Sustainability in Interior design

Sustainability is a priciple that has been adopted in Interior Design and Architecture This is due to the need to consider the impact of design to the environment. We are living in an era where Green design should be a consideration when coming up with any invention. All disciplines such as IT, Manufacturing, Construction etc are slowly adopting this principle to help save the planet. As "Green design is responsible design". Great Interior design is not only how it looks but also how it affects the surrounding. There are many priciples that can be adopted when designing for sustainability:

1. Longevity and Flexibility

How will the “now”design be used in the future?

When coming up with a design, one needs to think about the longevity of the concept and materials to be used. It is crucial for one to think about how the design works presently and if it can still work in the future for the same user. People and environments are consistently changing and therefore, one needs to consider how the design will adjust with this change. This thinking has led to invention of Modular systems that can fit in different types of settings. Materials used also needs to be durable to give close to a lifetime of service.

2. Energy efficiency.

When developing a design concept, one needs to think about the energy efficiency of each product mostly in its "afterlife". This is ideally its life while "In Use". Product designers have developed methods to reduce energy consumption while manufacturing design products. In the same breath, designers ought to think of ways to reduce energy consumption while designing spaces. Other than use of sustainable materials, one can consider heat retention solutions such as installation of insulation films on windows, use of fabrics that a can retain warmth and also use of floor/ wall finishes that are thermal insulators such as Laminates. 

 3.Low environmental impact

All materials have a life cycle i.e production till disposal. When selecting materials,one should think about this entire cycle.One should keenly check its source of raw, manufacturing process , transportation and installation of the product and also its method of disposal once its use has been exhausted. This then will help guide one in choosing materials that are renewable and do not have a negative effect to the environment.

 4. Waste reduction

The world is moving towards a "Zero waste" life. This way of life is becoming more popular by the day due to the effect waste has had on the enviromnent both ecologically and healthwise. With this in mind,one needs to develop a Recycle, Repurpose or Upcycle approach when designing a space. At the point of design, one needs relook the existing elements and see how they can be reused. Disposal should be the last resort. This will reduce the need for new elements and in turn help reduce depletion of natural rescources. 

 5. Design for simple living/minimalism  

Design needs not to be complex.The need for simple living has influenced people to begin adopting the “Tiny living concept”.A few years ago, there was a thinking that the bigger the space, the more complex the design and the more items incorporated, the more comfort and the aesthetics the space willl have. This over the recent past has been proven wrong. People need to change their mindset from the need to have big spaces to maximizing the use of the smaller spaces inorder to acieve the desired goal. This can be done by having simpler elements that have more funcion than one.

6. Healthy environments

When designing a healthy enviroment, one needs to consider the ventilation, acoustics, lighting, heating and the quality of air. These elements directly affect the health of the user. Architects generally consider these however, the designer needs to check and provide where need be. Natural solutions should be sought before settling for  mechanical aspects. Large windows with permanent ventilation should be considered to allow for light and free flow of air. Indoor plants should also be considered as they are a natural air purification solution.

7. Space efficiency

Good design is one that takes into account efficiency in use of the space. Open spaces provide better circulation. When coming up with a design, one needs to consider the circulation and how easily all functions are accessed and used. One also needs to consider how efficient all functions are  to prevent over or under provision.  

Inspiration pour la journee

Check out the video below from House and home on Ecofriendly design.