SUSTAINABLE INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
Introduction
Interior Architecture is the balance in the art and science of designing an interior space while considering the elements that make up a building. It involves the formation of a structure from inside out including the initial design for the interior to the late model for a changed use. Designers have a task in ensuring that human used for interior spaces in the particular building are addressed in the setup of the building. Design of a building’s internal calls for a high level of sensitivity to the physical and socio-political context of the building and its users’ temporal needs. The work should be aimed at creating a polished and aesthetically satisfying environment in the interior of a building.
Figure 1 Interior Architecture
History of Interior Architecture
Interior Architecture traces back to the old Egyptians who used furnishings made from animal hides, pure textiles, graphic bio graphics and sculptures in decorating their mud dwellings. With the rising Roman and Greek civilizations came new accessories with the use of Greek wooden furniture and silver decorations. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the French Renaissance brought a new focus on art and interior design. Designers started creating homes with substantial decorative notes, including marble floors, ornate woodwork paintings and furniture from the finest materials. (Codman and Wharton, 2019). Later in the 18th century, many European interior designers used Rococo style with Asian stoneware, floral prints and furniture inlaid with exotic details. The art of interior architecture gained popularity in the 19th century when life-changing design reached to the masses.
Figure 2 Ancient Egyptian Interior Design
From the historical background, functionality is one of the key components that was adopted in the approaches to interior design. With the new strategies to achieve functionality, a need for saving structures for the next generations was necessitated hence sustainability. Sustainable design was founded on ecological thinking with the imagination of nature creations to change lives, perceptions and expectations. The implication of this is to benefit the entire ecosystem and satisfy human needs effectively.
Sustainability in Interior Architecture
Sustainable design is an environmentally conscious design in the philosophy of designing physical objects that comply with ecological sustainability (STEM Flashcards | Quizlet, 2020). The main aim is to terminate environmental degradation entirely through sensitive design; the sustainable model is essential in ensuring the quality of natural resources in future. This entails the use of renewable resources that have minimal impact on the natural environment. According to Michael Braungart (2013), the design is the primary cause of pollution where tools, furniture and materials are selected without consideration of waste and contamination. A plan which encompasses the making of products, services and innovation is the primary form of sustainability.
Figure 3 Natural lighting in sustainable design
While there is increased awareness of the need for the implementation of environmentally friendly buildings, society has not neglected the aspect of sustainable interior architecture. Consequently, developers are seeking ways of incorporating sustainability principles in designing their interior (2020). Designers have a significant role in implementing sustainability since they are in charge of choosing the type of materials used and determining their interaction with people. Interior design, unlike interior architecture, is the profession that serves human habitation needs in different levels of satisfaction. It happened that after the industrial age, technological developments were adopted and took charge of the globe. There has been a simultaneous change in the use of and an increased fuel consumption every year. While every day, designers are pushing for the creation of new sites and structures, there is significant destruction of the natural environment (Kraft, 2017). Designers are faced with the obligation to ensure the safety of natural resources and prevent irreversible ecosystem damage. In the present day, there are systems that affect the development of spaces and subsequently, the interior designs employed. However, there are several principles that are constant in ensuring sustainability in any design project.
Principles of Sustainable Interior Architecture
Firstly, energy which is a primary cause of climate change should be considered in terms of the rate of consumption against production. With construction being one of the major players in the industrial sector, building processes are key contributors to the emission of greenhouse gases through the consumption of energy. Consequently, there is a need for interior Architects to improve the energy efficiency in setting up buildings which will help ensure sustainability (Karunathilake et al., 2018, pp.292-307). This would include a reduction in the energy requirement for purposes of lighting, heating, running appliances and machinery. Besides that, the use of renewable sources with zero carbon emission should be incorporated as part of the Green Architecture Plan.
Interior Architecture deals with the provision of heating and lighting services which are both energy-consuming. Heat loss should be reduced through the use of quality windows with proper insulation. Additionally, curtains and drapes help in reducing suns heat and cold air, improving natural ventilation. Window blinds and shades are also essential for controlling the internal temperatures and the amount of air entering the building. In addition to that, carpets are quality insulators that are able to retain approximately 10% of rooms heat. According to a study by the Caledonian Glasgow University, a heavy set of curtains reduces heat loss through the window by 14%.
Figure 4 Window blinds which help regulate temperature.
Lighting is another major energy consumer that should be reduced by designers picking the right colours. Lighter colours are known to reflect more light compared to darker colours which need more artificial lighting. Hence lighter colours are advisable for use in commercial buildings depending on the usage of the spaces. Apart from these, reflective surfaces are able to bounce light and increase light in a room. This also reduces the rate of artificial lighting conserving energy (Yehorchenkov et al., 2019). Traditional light bulbs which use four times more energy than low-energy bulbs should be replaced by energy-saving bulbs. Dimmers and motion detectors in hotel facilities and huge corridors are another effective way of conserving energy.
Figure 5 Skylights for natural lighting
Use of conventional halogen lamps in bedrooms should be replaced with low energy LED lamps which use averagely 12W of power. The result of these is a reduction in energy consumption by 66% and lower CO2 emission. Besides that, the LED lamps have a longer life of about 50000 hours; hence there is a reduction in the cost of maintenance. Natural lighting is highly encouraged in modern architecture with the use of skylights and sizable windows which allow maximum sunlight into the building. This helps save on cost for residents and ensures better quality lighting, which is healthy. All these are energy-efficient design practices that help protect natural resources.
Figure 6 Sizeable windows help in natural lighting.
Secondly, in ensuring environmental sustainability, it is necessary that design plans ensure minimal environmental impact. Materials used in building and interior decoration should help minimize the distraction on ecological natural ion localizations for food production (Full text of “Sabah A. Abdul-Wahab – Sick Building Syndrome”, 2020). Besides that, the recycling of natural resources is highly encouraged. Organic materials such as wood, wool and natural stone should be used conservatively and recycled. Bamboo is an ideal product which grows fast and is easily renewable. They should be, however, extracted in an environmentally responsible way. Material selection is critical in any design work depending on the functions or the needs for a building. Production of materials such as concrete, plastic and steel often involves the use of embodied energy. The level of emission of toxic gases during these production processes should be monitored. The materials should meet the requirement of ensuring zero harm to the residents in the potential for long term use.
Figure 7 Large window with maximum light penetration for commercial buildings
Wood is another common material used in making of furniture that can be easily recycled. The material, however, may contain some synthetic substances used in production that cannot be recycled. Some of these wastes contain toxic polymer-based synthetic materials causing a high rate of waste production of about 30% of the product. The wastes acquired in the production process are a threat to the natural environment and should, therefore, be properly handled (2020). Recently, there have been developments in making furniture production innovative where institutions such as Cambridge University have developed a joint project. The project involves a technology used in conserving electricity where natural lighting is used. While old furniture is not easily recycled, companies are encouraged to use waste materials in producing other furniture. The furniture is, however, faced with the disadvantage of aesthetics. Consequently, designers must ensure that the look is not compromised while enhancing sustainable practices.
Figure 8 Bamboo furniture
Paints are another common cause of contamination of the natural environment. According to research, manufacture of synthetic paints consumer a large amount of energy and produces about 30 litres of waste material per litre of paint obtained (Chemical causes (toxics/biocides), 2020). Use of titanium dioxide causes a lot of water pollution during the purification process. Subsequently, designers should ensure the use of sustainable paints which are non-toxic, absent of toxic fumes and with zero volatile organic compounds. Besides that, paints should contain natural ingredients such as vegetable oil and have an easy to clean finish with recyclable packaging.
Figure 9 Natural dyes and paints
Additionally, sustainable flooring materials are another major recommendation from the environmental bodies. Use of sustainably sourced wood which is FSC approved for making floorboards is recommended. Rubber floors made from rubber tree products are also advisable since they are renewable and provide good insulation compared to synthetic rubber. Natural linoleum made which uses linseed oil is natural and biodegradable. It is highly recommended for flooring since it is anti-static, dirt-repellent, hypoallergenic and fire-resistant. FSC-certified bamboo and coconut flooring are quality sustainable options for flooring in modern buildings. They are made from natural renewable and fast-growing trees, which makes them a good option. Natural slate and stone have built-in quality durability as flooring materials.
Figure 10 Rubber flooring I a commercial building
Thirdly, interior architecture should cater to waste reduction as a way of ensuring the sustainable design of buildings. Considering the fact that the planet is running low on resources, designers should seek to ensure that waste is reduced. Sustainable practices such as upcycling, recycling and repurposing are advisable for new development works in achieving a sustainable system. Unused materials are often disposed of in bulk which should be replaced by giving a new life and putting them to better use. Another important measure is the use of alternative options such as synthetic materials made from recycled waste (Jiménez et al., 2013). For instance, tables, chairs and desks made from salvaged timber make quality furniture. Carpet tiles can also be reclaimed and made from recycled broken glass while cushions are made from vintage fabric. Suppliers should ensure that the production processes are carried out efficiently without waste of materials, energy and water. Renewable materials that are sustainably certified and which meet the environmental criteria are recommended for use by designers.
When acquiring furniture, for instance, designers are advised to go for suppliers who use renewable, recycled and reclaimed materials hence practising the green policies in the manufacture and delivery of goods. In the manufacture of wood furniture, for example, wood cut-offs should be recycled and sawdust used in other processes. Spraying of treatment agents should be minimized through hand-finishing. Besides that, manufacturers should use lead-free and formaldehyde-free agents on furniture. Adhesives, paints, stains and sealants must not contain volatile organic compounds which would contaminate the environment. Besides that, heavy metals such as chrome used in leather tanning are known to pollute and contaminate air and water and should be avoided. Instead, there are recommended natural vegetable products and waxes such as the natural extract from Mimosa tree that can serve as a quality and eco-friendly tanning material for leather.
Figure 11 Furniture made from recycled timber
Designers are often advised on developing products while considering longevity and flexibility, which is part of sustainability. It is, therefore, necessary to consider the lifespan of materials used in floorings, walling and ceilings in buildings with the aim of designing durable spaces (Beltran, 2017). Materials that are susceptible to wear and tear are not very ideal for use in flooring. Architects should, therefore, prioritize on quality over quantity, classics over the trendy and functionality over embellishment. Besides that, designers have a role in predicting the possible future changes in surrounding spaces of people as they grow. They should, therefore, consider the flexibility of these spaces in adapting to the desired changes. This is advantageous in ensuring the longevity of the structure whereby members can comfortably dwell without the need for renovation. Through innovation, the flexibility of modern dwellings has been achieved such that walls are able to be modified, creating rooms and use of adjustable furniture. Modular flooring is another feature of sustainable design which is easily personalized and is replaceable with individual pieces. All these are improvements that help ensure sustainable design.
Figure 12 Modular floorboards
Besides that, designs should ensure that maintenance is effectively sought for any building. Spaces that are poorly designed make it hard to maintain, and since changes are inevitable, the result is more waste of materials and consumption of resources. Use of flexible elements such as modular flooring and ceilings makes it easier to maintain the interior of a building. For instance, where a designer opts for modular carpets, replacement is made easier for the single pieces that have tear instead of replacing the whole mat (Blog – Building for Health, 2020). Designers have a role in choosing strong, sturdy and easily maintained elements which call for fewer renovations. As a result, there is less wastage and lower cost of maintenance which both ensure sustainability. Organic cotton, for instance, is better compared to conventional cotton, which uses a lot of pesticides, insecticides and fertilizers in making fabric.
Apart from that, sustainable interior architecture has a major role in ensuring healthy environments for residents. Designers need to prioritize in air quality, halting lighting and acoustics in a given building and their impact on the health of residents. In ensuring air quality, architects should choose materials with low emissions of volatile organic compounds and toxic substances. This would help reduce indoor air pollution, which, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, is one of the major e threats to the environment. Furniture and equipment are often treated with chemical substances which emit dangerous toxins that cause pollution. Designers are obliged to ensure that such materials are not used hence protecting lives.
Besides air pollution by chemical substances, dust and other impurities also affect the air quality in a room. When designing buildings, designers need to ensure that the air circulates effectively with the use of natural air filers such as plants. Carpets which help trap dust particles should be regularly vacuumed ensuring that spaces are healthy and dust-free. In addition to that, fabrics and fibres used in making towels, bathmats, napkins, curtains and soft furnishings should be sustainable. Designers should go for the fibre that is cultivated and manufactured without much effect on the natural environment (McCaffrey, Wilson and Konar, 2017). Textile is one of the main materials used in the processing of fabric for interior furnishings. The material is, however, considered unsustainable for various reasons. Firstly, it uses synthetic fertilizers and other inputs in cotton production which adversely affects the soil. Secondly, a wide range of chemicals is used in bleaching and dyeing fibres with the use of petrochemicals in making nylon and polyester fibres. This has a negative effect on the natural environment and is a cause of depletion of fossil fuels. Natural fibres made from cotton, wool, linen, cashmere and silk are recommended for use in place of synthetic fibre such as nylon. Natural fibres are biodegradable and last longer compared to the chemically processed. They are also better insulators, effective in absorbing sound and rest static electricity. Fabric made from recovered cotton from cast-offs is recommended for use where textiles are shredded and reprocessed into yarns. Moreover, organic linen is a quality fibre made from flax which requires less water and chemicals. Bamboo fibre is another fast-growing material that forms a soft, highly breathable and absorbent material hence ideal for making mats and towels.
Conclusion
Conclusively, interior Architecture should incorporate functionality, accessibility and aesthetics to environmentally friendly materials in ensuring that the performance of a building is enhanced with minimal negative effects on the environment. With minimal waste production and reduced consumption of natural resources, design works help ensure a healthy, productive environment. It is, therefore, necessary to observe the above-discussed principles in ensuring a sustainable production (Hoballah and Averous, 2015). Water efficiency, energy efficiency, use of non-toxic materials and production processes should be practised in all interior works. Sustainability can be incorporated in the purchase of products and recycled materials. Interior elements are the primary agents of sustainable design for processes of fabrication, manufacturing, installation, use, recycle and disposal. In any given design project, sustainability in determining and effective use of space should be a top priority factor in protecting the future of interior Architecture. Where operations are carried out with a focus on the use of sustainable materials and environmentally healthy, the natural environment is protected, and the client enjoys cos savings for maintenance.
Sustainability in design has several benefits both to the Architect and the client. Firstly, it helps evaluate materials used in building projects for their long term impact on the natural environment. Both direct and indirect impacts are considered in the sustainable design of buildings in all the phases of a building. Besides that, sustainable design helps to promote business in design companies whereby the majority of corporate entities on a global scale are endorsing environmentally safe practices. This is advantageous in attracting funds for more sustainable design projects. Another advantage is the growing concept of using sustainable materials in modern society. As the world of design advances, preferences are shifting to the life-cycles of sustainable materials empowering the character of the design.
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