FROM GREEN TO SERENE: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND USER WELL-BEING

Abstract

The mounting importance of sustainable architecture has expanded the role of interior design beyond aesthetic and functional considerations towards creating environmentally responsible and well-being-oriented indoor environments. However, the mechanisms through which green interior design contributes to user well-being remain insufficiently explored. This study examined the relationship between green interior design and user well-being, with environmental performance as a mediating mechanism. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire from users of sustainable interior environments. The collected data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) through SmartPLS to evaluate the measurement and structural models and to examine the mediating role of environmental performance. Green interior design was assessed in terms of sustainable material selection, energy-efficient lighting, daylight utilisation, resource efficiency, biophilic elements, and environmentally responsive spatial strategies, while environmental performance reflected the perceived environmental quality and efficiency of interior spaces. User well-being encompassed physical comfort, psychological well-being, satisfaction, health, and restorative experience. The findings demonstrated that green interior design was positively associated with environmental performance and user well-being, while environmental performance also showed a positive relationship with user well-being. Furthermore, environmental performance significantly mediated the relationship between green interior design and user well-being. The study contributes to the sustainable architecture and interior design literature by integrating environmental performance and human well-being within a unified empirical framework. The findings provide practical implications for architects and interior designers by highlighting the importance of integrating environmentally responsive strategies, indoor environmental quality, and user-centred design considerations in the development of sustainable interior environments. Overall, the study demonstrates that effective green interior design can contribute not only to environmental performance but also to healthier, more comfortable, restorative, and user-centred indoor spaces.