Interior Space Research Articles

Impact of Color on Energy Efficiency in Interior Space Design

Impact of Color on Energy Efficiency in Interior Space Design

Investigation of the differences in designers' spatial perception in interior spaces using Kokedama

The word kokedama consists of the Japanese words "koke" (moss) and "dama" (ball). Due to its easily accessible materials and easy construction, it has become an application that almost everyone can do, and its use is expected to become widespread. The aim of this study is to investigate the differences in the spatial perceptions of designers who have received basic design education in different faculties in the case of interiors that including kokedama. To measure the differences in spatial perception, photographs of 8 different public interiors were processed and a survey was administered to the subjects. The survey results were analyzed statistically. According to the results of the study, the increase in the value of the perceptibility and simplicity criteria also increases the value of other criteria. As the value of perceptibility and simplicity increases in kokedama applications, the perception of complexity decreases. This data explains that the use of kokedama contributes positively to spatial perception. The criteria that have the most effect when they are together are the structure/identity and perceptibility criteria. The highest scorers on the criteria affecting spatial perception were graduates of the faculty of fine arts, while the lowest scorers were graduates of the faculty of agriculture.

A Geophysical Investigation in Which 3D Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Ground-Penetrating Radar Are Used to Determine Singularities in the Foundations of the Protected Historic Tower of Murcia Cathedral (Spain)

This study presents a procedure in which 3D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) were used to determine singularities in the foundations of protected historic towers, where space is limited due to their characteristics and location in highly populated areas. This study was carried out on the Tower of the Cathedral “Santa Iglesia Catedral de Santa María” in Murcia, Spain. The novel distribution of a continuous nonlinear profile along the outer and inner perimeters of the Tower allowed us to obtain a 3D ERT model of the subsoil, even under its load-bearing walls. This nonlinear configuration of the electrodes allowed us to reach adequate investigation depths in buildings with limited interior and exterior space for data collection without disturbing the historic structure. The ERT results were compared with GPR measurements and with information from archaeological excavations conducted in 1999 and 2009. The geometry and distribution of the cavities in the entire foundation slab of the Tower were determined, verifying the proposed procedure. This methodology allows the acquisition of a detailed understanding of the singularities of the foundations of protected historic towers in urban areas with limited space, reducing time and costs and avoiding the use of destructive techniques, with the aim of implementing a more efficient and effective strategy for the protection of other tower foundations.

The fourth dimension (time) as a basic driver for using the transformed interior architecture in interior spaces

The fourth dimension (time) as a basic driver for using the transformed interior architecture in interior spaces

Potential of Low-Cost UAV Photogrammetry for Documenting Hard-to-Access Interior Spaces Through Building Openings

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are primarily used in the field of cultural heritage for mapping the exteriors of larger objects and documenting the roofs and façades of tall structures that cannot be efficiently or feasibly measured using conventional terrestrial technologies and methods. However, due to the considerable diversity of cultural heritage, there are practical demands for the measurement of complex and inaccessible objects in interior spaces. This article focuses on the use of two different off-the-shelf UAVs for partial photogrammetric reconstruction of the attic of a mining house, which was only visible through a window in the gable wall. Data from both UAVs were compared with each other and with terrestrial laser scanning. Despite the lower quality of the results from the DJI Mini 4 Pro compared to the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise, the results from both UAVs would still be suitable for documenting the interior attic spaces. However, a detailed analysis of the photogrammetric data indicates that, when selecting a UAV for this purpose, it is necessary to consider the limitations of the camera system, which may lead to a reduction in the geometric accuracy and completeness of the point clouds.

A Study on Guesthouse Interior Space Planning Method Based on BIM Topological Relationships

Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology has revolutionized the architectural and construction industries by providing detailed digital representations of buildings, enhancing design efficiency and project management. Despite its widespread application, the utilization of BIM in optimizing interior space planning, particularly in boutique accommodations like guesthouses, remains underexplored. This research addresses the gap by introducing a novel method for interior environment space planning of guesthouses based on the topological relationships derived from BIM data. This study developed a new algorithm that utilizes detailed topology information from BIM in order to make space planning decisions more efficiently, thereby improving space utilization efficiency and guest experience. Through a comprehensive analysis of BIM topological relationships and the application of advanced optimization techniques, our method aims to optimize the use of space while considering the unique constraints and requirements of guesthouse environments. The proposed algorithm demonstrates significant improvements in spatial efficiency and design quality when tested against traditional planning methods on real-world BIM datasets. This research not only contributes a novel approach to the field of architectural design and planning but also offers practical implications for the enhancement of interior spaces in guesthouses, potentially influencing future applications of BIM technology in the hospitality industry.

Modelling of Indoor Air Quality and Thermal Comfort in Passive Buildings Subjected to External Warm Climate Conditions

Air renewal rate is an important parameter for both indoor air quality and thermal comfort. However, to improve indoor thermal comfort, the air renewal rate to be used, in general, will depend on the outdoor air temperature values. This article presents the modelling of indoor air quality and thermal comfort for occupants of a passive building subject to a climate with warm conditions. The ventilation and shading strategies implemented for the interior spaces are then considered, as well as the use of an underground space for storing cooled air. The indoor air quality is evaluated using the carbon dioxide concentration, and thermal comfort is evaluated using the Predicted Mean Vote index. The geometry of the passive building, with complex topology, is generated using a numerical model. The simulation is performed by Building Thermal Response software, considering the building’s geometry and materials, ventilation, and occupancy, among others. The building studied is a circular auditorium. The auditorium is divided into four semi-circular auditoriums and a central circular space, with vertical glazed windows and horizontal shading devices on its entire outer surface. Typical summer conditions existing in a Mediterranean-type environment were considered. In this work, two cases were simulated: in Case 1, the occupation is verified in the central space and the four semi-circular auditoriums and all spaces are considered as one; in Case 2, the occupation is verified only in each semi-circular auditorium and each one works independently. For both cases, three strategies were applied: A, without shading and geothermal devices; B, with a geothermal device and without a shading device; and C, with both shading and geothermal devices. The airflow rate contributes to improving indoor air quality throughout the day and thermal comfort for occupants, especially in the morning. The geothermal and shading devices improve the thermal comfort level, mainly in the afternoon.

Hybrid star model with Tolman–Buchdahl metric potentials in non-conservative theory of gravity

In this study, we propose a streamlined approach to analyze the characteristics of compact stars with a unique equation of state resulting from the hybridization of dark matter and baryonic matter within the framework of Rastall gravity. The impact of dark energy on the star’s interior is investigated by introducing a linear coupling parameter β (called the Rastall parameter). The interior space–time model is developed using metric potentials eν=A+Br2 and eλ(r)=a(1+br2)a−br2 for temporal and spatial coordinates, respectively. The parameter b is set to 0.005 km−2 for the specific stellar candidate PSRJ1614-2230. Physical features derived from the exact solutions of the Einstein field equations are analyzed by considering various choices of the Rastall parameter. The results indicate that the proposed model satisfies the necessary conditions for a stable and physically plausible stellar structure.

Evaluation of a Kirigami-inspired double-skin adaptive façade for natural ventilation and solar harvesting to enhance indoor environment and energy performance

A novel kirigami-inspired design concept for an environmentally responsive adaptive façade is presented and evaluated for the objectives of solar energy harvesting and adaptive ventilation through controllable surface orientation and opening. The concept is a double-skin façade where the outer skin includes a straight cut kirigami-inspired adaptive component. Controllable actuation of the kirigami-inspired section opens the outer skin for ventilation while also changing the orientation of the outer surface for solar tracking. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the potential benefits for this concept integrated within a building façade for solar energy harvesting, air changes, and indoor temperature control. As such, a computational study is used to estimate the proposed facade concept's performance within various generalized building-environment scenarios. The methodology is detailed to computationally estimate the potential environmental performance of this concept with respect to solar harvesting with adhered solar panels, as well as air changes and HVAC cost for associated interior spaces. The example scenarios include various building components, from a single room to multiple building stories, and two geographic locations with significantly different environmental conditions, and both daily and yearly performance estimates are shown. The component is most effective when the outdoor temperature is near to the desired indoor temperature and wind speeds are mild, but can still reduce HVAC usage for more disparate temperatures. For example, in the scenarios shown the component can eliminate HVAC use for a 5°C difference between outdoor and indoor temperature and reduces HVAC usage for temperature differences up to 15°C. Moreover, the component has the potential to significantly increase net energy generation, with yearly performance estimated for the scenarios to be as much as 25% greater than that of a flat closed façade. However, the component cut parameters can have a significant impact on environmental performance, and thus require careful design consideration.

Design and analysis of folding mechanism for automotive seats based on space maximization

To solve the problem of maximizing space utilization of car folding seats within limited spatial constraints, a design method for space-maximizing four-bar folding seat hinges is proposed. First, we will investigate the existing types of car folding seats, identify the mainstream configurations, and determine the optimal position of the four-bar linkage hinge point based on the constraints present within the car using theoretical analysis methods. Secondly, kinematic and dynamic models of the four-bar linkage mechanism are established, followed by the formulation of kinematic and dynamic equations. Finally, numerical methods are employed to solve these equations and obtain the kinematic and dynamic characteristics. The results indicate that the design method proposed in the article, which aims to maximize the space of the hinge four-bar folding seat, is efficient and feasible. This approach optimizes the utilization of interior space and enhances passenger comfort while accommodating the folding function of the seat within the existing vehicle environment. This method holds significant engineering implications for the design of folding seats in similar types of vehicles.

Developing Porous Protein Cage Nanoparticles as Cargo-Loadable and Ligand-Displayable Modular Delivery Nanoplatforms.

Protein cage nanoparticles, self-assembled from protein subunits, provide distinct exterior and interior spaces and can carry diagnostic and/or therapeutic cargo agents through chemical conjugation, in vitro disassembly/reassembly process, or assembly-mediated encapsulation. Here, we developed porous SpyCatcher-mi3 (SC-mi3) as modular delivery nanoplatforms, capable of loading cargos through pores and displaying targeting ligands using SpyCatchers (SC) as anchors for SpyTagged (ST) ligands. Fluorescent dyes (F5M and A647) and a pH-sensitive prodrug (Aldox) were conjugated to the interior surface cysteines of SC-mi3, forming F5M@SC-mi3, A647@SC-mi3, and Aldox@SC-mi3. Subsequently, EGFR-binding affibody molecules (EGFRAfb) were displayed on the exterior surface of F5M@SC-mi3 and Aldox@SC-mi3 using the SC/ST protein ligation system, forming F5M@mi3/EGFRAfb and Aldox@mi3/EGFRAfb, respectively. F5M@mi3/EGFRAfb selectively bound to EGFR-overexpressing MDA-MB-468 cells, visualizing the target cancer cells, while Aldox@mi3/EGFRAfb selectively delivered doxorubicin, leading to target-specific cancer cell death. To encapsulate large proteins within SC-mi3, biotins were initially conjugated to the interior surface (BPM@SC-mi3) and mSA2-fused protein cargo molecules (mSA2-HaloTag and mSA2-yCD) were successfully introduced through the pores and securely encapsulated, forming TMR-H@SC-mi3 and yCD@SC-mi3, respectively. Subsequent display of EGFRAfb on their surface allowed the visualization of target cancer cells using fluorescent HaloTag ligand labeling and facilitated the killing of target cancer cells by converting the prodrug 5-FC to the cytotoxic drug 5-FU. Modular functionalization of the two distinct spaces in porous SC-mi3 may offer opportunities for developing target-specific functional cargo-delivery nanoplatforms in biomedical fields.

Examining Environmental Influences on Pain Perception Using Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) and biophilic design are two emerging areas of research in interior design and medical settings. VR is a rapidly developing technology which has revolutionized the field of interior design. This technology allows designers to create immersive environments that simulate the scale and depth of spaces in reality. Biophilic design focuses on incorporating natural elements into interior spaces to promote a human centered approach to design. Studies have found an association between the use of biophilic design and improvement in patient outcomes within the medical setting. However, little research has been conducted on how changes in the virtual environment may impact pain perception. This study aims to explore the impact of VR and biophilic design on human pain perception. Pain perception was measured via pain-pressure threshold (PPT) using a pressure algometer in kilogram-force (kgf) and Numeric Pain Rating Scales (NPRS). The study involved a series of measurements comparing participants' pain perceptions through PPTs and NPRS scores. Measurements were taken on five separate occasions. The first set of measurements were recorded outside of VR to establish baselines, and the remaining four measurements were taken within VR. Participants viewed a series of VR rooms modeled after a hospital setting with each room exhibiting increasing levels of environmental stimulation. This study examined the relationship between environmental stimuli and pain perception. The level of environmental stimuli that each participant was exposed to was increased by presenting a higher degree of biophilic elements. Biophilic elements incorporate plants, colors, natural materials, and the manipulation of architectural surfaces to provide a naturally calming effect to spaces. Results from this study support the idea that increasing the level of environmental stimuli in a virtual environment decreases the pain perception of those viewing the environment.

The application of emotional design in lighting for Chinese healthcare spaces

AbstractWith the development of time, people have more emotional needs for interior spaces. Interior lighting design is an extremely important part of interior design, especially in children's healthcare. In order to meet the needs of child patients and healthcare professionals for ward lighting, it is necessary to comply with various standards while also designing emotionally, emphasizing the positive effects of light on the psychology and health of the user. A literature research approach was used to combine the current status of interior lighting in healthcare spaces, culminating in the integration of the concept of emotional design into the lighting design of children's wards.

Regional Electron Delocalization Regulation Internalizes the Reduced‐Order‐Transformation of Polysulfides

AbstractThe step‐order or disproportionation conversion of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) is still a blind box in LiS batteries (LSBs) system. The cation‐doped electrocatalyst (Fe‐CoS2@HCNF) is designed through modulating electron‐surrounding situation of the central atomic d‐band to promote regional electron‐directed LiPSs reduced‐order‐transformation (especially, Li2S4Li2S). Fe‐CoS2@HCNF satisfies the requirement of mass (electron/ion) transfer reaction, quantizing as multi‐osmosis‐connected transportation channels and an all‐encompassing interior space for sulfur reduction occurring. Based on experiments and DFT calculations, the introduced Fe presents a local electron deficiency state toward regulating regional electron delocalization between Fe and Co matrix, which induces the d‐band state of the metal site, strengthening the metal 3d orbital coupling interaction with S2−of LiPSs, further guiding the order‐transformation of intermediate LiPSs. Consequently, the Fe‐CoS2@HCNF electrode has excellent electrochemical properties, performing at 3.0 C with 0.064 % capacity decay per cycle, and even maintaining super cycle stability at a high sulfur loadings. In addition, the pouch cell assembled can also reach an initial specific capacity of 1070.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, which can still show good long‐term cycle stability. This work provides a valuable prospect for analyzing SRR intermediate state by regional electron flow regulation of electrocatalyst in practical LSBs.

Analysis of the Laws of Planar Composition in Interior Design

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the laws of planar composition in interior design, analyze the role and use of basic elements such as points, lines and surfaces in interior design, as well as the analysis of the laws of composition such as contrast and symmetry, proportion and balance, rhythm and repetition. Firstly, the thesis introduces the importance of points, lines and surfaces as constituent elements in interior design, and discusses their influence on spatial atmosphere, visual effect and overall sense. Secondly, through the analysis of the compositional laws of contrast and symmetry, proportion and balance, rhythm and repetition, the paper elaborates on the principles and effects of the application of these laws in interior design. Then, the thesis discusses the application of planar composition in different styles, including modern minimalist style, European classical style, Chinese traditional style, etc., showing the characteristics and design techniques of planar composition in different styles. Finally, the paper discusses the optimal use of interior space from the perspective of plane composition, emphasizing the importance of the unity of functionality and aesthetics, spatial layout and flow design, and the collocation of materials and colors. Through in-depth analysis of the laws of plane composition in interior design, this paper aims to provide designers with certain theoretical guidance and practical reference, with a view to achieving better design effects and space utilization.

Impact of space utilization and work time flexibility on energy performance of office buildings

This study investigates the impact of different space utilization on energy use intensity, heating load, cooling load, and thermal comfort of occupants using a combination of empirical data gathering and simulation-based studies. The increasing worldwide preoccupation with energy consumption and environmental sustainability has led to increased attention on optimizing interior spaces to mitigate total energy demand. The considered case study for conducting this research was the Norwegian living lab namely Zero Emission Building (ZEB) Flexible Lab in Trondheim, Norway. In this study, 10 different scenarios of occupancy schedules based on flexible arrangements from standard workweeks to extensive remote work configurations were designed and analyzed using IDA ICE 5.0. The findings demonstrate significant reductions in energy use across scenarios with increased teleworking and compressed work weeks. The remote scenario achieved the most significant decrease in Energy Use Intensity (EUI), with a reduction of 46 % compared to the base case. Similarly, the implementation of flexible hours and remote working in scenarios resulted in a reduction of electric heating demand by up to 23 %, underscoring the potential of occupancy-based strategies in enhancing building energy efficiency. However, uncomfortable hours increased by 59 % in the 2-day remote working scenario compared to the base case, demonstrating the need to consider climate conditions when implementing remote work. The research offers valuable insights into the complex connections between flexible arrangements and energy efficiency, considering many elements such as occupancy schedule and use dynamics. This article offers a comprehensive analysis that may give architects, building managers, and policymakers valuable insights. This study contributes to the developing sustainable architecture by emphasizing the impact of dynamic occupancy on the energy performance of office buildings.

The impact of visitor attributes on the spatial experience in exhibition halls with background music

The exhibition hall is public architectural space with diverse forms, which serves as an exceptional research environment for investigating spatial experience. As a potent auditory stimulus capable of evoking emotions effectively, music exerts influence on behavioral responses in different contexts. However, the existing literature on interior space design rarely integrates soundscape considerations. Therefore, this study aims to explore the impact of tourist attributes-such as music learning experience, listening frequency, exhibition visiting motivation, personality traits, and neuroticism-on spatial experiences based on music perception and interior layouts. The background music is categorized into five sound conditions based on mode and tempo: no music, medium tempo in major, medium tempo in minor, fast tempo in major, and slow tempo in major. Meanwhile, the exhibition space is classified into four categories according to its interior layout: axis space, scale contrast space, shape contrast space, and flow space. The result shows that in different spatial environment with different music background, tourist attributes have different effects on the subjective spatial perception.

Thermal performance analysis and optimization of air-supported membrane building envelope based on numerical simulation

Air-supported membrane (ASM) envelopes offer an effective solution for creating large interior spaces for buildings with lower energy consumption and carbon emissions. However, there is little research on the thermal performance of ASM envelopes, particularly regarding the natural convection within the air interlayer and its impact on thermal resistance. To address this gap, this study developed a numerical model of ASM envelopes and validated it through experiments. Subsequently, a numerical investigation was conducted to analyze natural convection and thermal resistance while considering factors such as indoor-outdoor temperature difference, membrane emissivity and air interlayer thickness. Results indicated that with the emissivity increased from 0.2 to 1, the thermal resistance of the air interlayer and the envelope decreased by 32.35% and 9.13%, respectively. Besides, the thickness of air interlayer also had evident effect on thermal resistance. When it increased from 5 mm to 35 mm, the thermal resistance of the air interlayer and the envelope increased by 156.19% and 14.74%, and further results in the heat transfer decreased by 13.85%. However, the convective heat transfer would remain constant when the thickness exceeded 35 mm. This study provided valuable reference for optimizing the design of ASM envelopes and accurately calculating their thermal resistance.

Efficient Daylighting: The Importance of Glazing Transmittance and Room Surface Reflectance

This study quantitatively analyzes the influence of the spectral characteristics, reflectance or transmittance, of different materials on the lighting of an interior space with natural and artificial light. For this purpose, a three-dimensional simulated classroom is used, where each of the components is assigned specific materials with an associated reflectance or transmittance. Additionally, two types of lighting are available: 6500 K daylight and light from six continuous spectrum LED luminaires. The lighting is evaluated on two planes: the work plane and the corneal plane (80 cm and 120 cm from the floor, respectively). Three versions of the same classroom were analyzed by varying the walls (white, blue, and red), each with a different neutral-colored floor. Furthermore, calculations were performed in each situation considering two different types of glazing in the windows, with 20% and 88% transmittance. The photopic and melanopic lighting analysis was carried out with the ALFA calculation program to verify the necessary requirements for adequate lighting. The results show that the white classroom is the best lit, followed by the blue and finally the red, due to the reflectance characteristics of the walls and floor although slight differences among them are found. It was found that in some cases, additional auxiliary luminaires would be required for proper lighting depending on the transmittance of the glazing. This study highlights the critical role of material selection in optimizing both photopic and melanopic lighting, with practical implications for energy efficiency and occupant well-being in educational spaces.

Simulation of indoor space thermal energy circulation in architectural environment design detail features based on visual object tracking algorithm

The heat circulation of interior space plays a crucial role in the design of the built environment, affecting energy efficiency and residential comfort. With the development of science and technology, visual target tracking algorithm provides a new possibility for optimizing thermal energy cycle. The purpose of this paper is to study the simulation method of indoor space thermal energy cycle based on visual target tracking algorithm to improve the efficiency of thermal energy management in building environment design and ensure indoor comfort. The research uses laboratory Settings, combined with high-performance cameras and advanced visual target tracking algorithms, to monitor indoor heat source distribution and personnel movement in real time. Through data acquisition and analysis, the indoor heat cycle model was constructed and simulated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to evaluate the influence of different design parameters on the heat cycle. Through the optimization of the design scheme, the efficiency of indoor heat use is significantly improved, and the comfort score of residents is significantly improved. Therefore, the simulation of indoor space thermal energy cycle based on visual target tracking algorithm provides an effective tool for building environment design, which can realize efficient energy management and improve living comfort.