Interior Design Guidelines for Reducing the Negative Impacts of Electromagnetic Fields at Residential Workspace

Abstract

Pandemic changed human lives, instructions and rules for maintaining social distancing to limit the spread of the virus were imposed. Institutions were forced to adapt working from home mode, the new remote working lifestyle approach emphasizing the strong existence of e-environment facilities (e-learning, e-government, e-commerce) this led to a huge diffusion in the usage of devices that are considered man-made electromagnetic sources in indoor spaces that are poorly designed for long Electro-Magnetic Field (EMF) exposure example of these devices are computers, smartphones, wireless routers, home appliances, and other electronic devices. These EMF sources have several harmful effects on human health, such as stress, headaches, anxiety, and increase risk of cancer. Therefore, this research aims to develop interior design guidelines to reduce the electromagnetic fields negative impacts on the residential workspace in Egypt. First, a qualitative data collecting approach in literature review was conducted then a measurement scale for the protection levels have been defined. Followed by the analytical case studies analysed according to the deduced scale to identify key aspects pertaining to the design for space that reduces (EMF). Research findings provide a guideline for protecting occupants from excessive electrosmog exposure by using light finishing colours, following design standards, right furniture arrangement, ergonomics, relying on natural lighting, ventilation and applying shielding materials.