Design is an integral part of our lifestyles. Our homes, clothing, vehicles, and everything that surrounds us, including the future, are thoughtfully planned and designed. If the first things are aimed at comfort and simplification of our lives, satisfying certain “basic” needs, the last ones are closely linked to the concept of sustainable development. The goal is to efficiently solve not only current tasks but also to meet the needs of future generations. We strive to create a future where beauty, comfort, luxury, quality, and planet preservation coexist in balance and harmony.
To better understand why eco-friendly design is important, it's essential to “dive” deeply and philosophically into the issue.
Sustainable development aims to eliminate negative environmental impacts, so terms such as clean design, ecological design, and environmentally conscious design are applicable. Ecological methods of designing and finishing your home can reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The vital goals of sustainable design include:
Sustainable development aims to eliminate negative environmental impacts, so terms such as clean design, ecological design, and environmentally conscious design are applicable. Ecological methods of designing and finishing your home can reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The vital goals of sustainable design include:
- Minimizing waste
- Creating a durable, healthy environment
- Reducing the use of non-renewable resources
However, the concept of green design is not synonymous with sustainable design. The essence lies in developing projects that address not just current problems but also consider long-term outcomes.
In essence, sustainable design is a long-term approach to environmental protection. Its fundamental goals are to reduce the use of non-renewable resources, minimize waste, and create a healthy, efficient, and productive environment.
By following the principles below, architects and designers can reduce humanity's negative impact on the environment and build a sustainable future.
In essence, sustainable design is a long-term approach to environmental protection. Its fundamental goals are to reduce the use of non-renewable resources, minimize waste, and create a healthy, efficient, and productive environment.
By following the principles below, architects and designers can reduce humanity's negative impact on the environment and build a sustainable future.
1. Energy-Efficient Design
Energy consumption is a significant factor in environmental change. Buildings account for a considerable portion of greenhouse gas emissions due to energy consumption.
Heating and lighting are two primary factors that interior designers influence. Since much of a building's heat escapes through the windows, installed windows should be high-quality and provide good insulation. Curtains and drapes should keep out both cold air and solar heat.
Heating and lighting are two primary factors that interior designers influence. Since much of a building's heat escapes through the windows, installed windows should be high-quality and provide good insulation. Curtains and drapes should keep out both cold air and solar heat.
Controlling the temperature in a building can be done in an energy-efficient manner by opening and closing window coverings, blinds, or curtains. Carpets are excellent thermal insulators and can retain up to 10% of a room's heat.
Additionally, a well-lit room enhances the mood and energy of the owner. Reflective surfaces can be used to increase the amount of light in a room and, consequently, reduce reliance on artificial lighting.
2. Waste Reduction
The growing awareness of the need for sustainable thinking has sparked interest in recycling and reuse.
A notable trend in recent years is the restoration and use of antique furniture. Choosing synthetic materials made from recycled waste or that can be renewed/recycled at the end of their life cycle can also reduce resource depletion.
A notable trend in recent years is the restoration and use of antique furniture. Choosing synthetic materials made from recycled waste or that can be renewed/recycled at the end of their life cycle can also reduce resource depletion.
3. Durability and Flexibility of Design
The design goal should be to create timeless spaces.
As people grow and change, they desire their surrounding space to evolve with them and reflect these changes. Interior designers should consider the flexibility of spaces—adaptability to people's changing needs. Opt for quality over quantity, timeless design, and functionality.
As people grow and change, they desire their surrounding space to evolve with them and reflect these changes. Interior designers should consider the flexibility of spaces—adaptability to people's changing needs. Opt for quality over quantity, timeless design, and functionality.
Innovations offer many possibilities for flexible design: adjustable and modular furniture (especially for children's rooms) and so on. Investing in elements that are sturdy, durable, and easy to clean or replace will save money in the long term.
4. Reducing Environmental Impact
Choosing materials and products with the least environmental impact is crucial for sustainable development. Responsible handling of natural resources is important, especially with organic materials (such as wood, wool, natural stone) which seem like an obvious choice. For a conscious lifestyle, opt for renewable materials (like bamboo).
5. Home Ecosystem
In recent years, air quality, heating, ventilation, lighting, and acoustics have become particularly important.
Plants are an excellent source of proper air circulation, fresh oxygen, and maintaining air freshness, as well as acting as natural air filters.
Plants are an excellent source of proper air circulation, fresh oxygen, and maintaining air freshness, as well as acting as natural air filters.
Contrary to popular belief, carpets also improve air quality by trapping dust particles, microbes, and allergens from the air and holding them until they are cleaned. Carpets are also excellent sound insulators; they help reduce noise by absorbing sound vibrations, which is very beneficial for the well-being of the building's occupants.
