Interior social sustainability emphasizes the creation of spaces that actively support inclusivity, wellbeing, and community engagement while ensuring accessibility and cultural sensitivity. In the context of rapid urbanization and evolving social structures, interiors are no longer viewed as static environments but as dynamic platforms that influence human interaction and collective experiences. This research explores design strategies that maximize opportunities for social interaction, accommodate diverse user requirements, and strengthen long-term social cohesion. Key approaches include the application of universal design principles to ensure accessibility for individuals of all abilities, the integration of biophilic elements to enhance psychological wellbeing, and the use of flexible layouts that adapt to different social, professional, and recreational needs. Furthermore, embedding local cultural motifs and identities in interior spaces fosters a stronger sense of belonging and shared identity among occupants. By focusing on human-centered design, interiors can nurture mental and physical health, encourage meaningful social engagement, and contribute to more resilient and equitable communities. The study draws on a range of case studies and best practices from public, commercial, and residential settings, highlighting successful examples where interior environments have been leveraged to advance social sustainability. These findings emphasize that socially sustainable design not only enhances user experience but also plays a vital role in achieving broader societal goals such as inclusivity, equality, and cultural continuity.

Keywords: Social sustainability, design, environment, cultural heritage, rapid urbanization

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1. Gehl J. Cities for People. Washington (DC): Island Press; 2010.
2. Kellert SR, Heerwagen JH, Mador ML. Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science, and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life. Hoboken: Wiley; 2008.
3. Steinfeld E, Maisel JL. Universal Design: Creating Inclusive Environments. Hoboken: Wiley; 2012.
4. Dempsey N, Bramley G, Power S, Brown C. The social dimension of sustainable development: Defining urban social sustainability. Sustain Dev. 2011;19(5):289–300.
5. Manzini E. Design, When Everybody Designs: An Introduction to Design for Social Innovation. Cambridge (MA): MIT Press; 2015.
6. Lawson B. The Social, Psychological and Cultural Significance of Design. Oxford: Architectural Press; 2001.
7. Caan S. Rethinking Design and Interiors: Human Beings in the Built Environment. London: Laurence King; 2011.
8. Altman I, Low SM. Place Attachment. New York: Plenum Press; 1992.
9. McMillan DW, Chavis DM. Sense of community: A definition and theory. J Community Psychol. 1986;14(1):6–23.
10. Sachs N. Sustainable design and social sustainability. J Green Build. 2009;4(3):105–13.
11. Day C. Places of the Soul: Architecture and Environmental Design as a Healing Art. Oxford: Architectural Press; 2004.
12. Montgomery J. Making a city: Urbanity, vitality and urban design. J Urban Des. 1998;3(1):93–116.
13. Putnam RD. Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. New York: Simon & Schuster; 2000.
14. Thwaites K, Simkins I, editors. Experiential Landscape: An Approach to People, Place and Space. London: Routledge; 2007.
15. Carmona M, Heath T, Oc T, Tiesdell S. Public Places Urban Spaces: The Dimensions of Urban Design. Oxford: Architectural Press; 2010.

Interior social sustainability emphasizes the creation of spaces that actively support inclusivity, wellbeing, and community engagement while ensuring accessibility and cultural sensitivity. In the context of rapid urbanization and evolving social structures, interiors are no longer viewed as static environments but as dynamic platforms that influence human interaction and collective experiences. This research explores design strategies that maximize opportunities for social interaction, accommodate diverse user requirements, and strengthen long-term social cohesion. Key approaches include the application of universal design principles to ensure accessibility for individuals of all abilities, the integration of biophilic elements to enhance psychological wellbeing, and the use of flexible layouts that adapt to different social, professional, and recreational needs. Furthermore, embedding local cultural motifs and identities in interior spaces fosters a stronger sense of belonging and shared identity among occupants. By focusing on human-centered design, interiors can nurture mental and physical health, encourage meaningful social engagement, and contribute to more resilient and equitable communities. The study draws on a range of case studies and best practices from public, commercial, and residential settings, highlighting successful examples where interior environments have been leveraged to advance social sustainability. These findings emphasize that socially sustainable design not only enhances user experience but also plays a vital role in achieving broader societal goals such as inclusivity, equality, and cultural continuity.

Keywords: Social sustainability, design, environment, cultural heritage, rapid urbanization

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.

1. Gehl J. Cities for People. Washington (DC): Island Press; 2010.
2. Kellert SR, Heerwagen JH, Mador ML. Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science, and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life. Hoboken: Wiley; 2008.
3. Steinfeld E, Maisel JL. Universal Design: Creating Inclusive Environments. Hoboken: Wiley; 2012.
4. Dempsey N, Bramley G, Power S, Brown C. The social dimension of sustainable development: Defining urban social sustainability. Sustain Dev. 2011;19(5):289–300.
5. Manzini E. Design, When Everybody Designs: An Introduction to Design for Social Innovation. Cambridge (MA): MIT Press; 2015.
6. Lawson B. The Social, Psychological and Cultural Significance of Design. Oxford: Architectural Press; 2001.
7. Caan S. Rethinking Design and Interiors: Human Beings in the Built Environment. London: Laurence King; 2011.
8. Altman I, Low SM. Place Attachment. New York: Plenum Press; 1992.
9. McMillan DW, Chavis DM. Sense of community: A definition and theory. J Community Psychol. 1986;14(1):6–23.
10. Sachs N. Sustainable design and social sustainability. J Green Build. 2009;4(3):105–13.
11. Day C. Places of the Soul: Architecture and Environmental Design as a Healing Art. Oxford: Architectural Press; 2004.
12. Montgomery J. Making a city: Urbanity, vitality and urban design. J Urban Des. 1998;3(1):93–116.
13. Putnam RD. Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. New York: Simon & Schuster; 2000.
14. Thwaites K, Simkins I, editors. Experiential Landscape: An Approach to People, Place and Space. London: Routledge; 2007.
15. Carmona M, Heath T, Oc T, Tiesdell S. Public Places Urban Spaces: The Dimensions of Urban Design. Oxford: Architectural Press; 2010.