A Sustainable Approach to Improve the Interior Design of Existing Space: The Case of the BUiD Main Lobby

Abstract

The Interior designers’ role in the built environment is creating spaces that meet the needs of their clients through a process of critical thinking, research, and creative solutions. In addition to considering other aspects such as the client’s health, safety, and wellbeing as well as the environmental impact which is considered a sustainable thinking by the designer. This paper will focus on analysing the interior characteristics for a space in an educational building. The study will thoroughly explore the existing condition of the chosen space, identify and analyse the raw materials, manufacturing methods, transportation, use, maintenance, and disposal of all the furnishings, fixtures, and equipment specified for an interior environment. Subsequently, the proposed strategies and methods will be presented to replace the existing conditions with sustainable alternatives. In addition to propose options for an alternative design that follows more sustainably responsible practices using the life cycle approach, explaining the solutions that could be used to improve sustainability of the chosen building interior space.