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Greener sailing Demand for sustainable holidays has inspired a new era in interior design working to create greener cruise ships, says Jennifer de Vere-Hopkins, associate director, Jestico + Whiles
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ustainability is a big challenge in the cruise ship industry and for interior designers of large cruise ships, such as Iona and Arvia by P&O Cruises, designing for longevity and careful use of materials is key. Ships have a service life of at least 40 years but hosting more than 5000 passengers and 1700 crew on each voyage takes its toll and furniture, flooring and wall surfaces are all likely to need a refresh, so minimising the need to replace helps reduce waste while aligning with time and cost considerations. We look to durable longlasting finishes that convey a sense of quality and style, and choose colours and patterns that can help ensure carpets and upholstery withstand a high level of wear, thus prolonging their life.
Material change The supply chains support these efforts. By using Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for products, we can pair with BIM and other digital tools to assess the embodied carbon of our design proposals. As the choice of sustainable materials grows, we are more empowered to choose long-lasting, lower-carbon materials. Difficulties do remain in comparing products with one another, and
‘de-construction’ rather than demolition, sustainability credentials need to be and just like manufacturers, there are more accessible and transparent. ways designers can facilitate reuse or We rely on labels, standards and recycling for cruise ships. Designing certifications to help us identify the in modular components, and for best products but are growing our mechanical fixings rather than glues, in-house library of preferred sustainable generally means products to offer first material can be on our projects. We replaced if damaged also challenge suppliers or dismantled intact, about the end of their By embracing product’s use. Economy timeless design and so reuse is easier. Key, from the early in material is a core materials, a ship is design stages of principle for sustainable built to last Iona was making the design. When designing most of every square Iona, for example, we metre by designing truly flexible spaces. used marble veneers to give all the Designing for flexibility ensures a space decorative impact of marble whilst using can adapt over time to changing uses. minimal material. Elsewhere, we limited the size of marble flooring tiles, to better Iona's Grand Atrium is designed to be a space for guests to dine, dance, relax accommodate movement within the and be entertained in. By embracing ship, and eliminate wastage. timeless design and materials, the ship Across the design industry there is is certainly built to last.• a movement towards the concept of
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Focus On Cruise sustainability v5.indd 23
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