3 minute read
Focus on: IONA design
Greener sailing
FOCUS ON / 23
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
Sustainability 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 sustainability credentials need to be more accessible and transparent. We rely on labels, standards and certifications to help us identify the best products but are growing our in-house library of preferred sustainable products to offer first on our projects. We also challenge suppliers about the end of their product’s use. Economy in material is a core principle for sustainable design. When designing Iona, for example, we used marble veneers to give all the decorative impact of marble whilst using minimal material. Elsewhere, we limited the size of marble flooring tiles, to better accommodate movement within the ship, and eliminate wastage. Across the design industry there is a movement towards the concept of
‘de-construction’ rather than demolition, and just like manufacturers, there are ways designers can facilitate reuse or recycling for cruise ships. Designing in modular components, and for mechanical fixings rather than glues, generally means material can be replaced if damaged or dismantled intact, so reuse is easier. long-lasting, lower-carbon materials. Key, from the early Difficulties do remain in comparing design stages of products with one another, and Iona was making the most of every square metre by designing truly flexible spaces. Designing for flexibility ensures a space can adapt over time to changing uses. Iona's Grand Atrium is designed to be a space for guests to dine, dance, relax and be entertained in. By embracing timeless design and materials, the ship is certainly built to last.•
