Indoor Environmental Quality

Indoor Environmental Quality

 One major part of interior design is indoor environmental quality. When an interior is designed successfully this can positively influence the comfort and functionality of the space. Thoughtful material selections when thinking about air quality and acoustics are the main focus of indoor environmental quality. Indoor environmental quality not only is important for interior design but also is highly important for the health and safety for building occupants. 

One part of indoor environmental quality is how to create productivity and comfort. In many places privacy is highly important. in Medical Facilities (HIPAA) requires that personal medical information to be protected and in a private area. This is why sound separation by dividers are put in place around hospitals. Partitions are regularly used in workplaces and other corporate buildings. Sound waves can travel through the studs of walls, this is why partitions that create a private space with little to no sound traveling is a successful way to design a space. 



Absorbing material for sound can be; carpeting, acoustic ceiling tiles, and textiles. These materials can be used in rooms to help reduce sound transmission. The noise reduction coefficient (NRC) is how different materials are rated to see if they can absorb sound well. Sound transmission class (STC) is the capability of material to absorb sound and Transmission loss (TL) is how much sound can be lost between the walls. Depending on the room size the need for volume control can vary. The room the the right is a medium sized conference room that is in need of volume control but not too much like the bigger rooms that can be seen. 

Indoor air quality is another major factor when talking about Indoor environmental quality. HVAC systems, materials, fixtures, equipment, indoor air pollutants are all factors that can effect indoor environmental qualities. When there is poor air quality in a building it can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and asthma. One way to control this matter is by placing ventilation, and, air purifiers. Some system and illnesses put in place to help ensure good air quality in spaces are Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), Building Related Illness (BRI), and Legionnaire's Disease. 

Research: Covid 19 and Indoor Air Quality


 During covid less people started coming into the offices to work therefore less HVAC and ventilation was needed for these buildings, causing a standstill for these building indoor environmental needs. As covid died down and people began to go back to work the buildings find it hard to keep up with the new capacities. While covid made us more mindful to wash our hands and keep others safe and healthy the buildings failed to accommodate the rise of people going back to work resulting in a negative air quality that can impacts peoples health even more. 




Comments

  1. Delia T.November 4, 2023 at 7:52 AM

    Eva,
    Your blog was well thought out and concisely summarized. I really liked your images; they were effective in adding to your content. You did a good job including details like talking about HIPPA regulations, acoustic-related terminology, building-related illnesses. Your section on COVID and IAQ could have used a little bit more content, but otherwise, good job.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Professor VanderNoordaaNovember 4, 2023 at 10:55 AM

    Eva,
    Thank you for a concise and interesting Blog entry. Your diagram for IAQ was great. The health and well being of building occupants is our chief concern. The image you used to present acoustic control and noise reduction was good. You summary of Covid and it's effects on our understand of IAQ was a good start.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Susan E. KirshNovember 4, 2023 at 4:37 PM

    Eva,

    Good job on your summary of the chapter. It was smart to include the regulations - like HIPPA - and how interior designer's need to understand indoor air quality and the potential negative effects that come from it. It would have been nice to have a larger overview of the chapter and deeper research into the effects that COVID had on our air quality. Good job!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jay CallentineNovember 8, 2023 at 5:10 PM

    Eva,

    I really loved reading through your blog with the various connections you made on this weeks readings and learning material. You defiantly displayed your understanding on indoor air quality and its affects on the building and the occupants inside. You did great at taking that information and applying it to your research on how covid-19 affected out interior systems as regards to indoor air quality. Nice job!

    ReplyDelete

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