Julia Lumsden is interviewing a number of interior design firms in Sydney about the lifespans they anticipate for their retail and office fit-outs, and the ways in which they facilitate maintenance, repair, re-use and/or recycling of their fit-outs. This research is part of a wider investigation of Dematerialisation and service economies for interior design.
Project Brief
Because of cheaper and more accessible technology,
product lifespans have shortened dramatically and more energy and resources
are being consumed. Hence the urgent need to address product longevity
in sustainable design. 'Environmental entrepreneurship' for
design is needed and is dependent upon technical, organizational and political
innovations.
This project focuses on the need for innovative changes in design management for commercial and office interior fit-outs. Such changes include reducing material intensity by supplanting individual ownership of interior products. The aim is to increase the eco-efficiency of products according to life-cycle thinking and to assess the commercial viability of service-based needs fulfillment.
Project Plan
- Establish and compare expected and actual lifespans and costs of interior products before they are replaced
- Document the following
trends in commercial and office fit-outs in Sydney
- the use of new and more efficient materials
- drivers for product improvements – market forces or material technology?
- conversion from products to services and “experiences”.
- reuse of interior elements for other fit-outs to lengthen the product lifespan
- material selection criteria
- To record the opportunities, obstacles, and liability issues
- To investigate funding sources for subsequent publications and training, networks and support.
Proposed project outcomes
- General review of the extent to which Dematerialisation impacts upon the interior design industry
- Research statement
- Explanation, back–up findings, case studies and visuals
- Recommendations and sources of funding for further
research and
development, publications and training
