Our five-pronged approach focuses on your individual strengths to develop your unique qualities towards making you an exemplary pi- designer.
Shreya Shrivastava
23/01/2025
23/1/2025
share
Table of contents
Overview
This article explores the critical role of architecture and interior design in addressing increasing air pollution and the associated health concerns in India exacerbated by climate events like wildfires and urban smog. It highlights the necessity for architects and designers to prioritise air quality in their projects, balancing health, sustainability, and energy efficiency.
The discussion includes innovative strategies such as airtight envelopes, smart ventilation systems, and advanced filtration techniques, alongside future-ready and inclusive design practices. By integrating these approaches, the built environment can evolve to foster resilience, comfort, and cleaner air for all occupants.
Air pollution, both indoors and outdoors, poses a significant health risk globally. Recent climate events, such as wildfires, extreme heat waves, and increasing industrial emissions, have exacerbated air pollution levels, highlighting the urgency of this issue. For architects and designers, air quality should not be an afterthought but a cornerstone of the design process.
By prioritising air quality, professionals in the built environment can protect human health, improve quality of life, mental health & emotional well being and mitigate the broader impacts of environmental degradation.
The intersection of interior architecture, design, and air quality is becoming increasingly critical in our rapidly urbanizing world. As we face escalating challenges related to air pollution, new-age emerging interior designers and architects are called to prioritize clean air in their projects.
Recent climate events have underscored the urgency of addressing air quality challenges. Wildfires, for example, have become more frequent and severe due to global warming, releasing massive quantities of particulate matter (PM2.5) into the atmosphere.
In 2023, regions like Canada and the United States experienced unprecedented wildfire seasons, with smoke affecting air quality thousands of miles away. Cities like New York recorded some of the worst air quality levels in decades, prompting widespread health alerts.
In India, the annual stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana continues to be a major contributor to air pollution in northern states. The practice, aimed at clearing agricultural fields for the next crop cycle, releases substantial amounts of smoke and particulate matter, enveloping cities like Delhi in thick smog. Despite policy efforts and technological interventions, the problem persists, exacerbating health issues and reducing visibility.
Delhi, often ranked among the most polluted cities globally, faced a significant air quality crisis in late 2024. During the Diwali festival, despite restrictions on firecrackers, pollution levels soared due to a combination of firecracker emissions, vehicular pollution, and stagnant weather conditions. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached hazardous levels, forcing schools to close and hospitals to brace for a surge in respiratory ailments.
Another noteworthy event occurred in Bengaluru in early 2024, where unseasonal rains mixed with pollutants led to a phenomenon known as "wet smog." This unusual occurrence caused a spike in respiratory issues, drawing attention to the impact of changing climate patterns on urban air quality.
The integration of air quality considerations into design is no longer going to be a choice; it’s a necessity. Here are compelling reasons why architects and interior architects must prioritise clean air:
The primary goal of any building is to provide a safe and healthy environment for its occupants. Poor air quality can lead to short-term issues such as allergies and fatigue, and long-term health risks like asthma, chronic respiratory conditions, and even cancer. Architects have a moral responsibility to design spaces that safeguard the health of users. Explore this article on the importance of design for wellbeing.
Sustainable design is incomplete without addressing air quality. Energy-efficient buildings often rely on airtight construction to reduce energy loss. However, without proper ventilation, this can trap pollutants inside. Achieving a balance between energy efficiency and air quality is essential for sustainable design.
Governments and organisations worldwide are introducing stricter regulations and certifications that emphasise air quality. Designers who prioritise air quality are better prepared to address these requirements by adhering to frameworks such as the WELL Building Standard, which focuses on promoting health and wellness in built environments, and by complying with local building codes, which establish minimum safety and performance standards for construction .
As climate change accelerates, air quality challenges will become more frequent and severe. Designing buildings that can adapt to changing environmental conditions ensures their longevity and relevance. Well-informed and educated minds would be the driving force for these initiatives.
Interior architects must design buildings that shield occupants from outdoor pollutants such as traffic emissions, industrial discharges, and natural disasters. Urban and industrial areas face high levels of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and VOCs, requiring solutions like airtight construction, advanced filtration systems, and green barriers.
Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality (IAQ). Architects can improve air circulation by incorporating cross-ventilation, natural airflow pathways, and mechanical systems when needed. These strategies help dilute indoor pollutants, reduce humidity, and enhance thermal comfort. For example, amidst Delhi’s hazardous AQI levels surpassing 400, a couple transformed their home into a sustainable haven with an AQI of just 15, showcasing how individual efforts are key to long term change.
Improving air quality must align with energy efficiency. While airtight spaces conserve energy, they may trap heat and humidity if poorly designed. Solutions like energy recovery systems, passive cooling, and thermal insulation balance comfort, health, and energy goals effectively.
As air pollution concerns rise, Architecture and Interior Design are integrating innovative interior design solutions to enhance indoor air quality while maintaining energy efficiency and sustainability. This blog highlights three key strategies: airtight envelopes, smart ventilation, and advanced technical systems.
Airtight designs block outdoor pollutants, requiring meticulous material selection and precise detailing:
Effective ventilation combines technology with passive design principles:
Technological innovations ensure clean air while saving energy:
As architecture and interior design evolves to address modern challenges, prioritizing comfort and safety is becoming paramount. Designers are tasked with crafting spaces that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also protective and accommodating for diverse occupants. This approach ensures that the built environment supports health, well-being, and resilience in the face of environmental changes and societal needs.
Thermal comfort is a cornerstone of well-designed buildings. It directly impacts how individuals experience and use spaces, influencing productivity, health, and energy efficiency. Achieving this begins with the building envelope—the barrier between indoor and outdoor environments.
An efficient envelope design considers materials, insulation, glazing, and orientation to optimise temperature regulation. For example, using double-glazed windows with low-emissivity coatings can minimize heat transfer, maintaining a stable indoor climate. Similarly, materials with high thermal mass, such as concrete or brick, can store heat during the day and release it at night, helping regulate indoor temperatures naturally.
A well-designed envelope also incorporates appropriate sealing to prevent air leakage, reducing reliance on HVAC systems. This approach not only ensures comfort but also contributes to energy efficiency and sustainability.
Passive cooling strategies are sustainable solutions that harness natural processes to regulate indoor temperatures. These strategies are particularly vital in regions with hot climates, where cooling demands can be high.
Properly designed shading devices, such as overhangs, louvers, or vegetation, block direct sunlight during peak hours while allowing natural light to filter through. These measures reduce heat gain and lower indoor temperatures without relying on mechanical cooling.
Cross-ventilation, achieved through strategically placed openings, allows fresh air to flow through spaces, replacing warm, stagnant air with cooler outdoor air. Ventilation towers or wind catchers, traditional techniques in some cultures, offer modern applications for passive cooling.
These strategies not only ensure thermal comfort but also reduce energy consumption, aligning with sustainable interior design principles.
Insulation and thermal storage are critical components of a balanced interior environment. Insulation prevents unwanted heat transfer, ensuring indoor spaces remain comfortable regardless of external conditions. Advanced materials like aerogels or phase-change materials (PCMs) enhance this capability.
Thermal storage complements insulation by absorbing and releasing heat as needed. For instance, incorporating water features or materials with high specific heat capacity can moderate indoor temperatures. When integrated thoughtfully, insulation and thermal storage create environments that are energy-efficient, comfortable, and adaptable.
The future of interior architecture lies in creating spaces that withstand the challenges of a changing climate, shifting demographics, and evolving societal needs. Future-ready design prioritises resilience, adaptability, and inclusivity.
Extreme weather events—ranging from heat waves and hurricanes to floods and wildfires—are increasing in frequency and intensity. Resilient design aims to protect occupants and minimize damage during such events.
Elevated designs, flood barriers, and permeable landscaping prevent water damage in flood-prone areas.
Aerodynamic shapes, reinforced materials, and secure roofing systems ensure stability during storms.
Using non-combustible materials and creating defensible spaces around buildings mitigate wildfire risks.
Beyond structural resilience, incorporating features like rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels, and green roofs supports long-term sustainability and resource conservation.
In an era of grid vulnerabilities, buildings must maintain functionality during power outages. Energy-efficient systems and backup power sources ensure uninterrupted operations.
Solar panels coupled with battery storage provide reliable electricity during blackouts. Microgrids, localized energy networks, can further enhance energy security.
Automated systems that prioritize energy-efficient functions during outages, such as lighting and ventilation, contribute to occupant safety and comfort.
These systems are not merely contingencies but investments in a future where energy resilience is critical.
Inclusive design ensures that built environments cater to diverse populations, including vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with specific health concerns. By considering their needs, designers create spaces that are functional, safe, and welcoming for all.
Features like non-slip flooring, handrails, and clear signage enhance safety and ease of movement. Adjustable furniture and adaptable spaces accommodate varying physical abilities.
Incorporating air filtration systems, low-VOC materials, and biophilic elements improves indoor air quality, supporting respiratory health.
Inclusive design goes beyond compliance, fostering a sense of dignity and belonging for all occupants.
Interior designers play a pivotal role in creating spaces that prioritize clean air, contributing directly to the health and well-being of occupants. As our understanding of indoor air quality grows, so does the recognition that the spaces we inhabit can either contribute to or mitigate air pollution. Interior designers , with their expertise in both aesthetics and functionality, are uniquely positioned to craft environments that promote healthier indoor air quality.
The field offers a perfect balance of art and science. From selecting colour palettes and furniture to optimizing spatial layouts and incorporating sustainable materials , interior designers shape how people experience their surroundings. It's a profession that demands creativity, technical skills , and an understanding of human behaviour.
To thrive in interior design, you'll need:
The ability to conceptualize spaces that are both beautiful and functional.
Knowledge of software like AutoCAD and SketchUp is vital.
Balancing client needs, budgets, and space constraints is an everyday challenge.
Clear discussions with clients, contractors, and suppliers are essential for success.
Pursue a degree or diploma in interior design to build a strong foundation.
Showcase your skills through mock projects or internships. Here’s a guide on how to build an interior design portfolio.
Trends in design and technology evolve constantly. Stay ahead by learning about the latest in sustainable design, smart spaces, and more.
The role of interior designers in clean air design is multifaceted, encompassing aspects of health, sustainability, and aesthetics. By prioritizing ventilation, selecting appropriate materials, integrating biophilic elements, planning effective spaces, and educating clients, interior designers can significantly improve indoor air quality.
As we spend a substantial amount of time indoors, the impact of these design choices on our health and well-being cannot be overstated. Embracing these strategies not only enhances the beauty of our environments but also fosters healthier living spaces for all occupants.
As awareness grows around sustainability and wellness, interior designers hold the power to transform spaces into healthier, more inspiring places that positively impact both individuals and the planet.
What is Interior Design? How to Become an Interior Designer? Why is Interior Design Important?
We understand that your mind must be plagued with these questions. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at our FAQs for a quick understanding of Architecture and Interior Design.
Interior design is the art and science of creating functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces within buildings. It combines elements of interior decoration, indoor design, and home interior decor to enhance comfort, safety, and usability.
An architect focuses on the structural design and construction of buildings, while an interior designer specialises in designing the interiors of spaces. Interior architecture blends both fields, addressing both the structural and aesthetic aspects of home interior design and decoration design.
An interior design course covers interior design subjects like colour theory, space planning, home design inside, furniture design, sustainable interior design , materials and finishes, and the use of tools like CAD for interior design and decoration.
To become an interior designer , pursue a degree or diploma in interior architecture, interior designing, or indoor design. Build a resume showcasing your interior design ideas, complete internships, and develop skills in interior decoration, technical tools, and creativity.
The interior designing scope and salary in India are promising, with opportunities in home interior decor, commercial spaces, and sustainable interior design. Experienced interior designers can earn high salaries, especially in metro cities or renowned companies .
Interior design is crucial for enhancing the functionality, safety, and aesthetic appeal of spaces. It plays a vital role in creating comfortable home interiors, efficient workplaces, and inspiring interior ideas.
An interior designer creates and implements designs for interiors, selecting materials, furniture, and decor to match the client’s style and needs. They often work on home interior design, indoor design, and decoration design, focusing on creating functional and visually pleasing spaces.
Interior design includes various styles, such as modern, traditional, minimalist, contemporary, and sustainable interior design, each catering to different tastes and purposes in home interior decor and architecture interior design.
To discover home interior design ideas, explore websites, magazines, and platforms that showcase trends in home interior decor, interior decoration, and decoration design tailored to your style and needs.
Did you enjoy reading this piece? Author Shreya Shrivastava has also written about the exciting world of interior design careers in India. A comprehensive guide!
Explore the limitless opportunities that await with an Interior Architecture Design course . Learn how it can fuel your design passion!
Here’s your guide to selecting the right interior design course tailored to your aspirations. Step into a world of innovation and design excellence.
Understand how ergonomics shapes healthier and more comfortable spaces . Dive into the key principles of user-centric interior architecture design.
Stories
What is Interior Architecture & Design?
Did you know that we spend about 90% of our time indoors! We use the built environment, especially interior spaces,…
Learning About the Business of Fashion
The moment one hears the word fashion, one immediately visualises, beautiful clothes, bags, accessories, interesting prints, embroidery and colours, glamour,…
Photography for Beginners: The Bigger Picture of Taking a Picture
The digital age has allowed photography to boom like never before. It’s a massive, commercial industry which is growing explosively…
Design Thinking: Making D-School the New B-School
One of the most exciting aspects of my job is interacting with design aspirants. I love their enthusiasm and their…
Why Good Design is Good Business
Thomas Watson Junior. This quote is often attributed to Thomas Watson Jr., the son of Thomas Watson, the founder of…
enquiry form