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UDK 71/72:502.131.1 DOI: 10.7562/SE2018.8.02.07 Review paper www.znrfak.ni.ac.rs/SE-Journal/index.html

MILENA PETRIČEVIĆ1 ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE 2 NEBOJŠA MILKIĆ INTERIOR - THE CHALLENGES

1HAUSER, Niš & Ph.D. student of AND TRENDS Faculty of Occupational safety, University of Nis Abstract: In recent years, has become a 2 NAUTILUS Ivago, Niš focal point for various fields of design. A relatively novel concept of green and eco-friendly presents a new approach which is in accordance with the environmental safety concerns. This concept offers a starting point in search for adequate [email protected] sollutions for a number of issues that contemporary [email protected] communities are facing today.

Key words: , sustainable interior design, eco- design, eco-friendly architecture, environmental safety.

INTRODUCTION  Higher product durability (improved product quality)  The ability of measuring product Global ecological crisis was created due to the  Implementation of the principles of sustainable excessive, negative impact of the anthropogenic development (for better protection of the environment) activities on the . The very existence of human This vision of has appeared in the late societies is jeopardized by disturbances in the seventies of the last century, after the oil crisis and due to environment and by constant pressure that industry the need for the energy efficiency. At the same time, one puts on the ’s capacities. The of the first actions were noticed in the industry environmental problems are rooted in unsustainable of . production and and unacceptable social After early analyzes of the toxicity of the materials behavioral models. It is very likely that only an applied and the harmfullness of the emissions of the toxic appropirate design strategy can provide adequate compounds, the concern about and the response to ever increasing ecological crisis. impact of the working environment on worker’s Ecodesign (green design, , productivity started to gain importance. There was a , environmental design) includes growing awareness of the need to reduce waste. various activities that cover all the stages of product The essence of ecodesign lies in harmonisation of social, life cycle, while life cycle analysis is often used to economic and ecological factors of sustainability. Our summarize effects that a product has or may have on future mostly relies on sustainable design and design the environment. The life cycle stages of a product skills that do not exclude our responsibility for the future are: raw material extraction, manufacturing, generations. The society should be aware of the distribution, usage, and . responsibility and the importance of the ecologically The final target is to achieve a cleaner production oriented building process and interior design, according to that can reduce operating costs, improve safety and the principles of sustainability and ecodesign. [2] minimize the environmental impact of the process. Architects, and planners have direct impacts on Briefly, sustainable design represents equilibrium the quality of the environment and can contribute to the between human activities and the environment and process of creating the better life conditions for present elimination of the negative impacts of human and future generations. activities on the environment through design. [1] The principles of sustainability in the field of architecture Basic characteristics of products based on ecodesign and interior design set focus on some environmental principles are: aspects - with the efficient usage of space, the  Usage of materials from the nearby environment selection of the materials with less or just minimal environmental impact, reducing the non-  Usage of materials with lower negative impact consumption, reducing and waste. on the environment (for healthier living and A significant of responsibility is on interior working environment) designers. They have to find sollutions that will  Reduced quantities of used materials (lower harmonize and functionality and reduce the production and the material costs) negative impact on the environment at the same time. It is

 Recyclability (increased recycling potential) often said that the apartment is the basic functional unit in  Increased usage of recycled materials the field of architectural design. Whether it’s about the  Reduced waste (resulting in lower waste disposal , or materials applied, the usage of eco-products costs) and materials, as well as environmental design principles  Increased energy efficiency

103 | Safety Engineering SAFETY ENGINEERING - INŽENJERSTVO ZAŠTITE can greatly improve the quality of life and reduce the Fast technology development often requires some changes negative impact on the environment. in home equipment and appliences. It is natural that families grow and change their basic needs over the time. MINIMALISTIC DESIGN So, we are searching for an apartment design that will keep up with the needs of the family. The key feature is Minimalism was an art movement that emerged in space flexibility. [3] the early 1950s and it is based on creativity with a Flexibility is now a measure of sustainability – if the purely aesthetic character. However, minimalism in space is adaptable to the changing needs of the family, architecture, as XX century architecture paradigm, some interior elements can be easily replaced, without stands for planning and design that is within demolition or the whole apartment renovation. manageable minimum with a stylistic balance between simplicity and eccentricity. Projects are Innovation in the area of design and planning brings new primarily functional, while interior lack the possibilities of flexible design in a form of a space that furniture. The moto “Less is more“ (Ludwig Mies can easily be modified when children grow up and show van der Rohe) that directly reflects the essence of his their needs. The solution can be found in adjustable, creativity and the minimalistic approach that is foldable or movable furniture design or in the possibility reflected in the purity of lines and the extreme of simple replacement of certain parts of the interior. simplicity of space. By reducing details and using The goal of sustainable design is the creation of “timeless simple forms, he wanted to achieve interaction space“, in order to avoid the need of changing the between interior and exterior through the balance complete interior every year, according to current trends. between architecture and nature. The spectrum of Designers should aviod short-term interior designs and materials applied is reduced to a minimum - glass, plannings, usage of the final finishes with questionable concrete, steel and natural stone, due to the lack of quality that are currently in trend. The interior space decorative elements in the space. This movement should be creative in order to be upgraded without major was an inspiration to a great number of interior changes in function or used materials. designers. Minimalism in the interior design usually The best way to achieve flexibility lies in the choice of the means decreased usage of building materials, decor, quality instead of the quantity, in classics instead of the and lightning. As a result, space is maximally temporary elements (that are currently in trend) and in relaxed, functional and elegant. (Figure 1.) Due to simplicity and functionality instead of pure decoration. the proper choice of materials applied, simple forms and the reduced quantity of used furniture, minimalistic approach is considered a good practice ECO - FRIENDLINESS when it comes to sustainable and eco design. The concept of sustainable development and sustainable design is based on implementation of adequate FLEXIBLE PLANNING procedures, all the way from design to the realization of ecologically acceptable products. Products thus formed Flexible design sollutions are crucial for solving the are reliable, flexible, upgradable, adaptable, suitable for dynamic demands and problems in planning. multiple usages and ultimately long-lasting. [4]

In previous decades, the application of ecological principles in planning was a rather expensive process. Decisions on design were guided exclusively by economy and technology based criteria. The environmental consequences of this approach opposed the justification of design principles applied. With a new concept of product creation, the goal is to preserve the non-renewable resources and to reduce large quantities of waste (Figure 2.)

Figure 1. Eco-friendly interior design

Although the functionality of the planning is a priority, it is always necessary to consider which functionalities of an apartment can evolve, and which parts of the apartment may require some modifications during the exploatation in the future. Figure 2. Waste management

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Reducing the amount of waste by longer exploitation Ecologically acceptable materials are those that are period, reusing the product (for the same or another recycled, organic or manufactured in accordance with the purpose), and recycling a part or the whole product, principles of sustainability. Every modern society is aware altogether make the product environmentally of the importance of environmental problems, and the friendly and ecologically acceptable. The focus of global survival. The emphasis is on extending the life production is on creating zero-waste approaches that cycle of the product through the secondary material usage would optimize the production process while and reduction of the quantity of raw materials used. This maximizing environmental impacts. [5] is achieved by the appropriate selection of recycled, The search for materials and products with the least recyclable or biodegradable materials. Diverting waste environmental impact is becoming an imperative from landfills and consequential reduction of non- rather than a matter of choice, or luxury. renewable natural resources can be supported by applying As one of the most demanding industrial sectors secondary materials obtained by recycling waste. Trough when it comes to environmental impact, construction such an approach, waste becomes the input material for sector should reorient toward environmentally- new products, and the waste generated is minimized, if friendly materials and their massive application. not completely removed Table 1. Common barriers in selecting eco-materials Management/ Knowledge/ Financial Political Technical Socio-cultural leadership awareness Lack of Lack of Lack of demand Fear of higher Lack of environmentally Lack of awareness government for sustainable investment costs leadership sustainable of professionals policies/support products products Lack of Lack of building Lack of Fear of king Pay- Lack of market sustainability Cultural change codes on professional back period segmentation measurement resistance sustainability knowledge tools Lack of Lack of Lack of Client worries in Lack of awareness government motivation and demonstration profitability of clients commitment aspiration project Lack of easily Ignorance of life Lack of Delay on Lack of awareness accessible cycle cost legislation decision-making of benefits guidance Ignorance or Lack of financial Lack of technical misunderstanding resources ability about sustainability Lack of chronic Lack of education skills and labour and knowledge of shortages sustainable design

The design process should take the same direction - recycling). In order to prolong the exploitation period of a final product should be convenient for redesign, products, the elements that are susceptible to wear (e.g. recyclable in one way or another, and reusable for floors) should be particularly taken in consideration. the same or completely new purpose. Wide availability of new technologies, the diversity and Research has shown that indoor space can be up to 5 accessibility of organic products on the market and the times higher if inadequate materials are used for emergence of alternative materials make the ecological interior arrangements. Organic materials (wood, design feasible and applicable. It should become a stone, wool, cork, bamboo) are a good choice, but required approach and a fundamental principle in planning they must be used and treated responsibly. Material and design. [6] selection should be guided by the principle of If it is possible, chosen materials have to be proximity - selected materials should be available in environmentally friendly and sustainable, as well as immediate surrounding (as local or regional source), benign for the environment and public health. and thus used in an environmentally responsible For materials that are unreliable and unsafe for use, a way. substitute should be provided. Providing a healthy The impact of materials and products on the environment is one of the priorities in interior design. environment must be observed throughout the life Only materials with minimal environmental impact should cycle - from the extraction of raw materials, be considered: non-toxic, recyclable, and energy non- transport, processing and production. In the end, intensive. their remains are treated after use (disposal, reuse,

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The suitability and sustainability of a particular  Implementation of tariff systems by distributors material is highly dependent on project-specific to encourage energy savings. factors. The end goal must be to promote the most In order to reduce the amount of energy used to heat or appropriate option for each particular project. A cool a room, it is required that all the joinery should be promotion of a wide variety of material options is with high quality marks, good characteristics and essential. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and insulation performance. Carpets are also considered overcome potential barriers [7] in order to exellent thermal insulators, and according to research they successfully implement eco-friendly materials and retain 10% of the heat in the room. Reductions in the improve interior sustainability for the benefit of amount of energy needed for can be achieved by society at large. (Table 1) using energy efficient bulbs. By choosing the right colors The quality and the comfort of a dwelling space are to paint room walls, energy used for lighting can be defined by the air quality, adequate heating, preserved. Bright colors reflect more of the light, making ventilation, lighting and acoustics. If the furniture or the area brighter, while the dark colors demand more household equipment was treated with harmful lightning which means intensive usage of artificial chemicals that release toxins into the air, indoor air lightning. pollution can be a dangerous threat to human health. The amount of energy needed for the operation of home In order to improve the quality of indoor air, it is appliances can be reduced by selecting the appliances important that the air circulates regularly and with appropriate energy efficiency labels. These devices remains fresh. Plants are natural air filters. Carpets save energy, and the negative impact on the environment also improve air quality by keeping dust particles is reduced. The Regulations on energy labels aimed to from the air. By regular cleaning and maintenance, distinguish efficient devices comprise washing and drying the room remains healthy and free of allergens machines, dishwashers, air conditioners, electric stoves, contained in dust particles. The carpets are also good refrigerators, freezers and bulbs. The classes of energy sound insulators. They can help in reducing noise savings ranges from G (lowest) to A (highest). There are levels by absorbing sound vibrations. Physical and also A+, A++ labels, for the appliances which have psychological human health is of great importance to energy efficiency greater than prescribed, and each label exposure to natural light. This aspect is very "+" refers to 10% less power consumption. B class important for the work environment, because natural consumes 30% and C class 65% more energy than A light reduces stress and affects productivity. So class. Analyzes show that electrical appliances consume called Biofilter design includes an element from about 20% of household electricity. nature in every interior space and thus helps to establish a connection between people and nature. The application of smart technologies in apartments is another step towards achieving energy efficiency. By installing home automation and "green devices", remote THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY control of heating, cooling and lighting systems are Household energy consumption has its share in enabled. Intelligent thermostats with remote sensors that climate changes. It is directly responsible for the are handled through mobile applications are used to portion of gas emissions. The concept of automatically adjust the temperature based on a pre- energy efficiency in this case refers to devices used programmed schedule. Such systems help tenants use in households. Energy efficient devices provide energy more efficiently and more economically. numerous benefits for the environmennt as well as Reducing the consumption of electricity is directly related for a home budget. Also, the concept of energy to the reduction of pollution which appear as a efficiency is related to measures applied (technical consequence of the use of fossil fuels for its generation. and non-technical) and changes in approach made in Reducing the use of non-renewable energy sources is one order to reduce energy consumption. [8] of the basic requirements for sustainable development. [9] Measures taken to reduce energy losses and increase energy efficiency refer to: ECOLOGICAL LABELS AND  Replacement of the non-renewable energy STANDARDS sources with renewable ones.  Replacement of energy inefficient Environmental pollution is largely influenced by appliances with efficient ones. industrial and production companies. In order to limit the  Instalation of good insulation for the effects of air, soil and , a large number of volumes that are heated or cooled, in order industrial countries have created their national and local to reduce energy losses strategies and have started implementing environmental policies. The tendency is to reduce the negative impact on  Replacement of used-out joinery in rooms the environment without reducing the quality of the final that are heated or cooled in order to reduce product. energy loses  Installation of automated devices in order to The eco-labels and green marks are important way to control heating and cooling systems promote environmentally friendly products. They carry information directed toward consumers, to disclose

106 | Safety Engineering M. Peričević, N. Milkić, Vol 8, No2 (2018) 103-108 environmental quality of a product. The products are understand the importance of ecologically fiendly allowed to be marked with an eco-label if its construction and interior ecodesign. composition, production process and further use are In the , it was concluded that people are not environmentally harmful. consuming the resources increasingly and that the By making the difference between products that are pressure on nature should be reduced in order to preserve produced in accordance with an appropriate the quality of the environment (the Rio Summit, 1992). and those that directly threaten The final report emphasized the importance of groups and it, consumers are given the opportunity to directly individuals whose simultaneous efforts would be globally influence the market change. effective. Designers and planners, as the main bearers of The International Organization for Standardization change, have to give a new dimension to design by facing (ISO) constitutes a network of national institutes challenges related to the quality of life, the efficient use of covering 162 countries. It is the world's largest natural resources, and waste management. They are standard-setting institution. The application of ISO responsible for the future promotion of sustainable standards increases the competitiveness between the development on individual and family level. companies through safer design and better product Thus, planners and architects think that minimalism gives quality. It provides the basis for creating a legal, maximum power to an architectural space, because it health, safety and environmental framework at represents the true essence of architecture. Minimalism national levels. On the other hand, various directives stands for simplified, adaptible structures that are suitable also tackle the environmentally friendly interior for many different purposes. Sustainable architecture, design. expressed through the minimalist and flexible design is of The European Union has established the Eco-Design crucial importance for an environmentally friendly future. Directive (2009), which sets the framework for the Today, we are faced with a social fenomenon of use of energy in accordance with environmental consumption. Only by living in a more economic manner, requirements. The Directive refers to the products relying on our resources, reducing waste and our needs that are responsible for about 40% of greenhouse gas and desire for various equipment and gear, can we protect emissions in the EU (bulbs, televisions, refrigerators, the climate and become environmentally responsible and windows, insulation materials, etc.), on energy more resource efficient society. consumption of the appliances in a standby mode Eco design must provide a product or a design solution (electrical and electronic devices such as laundry, that brings about significant innovations in human TV, personal computers, etc.). Requirements are set consciousness and behavior, and also provide prosperity under condition that, when applied, they do not through innovation and reduce the pressure on the affect the functionality, product safety or consumer environment. health. The world of design should focus on a sustainable way of Statistics show that people in are spending thinking and support a growing interest for sustainable about 80% of the time indoors. Hence, it is very trends in modern living. Instead of rejection of old- important how their working and living environment fashioned but functional pieces of furniture, we need to reflects their needs. find a creative approach by extending the lifecycle of the Green buildings are considered to be healthy existing products. The goal is, also, to educate and facilities with the high level of environmental activate citizens in the field of nature preservation, protection. They are predicted to be energy efficient, improvement of quality of living through advocacy, of high comfort level, with a dominant usage of promotion and implementation of the ecologically renewable energy sources. Their environmental acceptable and energy efficient materials and impact is therefore much smaller compared to technologies. standard buildings [10]. For future generations of Architects and interior designers can do a lot to improve a engineers, managers and designers, it is very building’s energy efficiency, by reducing the amount of important to adopt the concept of needed for heating, lighting, running appliances planning and design at an early stage - a good and by providing renewable, non-carbon-based energy practice applicable in various fields of engineering sources for a building. We also need to manage the quality and decision making. It will bring significant of the environment by following ISO standards and by savings, greater energy and material efficiency and a using the ecologically acceptable materials and products healthier environment for general population. with the appropriate eco labels. In a process of planning and designing a sustainable CONCLUSION interior, the tendency is to come up with integrated, innovative and interdisciplinary solutions. By engaging Sustainable and eco design should reflect the professionals who will manage the application of best responsibility that we have for the future available technologies through the selection of generations. The society should be aware of environmentally friendly materials and equipment, potential environmental and health and efficient use of water and energy can be achieved. Thinking about the long-term availability of resources,

107 | Safety Engineering SAFETY ENGINEERING - INŽENJERSTVO ZAŠTITE and the effects that a project solution can have on the Journal of Production Research, vol.47, No.22, November environment, makes the design sustainable and 2009, p.p. 6233-6259 responsible. [6] J.Giesekam, J.R.Barrett, P.Taylor (2016): “Construction sector views on low carbon building materials”. Routlege, Today’s environmental challenges have brought Taylor&Francis Group. BRI 2016, Vol.44, No. 4, p.p.423- sustainability and sustainable design to the forefront 444 of our design practices. Many architectural firms [7] A.Ofori, A.Clinton, K. Ansa (2015): ”Barriers to noticed the importance of the climate responsible successful implementation of sustainable construction in architecture. They are very enthusiastic about Ghanaian construction industry”. Procedia Manufacturing creating the eco-friendly structures. Learning from 3, 2015, p.p.1682-1689 the past and having a critical approach toward [8] UN Economic Commission for Europe (2012): ”Green present trends can help future architects and homes”. United Nations, New York and Geneva, 2012 designers to determine which methods work best in [9] T.Harputlugil (2017): “Energy efficient creating durable and sustainable buildings, and thus development: a retrospective approach”. International ultimately help to lessen the effects of climate Symposium on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, Ankara, Turkey, February 2017, p.p. 296-303 change. [10] S.Guy, F.Graham (2001): ”Reinterpreting sustainable By investing in architecture, we are creating high architecture: the place of technology” Journal of quality environments, provide energy savings, Architectural Education, 54/3, February 2001, p.p. 140- preserving value over the lifecycle of the building, 148 and ultimately we are leaving a legacy for our children. BIOGRAPHY of the first author REFERENCES Milena Petričević was born in Niš, Serbia, in 1980. [1] S.Glisovic, (2017): “Održivo projektovanje i životna She graduated from University sredina”, Monografija. Fakultet zaštite na radu u of Nis, Faculty of Civil Nišu. (ISBN: 978-86-6093-075-2) (in Serbian). Engineering and Architecture. [2] R.Amany, H.El-Shimy, R.Ghada (2016): ”Green Ms Petričević also holds M.Sc. architecture: a concept of sustainability”. Procedia – degree in environmental Social and Behavioral Sciences 216, 2016, p.p. 778- 787 protection from the University [3] D.Ilic, (1983): ”Stan i porodica”. Naucna Knjiga, of Nis, Faculty of Occupational Safety.Her main Beograd areas of research include architecture planning, [4] C.Luttropp, J.Lagrerstedt (2006): “Eco-design and interior design, sustainable planning, sustainable the ten golden rules: generic advise for merging design etc. environmental aspects into product development”. She is currently working as a senior architect at Journal of Cleaner Production 14, 2006, p.p. 1396- Studio Hauser, a bureau of architecture and design 1408 located in Niš, Serbia. [5] M.J.Kwak, Y.S.Hong, N.W.Cho (2009): “Eco- architecture analysis for end-of-life decision making”. Taylor&Francis Group. International

EKOLOŠKI ODRŽIV DIZAJN ENTERIJERA - IZAZOVI I TRENDOVI

Milena Pertičević, Nebojša Milkić

Rezime: U poslednjih nekoliko godina, održivi razvoj predstavlja fokus različitih polja inženjerskog dizajna. Relativno nov koncept zelene arhitekture i ekološki prihvatljivog dizajna enterijera predstavlja novi pristup koji je u skladu sa u skladu sa ekološkim problemima. Ovaj koncept nudi polaznu tačku u potrazi za adekvatnim rešenjima za brojna pitanja održivosti sa kojima se savremene zajednice suočavaju. Ključne reči: održiva arhitektura, održivi dizajn enterijera, eko-dizajn, ekološka arhitektura, ekološka bezbednost.

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