Biofeedback-Informed Assessment of Biophilic Interior Variables: A 23 IVR Factorial Study in Design Studio Interiors
Authors: Yasemin Albayrak-Kutlay, Murat Bengisu, and Emre Ergül
Abstract
his study investigates the influence of three biophilic interior design variables: natural light, interior vegetation (vertical green wall), and biomorphic form (biomorphic wall panel) on affective and physiological responses in a design studio interior utilizing immersive virtual reality (IVR) and wearable biofeedback technology. This study was a within-participant 23 factorial design that included one baseline and eight IVR studio conditions. … Read more
Novel 3D printable yeast-based materials for architectural applications
Authors: Yagmur Bektas, Malgorzata A. Zboinska, Cecilia Geijer, Tiina Nypelö, and Zeinab Hefny
Abstract
This study presents a 3D-printable biomaterial from baker’s yeast as a renewable alternative to conventional building materials. Optimized formulations yield a gel-like solid with 2.7 MPa tensile strength and 25.2% elongation. Printed tiles exhibit low shrinkage, tunable light transmittance (5.6–31.6%), varied porosity, and a four-color palette. These lightweight architectural sheets show promise for replacing fossil-based interior products. … Read more
Global Water Bankruptcy
UNU-INWEH Report: Madani, K. (2026)
Abstract
This flagship report, Global Water Bankruptcy: Living Beyond Our Hydrological Means in the Post-Crisis Era, argues that the world has entered a new stage: more and more river basins and aquifers are losing the ability to return to their historical “normal.” Droughts, shortages, and pollution episodes that once looked like temporary shocks are becoming chronic in many places, signalling a post-crisis condition the report calls water bankruptcy. … Read more
Natural Light in Interior Architecture: Enhancing Mental Health
Authors: Alireza Negarestan
Abstract
This study aims to explore the influence of natural light in interior architecture on mental health, highlighting architectural strategies that optimize daylight exposure to enhance psychological well-being. A scientific narrative review method was employed, analyzing scholarly articles published between 2015 and 2025 from databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. … Read more