SUSTAINABLE INTERIOR DESIGN FOR CULTURAL CENTRES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

This qualitative study investigates the intersection of sustainability and cultural representation in the interior design of cultural centers in India. As environmental concerns intensify globally, the integration of sustainable materials and design practices has become essential. At the same time, cultural centres serve as important repositories of tradition, heritage, and community identity. Through detailed case studies and expert interviews, this research explores how interior design can support environmental goals while preserving cultural values. The study identifies key design strategies, material preferences, and the role of local artisanship in creating spaces that are both eco-friendly and culturally resonant. Findings suggest that culturally rooted sustainable interiors enhance user experience, strengthen community connection, and offer models for future public architecture in India. This research seeks to understand how the interiors of such centers can simultaneously reflect environmental responsibility and cultural authenticity. Drawing upon an interpretivist paradigm, the study employs a qualitative methodology comprising in-depth case studies of selected cultural centers, including Bharat Bhavan (Bhopal), Shilpgram (Udaipur), and the Tribal Museum (Bhopal), along with semi-structured interviews with architects, interior designers, cultural scholars, and artisans. These sources offer insights into both design intent and user perception. The study concludes that culturally grounded sustainable interiors go beyond environmental efficiency. They play a crucial role in reinforcing cultural continuity, improving user comfort, and strengthening the emotional connection between space and community. These findings underscore the potential of culturally responsive design to serve as a replicable model for future public architecture in India and other culturally rich contexts. By aligning ecological ethics with cultural expression, such interiors represent a holistic approach to design—one that is as emotionally resonant as it is environmentally conscious.