Speaker
Description
Globally, a variety of materials are used regularly in substantial quantities in the field of architecture and interior design, culminating in scarcity of natural resources and environmental implications. Conserving environmental resources has social, cultural, physical, and economic consequences. Nonetheless, there exist lack of comprehensive literature and policies on sustainable interior spaces in Sub-Saharan regions, particularly Ghana. The aim of the study was to explore effective strategies for achieving sustainable domestic interior spaces in urban areas of Ghana, using Kumasi as a case. In achieving this, the study specifically examined how the interior spaces of residences in Kumasi have been currently appropriated, their level of sustainability and strategies for the attainment of holistic sustainable interiors of homes. The study employed a descriptive case study of five sampled houses and an in-depth interview that involved thirty-nine residents and design professionals. The study discovered a minimum level of sustainable practices in the appropriation and design of domestic interior spaces. Findings indicate that there are barriers such as lack of public awareness, cost of sustainable solutions, lack of enthusiasm and experience of professionals. The study recommends key strategies such as national policy and mass sensitisation on sustainability, strong enforcement of building regimes, lucrative funding packages for green building projects to ensure the realisation of sustainable environments in the country.
Keywords: Sustainability, appropriation, interior design, residences, urban areas.