A simulation based framework to optimize the interior design parameters for effective Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) experience in affordable residential units: Cases from Mumbai, India

Abstract

This study intends to optimise the interior layout of two low-income multi-rise tenement designs that would provide effective indoor environmental quality (IEQ) over the breathing zone. A variety of interior layouts were generated for both space constrained tenement units by introducing and varying interior architectural parameters and their respective design variables such as partition wall, cook-stove and furniture location. The study initiated with in-situ sensor development coupled with a stepwise simulation based framework involving sampling based parametric modelling followed by CFD simulations and multi-objective optimisation. Air velocity, temperature, and pollutant concentrations were considered as surrogate measures of IEQ. The research finally delivered two varying interior design layout with optimised design variables that would deliver indoor air quality within comfort range over the breathing zone in nat-vent conditions. Dearth of sustainable design strategies is a major dead-spot in habitat planning policies of India and needs urgent attention. This data driven research heuristics if applied through building design guidelines would help the architects, building engineers and urban planners to design and rejuvenate slum and low-income habitats by imbibing the environmental sustainability aspect in habit design policies.