Evaluating Environmental Recycled Paper Design Projects: A sustainable Approach in Interior Design Education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35516/Hum.2026.13222Keywords:
Materials, recycled paper, sustainability, environmental project-based design, CAT, interior design.Abstract
Objectives: Achieving the United Nations' goals for tackling the global environmental crisis requires innovative, sustainable solutions. Material selection plays a vital role, as it directly influences both building energy efficiency and occupant health. This study examines recycled paper-based materials in design projects as an accessible, affordable, and versatile material, evaluating them from theoretical and empirical perspectives.
Methods: Mixed research methods were adopted within an exploratory study design, including case studies and a survey. The case studies examined 12 environmental design projects using recycled paper as a primary material, while the survey identified 14 dimensions of sustainable, creative, aesthetic, and spatial outcomes based on the Consensual Assessment Technique (CAT) proposed by Amabile (1982).
Results: A significant gap was identified between the conceptual stage of environmentally sustainable design projects and their practical implementation. Two themes emerged from thematic analysis: the use of 'fabricated' recycled paper and 'processed' recycled paper. The CAT results revealed that creativity, liking, complexity, consistency, and beauty were associated with the fabricated theme.
Conclusions: Recycled paper offers a functional, environmentally responsible, and practical material for indoor environments. Its capacity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and its eco-friendly properties support the global shift toward a zero-waste approach. This study empowers practical implementation of recycled paper by encouraging designers to adopt sustainable practices focused on green material choices. It provides insight into effective recycled paper use while highlighting challenges associated with the identified themes and techniques.
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