices and enter them into the design scope. The article contains a detailed analysis and comparison of normative requirements with users’ needs, collected from four room users and six guests. The discrepancies between the sustainable design and use stages presented in the article can be considered reduced, and users’ interference in the operation of devices will be eliminated due to meeting users’ needs and thus achieving sustainable goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Interior Design towards the Sustainable Environment: People, Environment, Design, Technology)

16 pages, 2218 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Beyond Sleep: Investigating User Needs in Today’s Bedrooms

by Demet Dincer, Christian Tietz and Kerem Dalci

Buildings 2024, 14(4), 1061; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/buildings14041061 - 10 Apr 2024

Viewed by 415

Abstract

This study investigates the current use of bedrooms to fill a knowledge gap in the existing sleep studies literature by focusing on user preferences and their needs. Despite substantial research into the optimal physical conditions for sleep, there remains a gap in understanding [...] Read more.

This study investigates the current use of bedrooms to fill a knowledge gap in the existing sleep studies literature by focusing on user preferences and their needs. Despite substantial research into the optimal physical conditions for sleep, there remains a gap in understanding how individuals use their bedrooms today. As an initial step to bridge this gap, we employed a mixed-method research approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative data results. A survey including multiple-choice and open-ended questionnaire items was undertaken in Australia with 304 participants. Our research findings indicate that ‘having a separate bedroom in a house’ is the most common arrangement. However, other arrangements, such as living in a bedsit or sharing a bedroom, are indicators of diverse bedroom conditions. In total, 70% of respondents stated that they would like to make changes to their bedrooms for physical, functional, comfort-based, and aesthetic reasons, with comfort ranked as the highest. The majority of respondents stating they would not make any modifications in their bedrooms were found to be owner-occupiers. Mattress quality and privacy emerged as the most significant factors impacting the respondents’ bedroom experience, and female participants were reported to place higher importance on cleanliness compared to male participants. Additionally, preferences for sleeping alone or with a partner were found to shift with age. Based on our findings, we suggest that survey-based sleep studies should evaluate the bedroom arrangements before the individual’s sleep habits. Further studies are needed to understand how privacy needs influence sleep quality. From a built environment viewpoint, this study emphasizes the need to develop bedroom design solutions tailored to optimize bedroom conditions, particularly for rental tenants who often have limited control over the physical conditions of their sleep environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Interior Design towards the Sustainable Environment: People, Environment, Design, Technology)

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23 pages, 5663 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Ability Performance in Interior Design and Architecture: Comparison of Static and Virtual Reality Modes

by Ji Young Cho and Joori Suh

Buildings 2023, 13(12), 3128; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/buildings13123128 - 17 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1372

Abstract

Recent advancements in virtual reality (VR) technology have enabled its integration into learning diverse aspects of spatial components and relationships in the field of spatial design, as well as designing, communicating, collaborating, and managing complex building projects. With the growing interest in incorporating [...] Read more.

Recent advancements in virtual reality (VR) technology have enabled its integration into learning diverse aspects of spatial components and relationships in the field of spatial design, as well as designing, communicating, collaborating, and managing complex building projects. With the growing interest in incorporating VR technology in spatial design, examining whether people understand, perceive, and perform spatial tasks in the same way in VR as they do in static modes is essential. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare spatial ability performance in a conventional static paper–desktop mode and an interactive VR mode. Thirty students completed the Architecture and Interior Design Domain–Specific Spatial Ability Test in both modes. Their visual cognitive style was measured with the Object–Spatial Imagery Questionnaire, and their responses to the usability of the VR mode were analyzed. The results revealed: (a) significant difference in performance between static and VR modes, including better performance in three spatial visualization subconstructs in static mode than in VR; (b) no gender difference in VR mode; (c) a tendency of spatial visualizers to benefit from VR mode; and (d) a tendency of people with high spatial ability to be more susceptible to test mode. Overall, the results contribute to expanding our understanding of spatial ability performance in different test modes and provide insights concerning the integration of VR into the development of spatial ability tools and education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Interior Design towards the Sustainable Environment: People, Environment, Design, Technology)

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28 pages, 7371 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Validation of Light Environment Simulation with Actual Measurements

by Juhyang Park, Kyungsun Lee and Kirim Kim

Buildings 2023, 13(11), 2742; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/buildings13112742 - 30 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1005

Abstract

The quality of indoor lighting significantly influences human well-being, emphasizing the need to integrate lighting planning into the architectural design process. To optimize indoor lighting conditions, light environment simulations are commonly employed. While much of the relevant literature clearly shows that simulations are [...] Read more.

The quality of indoor lighting significantly influences human well-being, emphasizing the need to integrate lighting planning into the architectural design process. To optimize indoor lighting conditions, light environment simulations are commonly employed. While much of the relevant literature clearly shows that simulations are widely used to predict lighting environments, there is limited active research validating these simulations. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the alignment between actual measurements and simulations, specifically focusing on daylight-induced glare. To achieve this, a comparative analysis and verification of glare levels between simulations and actual measurements were conducted that accounted for glare location and direction. Disparities between the simulated and measured glare levels were revealed contingent on the glare location and direction. These variations primarily arose from the simulation’s utilization of a fisheye field of view (FOV) for glare measurement. To improve the accuracy of glare analysis in simulations, it is advisable to follow the standards related to the human perception of glare, such as the human field of view (FOV), instead of solely depending on a fisheye FOV. The study’s limitations include challenges in environmental replication, minor measurement errors, and tree branch shading interference. Despite the potential for simulations to not replicate temporary glare effects, consistent differences with actual measurements indicate that the fisheye FOV was a key contributing factor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Interior Design towards the Sustainable Environment: People, Environment, Design, Technology)

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17 pages, 3582 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Residential Interior Design for People with Special Needs in Thailand Based on Physical Abilities: Age, Gender, and Living Environment Considerations

by Pattamon Selanon and Warawoot Chuangchai

Buildings 2023, 13(9), 2170; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/buildings13092170 - 26 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1816

Abstract

Residential interior design for people with special needs necessitates more specific research, especially with respect to physical abilities. Previous studies, as opposed to general people, have overlooked the nuanced requirements generated by age, gender, and living environment differences. This study aims to examine [...] Read more.

Residential interior design for people with special needs necessitates more specific research, especially with respect to physical abilities. Previous studies, as opposed to general people, have overlooked the nuanced requirements generated by age, gender, and living environment differences. This study aims to examine physical abilities across different ages, genders, and residencies and identify relationships between in-home mobility and physical abilities among people with special needs. A total of 384 participants (eight different types of disabilities) completed electronic questionnaires. Among young, adult, and older groups, physical abilities and self-support showed statistical differences. Males demonstrated higher physical ability levels but decreased hand–arm movements than females. Greater physical abilities and subjective health were found in urban residents compared to non-urban residents. Additionally, in-home mobility was positively associated with out-of-home mobility, physical abilities, independence, and subjective health (all p values < 0.05). Thus, physical abilities revealed disparities across ages, genders, and resident settings. Also, the greater the mobility inside the house, the more possibilities there are to enhance physical abilities both inside and outside the house, independence, and subjective health. Design recommendations are provided regarding layout, furniture, flooring, and lighting. The consideration of these specific requirements in residential interior design is encouraged. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Interior Design towards the Sustainable Environment: People, Environment, Design, Technology)

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24 pages, 5471 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

An Exploration of Biophilic Design Features within Preschool Interiors

by Ibtisam Mohammed, Zeynep Onur and Çiğdem Çağnan

Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 11913; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su151511913 - 02 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1764

Abstract

This study examined the incorporation of biophilic elements in Duhok preschool interiors and integrated them into the Biophilic Interior Design Matrix (BID-M). This approach holds great promise for the development of restorative environments. The Biophilic Design Matrix (BDM) is based on Kellert’s list [...] Read more.

This study examined the incorporation of biophilic elements in Duhok preschool interiors and integrated them into the Biophilic Interior Design Matrix (BID-M). This approach holds great promise for the development of restorative environments. The Biophilic Design Matrix (BDM) is based on Kellert’s list of biophilic design attributes, adjusted to suit preschool interiors. Photos and plan drawings were employed as methods to analyze 59 interior spaces within six preschools, both private and public. The biophilic matrix revealed the presence of 30% of biophilic attributes in the analyzed spaces, with an average score of 16.45 out of 53 total points. Individual scores ranged from 8 to 22 for each space, highlighting variations in biophilic design within the six preschools. Notably, the study identified a lack of biophilic features that foster human–nature relationships in the majority of preschools, albeit minimally observed in some spaces. Conversely, the environmental features scored higher than the average. This research highlights the importance of enhancing biophilic design elements, especially those that strengthen human–nature relationships. The results enhance biophilic design in educational settings, promoting nature-centered, restorative environments for future interventions. Furthermore, we propose an innovative approach for assessing and incorporating biophilia in interiors, recognizing its positive impact on human health and wellbeing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Interior Design towards the Sustainable Environment: People, Environment, Design, Technology)

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28 pages, 30156 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Sign System Design for a Medical Facility: A Virtual Environment Study on Wayfinding Behaviors

by Ching-Yuan Wang, Ching-I Chen and Meng-Cong Zheng

Buildings 2023, 13(6), 1366; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/buildings13061366 - 23 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2067

Abstract

The National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) is a significant institution in modern medicine in Taiwan. Its West Campus, the oldest medical center in the country, has been recognized as a municipal historic site due to its architectural and historical importance. However, visitors have [...] Read more.

The National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) is a significant institution in modern medicine in Taiwan. Its West Campus, the oldest medical center in the country, has been recognized as a municipal historic site due to its architectural and historical importance. However, visitors have faced navigation difficulties for a long time. To address this issue, a study was conducted to find navigation solutions within the constraints of architectural structure, hardware, and busy crowds. Blender and Unity were used to recreate the environment, and interactive virtual wayfinding experiments were conducted with 64 participants divided into two groups. Each group completed 12 tasks in two scenarios, and their task performance, wayfinding behavior, and questionnaire responses were collected to evaluate the overall environment. The pretest helped identify problems in the existing signage system and weak areas, leading to redesigning of a new signage system. The main objective of the posttest was to evaluate the new design’s effectiveness. Our research contributes to future signage system layout design references, enhancing readability and information coherence while recommending locations within medical facilities. We set specific design standards to facilitate wayfinding signage systems in complex environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Interior Design towards the Sustainable Environment: People, Environment, Design, Technology)

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