Smart Finishes for Hygienic Building Interiors: Innovations for Health, Wellbeing, and Self-cleaning Technologies
Ahongshangbam Tanisha Devi
Sharda School of Design, Architecture and Planning, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India.
Apongienla Aier
Sharda School of Design, Architecture and Planning, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India.
Priya Tyagi *
Sharda School of Design, Architecture and Planning, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Interior design incorporates cutting-edge materials, mainly smart finishes with self-cleaning and antimicrobial capabilities, to ensure hygienic indoor environments, particularly in post-pandemic environments where surface cleanliness, ease of maintenance, and environmental footprint are essentials. This study aims to investigate people's perception, acceptance, and utilisation of self-cleaning technologies in interior design practices, specifically in their practical adoption into daily design choices, integrating materials research with human behaviour. The research employed a mixed-methods methodology, consisting of a literature review, environmental assessment, and survey to determine awareness, preference, and perceived hindrances among design professionals and scholars. The research indicates that awareness among professionals regarding smart finishes is moderate to high, but superficial and oriented towards commercial terms and not on sophisticated technologies. The priority areas of application are kitchens, bathrooms, and high-touch surfaces. Hindrances are cost and durability. The study suggests that bridging material innovation and practical adoption requires clear communication, experiential validation, and policy integration. It expands the Technology Acceptance Model to indoor environments and suggests a user-oriented theory for smart material uptake.
Keywords: Smart finishes, hygienic interiors, self-cleaning material, interior spaces, smart finishes