Incorporating smart interior design concepts in Sri Lankan apartment construction

Abstract

Smart interior design can be interpreted as the integration of technology, innovative materials, and sustainable approaches in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces. In response to the global shortage of affordable housing, countries have begun to explore the potential of smart interior design for space-saving and cost-effective construction. This concept is still novel in Sri Lanka, where the retreat of the construction industry due the economic crisis has caused a recession in apartment construction. Thus, this research serves as a preliminary study that aims to investigate the adoptability of space-saving smart interior design concepts in Sri Lankan apartment construction, with an emphasis on the constraints faced and strategies to overcome them. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and primarily, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to define the implication of space-saving smart interior design along with the upsides of applying this technique into apartment construction. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to identify the main constraints when incorporating this concept in Sri Lanka considering both design-stage and implementation-stage. A significant obstacle uncovered was the lack of demand for the use of this concept in Sri Lanka, stemming largely from the lack of awareness of its benefits. This study recommends that the concept of smart living should be promoted through education, small-scale construction and government intervention. The strategies proposed through this study serve towards enhancing the preparedness of incorporating this concept in Sri Lanka so that the benefits of the concept may be obtained while overcoming the constraints.