Topic Editors

Faculty of Architecture, Poznań University of Technology, ul. Jacka Rychlewskiego 2, 60-965 Poznań, Poland
Faculty of Architecture, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
Prof. Dr. Jan Słyk
Faculty of Architecture, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-661 Warszawa, Poland
Faculty of Architecture, Poznań University of Technology, Poznań, Poland

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

Abstract submission deadline
30 September 2024
Manuscript submission deadline
30 November 2024
Viewed by
4707

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.
Environment. In interior architecture, the fast fashion phenomenon can be observed, which is why interior design elements and decorative elements should become more ecological (sustainability in interior design):
  • 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.
Design. Observation, analysis, and evaluation of functional systems:
  • 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.
Technology. Technical and technological innovations regarding interior design solutions:
  • 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

  • universal and inclusive interiors
  • health prevention, user safety
  • fast fashion phenomenon and ecology
  • low-production-energy materials
  • reuse and recycling
  • new time and spatial work organization strategies
  • structural and functional analyses of interiors
  • high-tech and domotics solutions
  • ergonomics
  • technical equipment (HVAC)

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Architecture
architecture
- - 2021 17.5 Days CHF 1000 Submit
Buildings
buildings
3.8 3.1 2011 13.8 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Energies
energies
3.2 5.5 2008 15.7 Days CHF 2600 Submit
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
ijerph
- 5.4 2004 22 Days CHF 2500 Submit
Sustainability
sustainability
3.9 5.8 2009 18.3 Days CHF 2400 Submit

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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28 pages, 7371 KiB  
Article
Comparative Validation of Light Environment Simulation with Actual Measurements
Buildings 2023, 13(11), 2742; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13112742 - 30 Oct 2023
Viewed by 569
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
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17 pages, 3582 KiB  
Article
Residential Interior Design for People with Special Needs in Thailand Based on Physical Abilities: Age, Gender, and Living Environment Considerations
Buildings 2023, 13(9), 2170; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13092170 - 26 Aug 2023
Viewed by 898
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
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24 pages, 5471 KiB  
Article
An Exploration of Biophilic Design Features within Preschool Interiors
Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 11913; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511913 - 02 Aug 2023
Viewed by 939
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
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28 pages, 30156 KiB  
Article
Exploring Sign System Design for a Medical Facility: A Virtual Environment Study on Wayfinding Behaviors
Buildings 2023, 13(6), 1366; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13061366 - 23 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1443
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
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