The Impact of Implementing Kinetic Interior Techniques on the Functional Performance of Office Spaces Using Space Syntax

Abstract

With the increasing use of modern technologies in interior design, numerous recent studies have made the effects of kinetic-based design techniques on users’ perceptions a crucial topic, and sustainable performance has emerged as essential. From this standpoint, this study uses a space syntax approach to investigate how human behavioral performance in workspaces is affected by kinetic interiors. Three kinetic-based design strategies were employed to evaluate changes in spatial configuration characteristics, and the relevant terminology was adapted to account for the use of kinetic technology. The paper adopts a comparative analysis model to follow these changes using four syntactic measures: integration, choice, connectivity, and clustering coefficient. The proposed evaluation approach is applied to a traditional office building in Port Said, Egypt, showcasing various aspects of kinetic technology in workspaces. The study’s findings elucidate the correlations between design strategies and the resulting spatial characteristics, guiding designers in evaluating the features of each system and facilitating comparisons between them. Finally, the study’s main aim is to propose a three-step design process as a guideline for creating an integrated kinetic technology design, involving the evaluation of the proposed alternatives to achieve the desired spatial characteristics.