THE EXPLORATION OF IMPROVEMENT FOR THE WELL-BEING OF THE INDUSTRIAL SECTORIAL EMPLOYEES THROUGH CONSCIOUS INTERIOR DESIGN

Abstract

The back-of-house environment is where all products or materials are produced and packaged for contractors and big corporate companies. This environment should be respected and considered through design for well-being specifically for the employees working in that environment. Many employees don’t receive inspiration or creativity within their fields of jobs as its all mainly mass production jobs. This study is focused on investigating the importance of design for well-being and spatial planning for the factory environment, with design elements or materials that can improve the well-being of the employees, it is possible to increase productivity and enhance respect for their workspaces. This study follows a qualitative methodology, through an interpretivist paradigm. By answering the research questions presented in this report, all the data is collected through an ethnographic approach. This is done through observations and interviews with participants that work within a factory environment. There are a total of five participants that are observed and interviewed from a company based in Isando, Kempton Park. All the data is collected and then analysed in a spreadsheet to code the information all together. Although there are many factory buildings being neglected, there is a chance to influence the environment surrounding the buildings thus influencing the employees working within the spaces for the better, the intent of this study is to create awareness to Interior Designers to not concentrate on design for wellbeing for the front-of-house employees but look back at the employees that produce and manufacture the products being sold at the front-of-house.