TO STUDY THE SUSTAINABLE FABRICS AND IT’S USES IN INTERIOR DESIGN Mrs. Afroz Adil
Govt. Women’s Polytechnic College, Indore Dr. Vijeta Bhatore
Govt. Women’s Polytechnic College, Indore
Abstract- Interior designing is a discipline that deals with aesthetics, comfort and luxury.
There are a number of materials that are being used in interior designing by the designers.
These materials can be construction based or finishing based. A designer has to select these materials on the basis of budget, availability and client preference. Amongst the many finishing materials used in interior designing, one of the most used material is fabric.
Fabric has enormous uses in interior design like it can be used for upholstery, draperies, carpets and rugs and furnishings. The best part of fabrics is that it can be changed easily and frequently to match the latest fashion trends. But this frequent changing of fabric can be harmful to the environment as it increases the waste. There should be some ways and means to reduce this waste or one should use fabric that is sustainable and durable. This research describes few such sustainable fabric options available in the market and ways in which their usage can be increased and awareness can be spread amongst the retailers, designers and consumers. This research also explores the various unconventional ways in which fabrics can be used and can replace other regular and commonly used finishing materials in interior spaces.
Keywords: Interior design, soft furnishings, space dividers, false ceiling.
1 INTRODUCTION
Since the olden days fabric has been used to decorate and design the human residences.
Before glazing came into existence, humans used curtains to maintain privacy and also safe guard their homes. Slowly fabric got its place into commercial and cooperate world too. It is now being used as curtains, blinds, rugs, carpets, covers and many more. Changing the fabric of a space is the fastest and the most convenient way to upgrade the interior design of that space. Applying the latest available fabrics in the market makes the space look trendy and provides a glamorous aesthetics to the space. Replacing of fabrics is less tedious and less time consuming process to renovate any interiors. These benefits of achieving the desired trendy designing using fabrics brings some problems along with it like the frequent changing of fabrics leads to a huge amount of waste leading to increase in the landfills. This in turn causes harm to the environment and so remarkable measures should be taken to reduce this waste. Adopting the use of sustainable fabrics in interior designing for various purposes is a way towards conserving the environment.
1.1 Sustainable Fabrics
The fashionable market today is full of many fabrics including natural as well as artificial ones. For the conservation of the nature designers should opt for more natural and sustainable fabrics that are readily available in the commercial market. These fabrics look good and are durable too. [Sustainable fabrics are those fabrics which are obtained from eco-friendly resources for example they are grown using sustainable fiber crops or are made from recycled materials. These sustainable fabrics cause minimal or zero damage to the environment during their manufacturing and finishing processes. Sustainable fabrics are required more in the market because the conventional fabrics consume a lot of water, cause micro plastic pollution, emit greenhouse gas emission, degrade the soil, destroy the rainforest during their manufacturing process](3). Also,these discardedfabrics create almost 7.7 percentage of the landfills (4). These are the reasons why designers should choose sustainable fabrics for interior designing projects.
1.2 Interior Designing
It is the science of creating the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality.
Interior design deals with designing any interior space with regard to its wall, ceiling and floor treatments; furniture and furnishing design; lighting and services design; accessory
design, etc. An interior designer has to conceptualize, plan, coordinate, manage and execute the whole designing project. The discipline of interior design includes conceptual development, space planning, site inspections, time, material, budget and labor management and thus the completion of the project. The designers should incorporate sustainable design strategies by adopting new technologies and materials.
1.3 Uses of Fabrics in Interior Design
It is very difficult to imagine any interior space without the use of fabric in it. Fabrics comprise of almost 33% cost of the complete interior design project cost. Many different fabrics like cotton, silk, satin, net, corduroy, velvet, etc. are being used in interiors for upholstery, draperies, curtains, covers, wall hangings, rugs, etc. fabrics have enormous uses in interior spaces. A few of the numerous ways in which fabrics can be used in interiors are mentioned below.
a) For Privacy- If hung on doors and windows they can achieve visual privacy. They can be stretched between frames and thus can act as space dividers too. If thick fabric is used as upholstery material or for flooring or wall treatment then it can be a good sound absorber. Thus, providing audible privacy.
b) For Aesthetics- Fabrics can be used to enhance the aesthetic value of any given space. Fabrics can be used as per the design concept and make the area look royal or contemporary or may be traditional.
c) For Filtering Sunlight- To avoid harsh sunlight coming into the interiors, doors and windows can be covered with curtains. This can reduce the sun glare to a great extent and make the interiors soothing.
d) For Temporary Shelter- Waterproof fabrics can be used to make temporary shades or shelters to guard against sun or rain. Like making Gazebos in the gardens or tents for the play area.
e) For Safety- Furniture becomes more safe and durable if upholstered with some sturdy fabric. This in turn increases the life span of the furniture.
Different fabrics play different roles in interior design. Not all fabrics can be used everywhere. Every fabric has its specific use when talking about interior designing.
1.4 Examples of Sustainable Fabrics and Their Advantages in Interior Design
As far as sustainable fabrics are concerned there is a limited choice available in the commercial market that can be used in interior design project. A few of them are enlisted below along with their advantages pertaining to interior design.
a) Organic Cotton- Organic cotton farming consumes around 62% lesser energy and about 88% lesser water as compared to conventional cotton farming (7). It can be used for upholstery, drapery as well as bed linens, wall and floor treatments.
b) Organic Hemp- It is a carbon negative material as it absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It grows fast and does not need any pesticides. It doesn’t irritate the skin and can replace cotton. This fabric can be used as upholstery and drapery.
c) Organic Linen- Linen is made from flax and can be grown without using fertilizers. It is a hard variety and so can grow in any type of soil. It is fabric that remains cool in summers also. It can be used for upholstery and bed linens.
d) Organic Bamboo- Mechanically processed bamboo is sustainable. The biggest advantage of bamboo is that it grows very fast and does not require fertilizers. It is a good absorbent, comfortable and is a good moisture wicking material. It can be a used for upholstery and bed linens. Rugs can also be made out of it.
e) Cork- It is manufactured from the bark of oak tree. It is also a carbon negative fabric.
It can be used for wall treatments. It is a good sound absorbent.
f) Wool- It is insulating and composting fabric. It can be used for upholstery, rugs, carpets and bed linens.
g) Silk- Different varieties of silk are available in the market. It can be used for draperies and accessory designing.
h) Pinatex- It is made from pineapple leaves and it is durable, light weight and waterproof. Draperies and wall treatments can be done using Pinatex.
i) Econyl- It is manufactured from regenerated nylon waste like fishing nets, waste fabrics, industrial plastic, etc. it can be used as draperies, upholsteries, rugs, carpets, doormats, etc.
j) Modal- It is manufactured from wood pulp. It is a good absorbent, energy efficient, stretchy and breathable and is wrinkle free. It is used for bed linens, towels, upholstery and draperies.
1.5 Unconventional Ways of Using Fabrics in Interiors
Since the olden days fabrics are being used in interiors as curtains, furniture coverings, carpets and rugs. As the world of design is modernizing the role of fabric is also changing in many ways. These days’ designers are experimenting with fabrics which has been possible due to newer technologies and advanced durable fabrics. Fabric experimentation can be done as fabrics are available in a variety of colors, textures, translucencies and patterns (5).
Few unconventional ways in which fabrics can be used are described below.
a) Replace Walls- In any given open space fabric can be stretched between frames or hung from ceiling to divide the space into smaller section. These partitions are light in weight, and are flexible that is they can be removed or replaced at any given point of time. If translucent fabric is used for these dividers then they also allow light to pass through. These partitions are good for creating personalized cabins in cooperate offices.
b) Creating Pods- Personalized pods can be designed using fabrics. These pods are easy to install and fast to dismantle. They give a feel of indoor camping. These can be designed for dormitories or hotels.
c) False Ceiling- To reduce the height of a high area or room fabric can be hung from the roof. Beautiful waves can be created with the fabric by using tractions. The light weight, translucent fabric can give a fantastic effect of light and shadow.
d) Adaptive Residences- Flexible residences for the elderly and for the physically challenged can be designed using fabrics, thus creating private spaces and at the same time allowing light to filter in. These adaptive fabric walls can be opened or shifted easily for easy and hindrance free movement.
e) Backdrop- Fabrics can be used to create thematic backdrops in enclosed spaces.
These backdrops can be changed periodically and can be adjusted as per requirement. Such backdrops can be useful for playschools and other educational institutions, where the backdrop can be changed according to the current subject taught.
f) Shade Lighting- Cylinders, spheres, pyramids and other such forms made of fabric can be hung from the ceiling hosting LED lights within. These shades light up the interiors and their luminous is not harsh to the eyes. They provide indirect lighting to the entire area.
Thus it can be stated that other than the conventional uses of fabric in interiors, designers today are carrying out trials with the material to gain more versatile and sustainable design options.
2 LITERATURE REVIEW
1. Carolyn S. Hayles (2015) Environmentally sustainable interior design: A snapshot of current supply of and demand for green, sustainable or Fair-Trade products for interior design practice-This research says that environmentally sustainable interior design is till date not very accepted by the designers specially when talking about sustainable material selection. This research studies the supply and demand chain of green sustainable materials for interior designing. This research was done through literature review and structured interviews. This study shows that a wide range of sustainable fabrics, window treatments, flooring materials, and surface treatment materials are available in the market. Identifying sustainable materials is not an easy job and this acts as a barrier in its usage. The study states that as there is lack of supply of sustainable materials for interior designing, the retailers are reluctant in encouraging the consumers to buy sustainable materials and this leads to lack of awareness. Lastly, the research states that there is need to promote the
sustainable materials and increase the practice of environmentally sustainable interior design.
2. Ali Basim Alfuraty (2020)- Sustainable Environment in Interior Design: Design by Choosing Sustainable Materials-This research states that recently Interior Designing has witnessed a revolutionand is adopting sustainable materials and is creating environmentally responsive structures and architectural designs. The author says that previous studies state that despite of the development of the concept of sustainability many designers and architects do not adopt sustainability in design, material selection and furnishings too. The most vital reason to adopt sustainability is to reduce the carbon footprint, lessen the maintenance, increase durability, comfort, flexibility and safety and decrease the cost. This research explores the role of architects and interior designers in the promotion of sustainable material selection and thus preserving the environment. The results of the research show that the promotion of sustainable materials is a joint responsibility of the interior designers and the consumers. It is the duty of the interior designers to enhance the look of the sustainable materials and bring in the concept of reusing and recycling to build a better sustainable tomorrow.
3 METHODOLOGY
For this research, primary and secondarydata were studied. For the secondary data literature review of topic relevant research papers were done, studied thoroughly and analyzed. For the primary data 15 interior designers and 15 fabric retailers were interviewed. 10 questions related to sustainability and its awareness, sustainable fabrics and interior designing, various uses of fabric in interior design were asked to them and their feedback were collected. After collecting the feedbacks they were studied and analyzed.
Final conclusions were drawn after analyzing the primary and secondary data.
3.1 Data Analysis
As fabric is extensively used in interior designing, the designers should opt for sustainable fabrics in their designs. To examine that why the designers are not using sustainable fabric to a greater extent in their design projects a questionnaire was prepared and circulated to interior designers and fabric retailers. On the basis of this questionnaire conclusions can be made regarding the awareness of sustainable fabrics and also in increasing its usage.
1. The designers and retailers were inquired that whether they were aware of sustainability and sustainable designs. To this 69.4% of the designers and retailers said that they were aware of sustainability and sustainable designs. 12% of them said they were not very clear with the idea of sustainability and remaining 18.6 were completely unaware of the concept of sustainability.
2. Respondents were asked if they really thought that sustainability is important in interior design industry. 59.7% of them said yes it is very important whereas the remaining 40.3% of them said sustainability is important but at the same time it is difficult to practice it.
3. Designers and retailers were asked that on an average up to what extent do they follow the concept of sustainability in their design projects. 23% of them said they don’t follow it at all, 68% of them said they follow it to around 25%, 8% of them said they follow it to 50% and1% of them said they follow it to almost 75%.
4. Respondents were asked that from where they get the ideas of sustainable designs.
43% of them said they referred magazines and journals, 28% said they get the ideas from social media, and the remaining 29% of them learnt it from the newspapers.
5. Answerers were asked that do they feel there is a difference between the sustainable fabrics and the conventional fabrics in terms of cost, appearance and application. To this 91% of the designers and retailers said yes indeed there is a vast difference between the cost, appearance and application of the sustainable fabrics and conventional fabrics. Whereas 9% said that till date they had not compared the two types of fabrics.
6. Retailers and designers were asked that does the client demand for use of sustainable fabrics in their premises. They said only 49% of the clients demanded for the use of
sustainable fabrics in their projects whereas the others were not really concerned about the sustainable properties of the fabrics used.
7. Respondents were asked that whether they face problems in applying sustainable fabrics in the interior projects. 38% of them said they faced problems. 43% said they didn’t face any problem and 19% of them were neutral about this question.
8. The answerer were asked what type of problems they faced in applying sustainable fabrics in their interior projects. There were mixed responses for this. A few said that the choice of fabric is limited. Few said that sustainable fabrics are not economical, and few said that the availability of the sustainable fabrics in the local markets is too low.
9. Respondents were inquired about the ways in which these hurdles can be solved and sustainable fabrics could be used easily in their interior design projects. Retailers said that the manufacturing and supply of sustainable fabrics should be increased to reduce the cost. Designers were in a favor of increasing the awareness of sustainability amongst the clients and retailers.
10. Respondents were asked to give their inputs through which clients and their colleagues can be made aware of the sustainable fabrics available in the market. 78%
of the retailers had no idea of how can this be achieved, 22% said more advertising of sustainable fabrics need to be done to make it more popular. 82% of the designers said more exhibitions and conferences should be conducted to spread the awareness whereas 18% said media should the play to spread awareness regarding sustainability and sustainable fabrics.
From the above collected data it is seen that not much awareness is there regarding the sustainable fabrics amongst the retailers and clients and even though 69.4% of the designers are aware of these fabrics, they are not able to use it in their design projects because of the high affordability, lack of variety, lack of awareness amid the clients and retailers. Almost 60% of the designers and retailers said that use of sustainable fabrics in interior design projects is important but they are not able to use these fabrics to a greater extent. Designers and retailers said that awareness regarding sustainable fabrics need to be spread either through exhibitions, conferences or through social media.
4 CONCLUSION
Modern interior design uses fabrics in many different ways like creating space dividers, lightings, backdrops, wall paneling, etc. and thus this increases the use of fabrics in interiors. The increasing amount of fabric usage in interior designing as well as the increased landfill of fabrics are the basic reasons why designers should opt for sustainable fabrics in their projects. Sustainable fabrics have many benefits and so designers and retailers should promote the use of sustainable fabrics. Sustainable fabrics do have their limitations like they are expensive, availability in the market is not high, wide range of colors, patterns and textures are not available. Sustainable fabrics like silk and bamboo have high maintenance cost, linen and hemp wrinkle very easily and organic cotton needs a specific soil type for irrigation. Thus, very sustainable fabric has its own limitations which the government and textile industries should take care of. These sustainable fabrics need to reach the common man and for this more advertisements, workshops, seminars, talk shows should be organized. Government should come up with various promotional and discount schemes and open retail and wholesale shops so that sustainable fabrics can gain recognition.
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