İÇ MEKÂN TASARIMINDA SÜRDÜRÜLEBİLİR MALZEMELERİN İŞİTSEL KONFOR AÇISINDAN İNCELENMESİ

Abstract

This thesis aims to examine the effects of sustainable materials used in interior design on acoustic comfort. The study investigates how natural, renewable, recycled, and environmentally certified materials perform in terms of interior acoustics through a literature-based approach. Within this scope, the relationship between sustainability principles and the components of indoor environmental quality is evaluated with a particular focus on acoustic comfort. The research methodology is based on document analysis, involving a systematic review of literature on sustainable materials, acoustic performance criteria, and international certification systems. Furthermore, the criteria of programs such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), FSC, GREENGUARD, and Cradle to Cradle were examined in relation to material acoustics. Information on selected sample projects was compiled from secondary sources only. Since no primary data were collected, the study does not present original findings; rather, it provides a conceptual evaluation of the contributions of sustainable materials to acoustic performance based on existing literature. The evaluations indicate that low-VOC products, natural fiber-based materials, and recycled-content acoustic panels offer notable potential not only in terms of environmental sustainability but also in supporting interior acoustic quality. These materials possess characteristics such as sound absorption, reverberation control, and diffusion, all of which contribute to acoustic comfort within interior spaces. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that the use of sustainable materials is directly related to acoustic comfort and provides a holistic approach that supports user well-being, spatial quality, and acoustic performance in interior design. In this respect, the study contributes to iv the development of material-oriented sustainable design approaches within the field of interior architecture.