Human-Centered Parametric Design: Bridging Computational Efficiency and Occupant Well-Being in Interior Architecture

Eman Samir Bahzan , Ayman Assem , Mohamed Ezzeldin

Parametric design, systematic literature review, human-centered design, occupant well-being, interior architecture, computational optimization, biophilic design, neuroarchitecture.

This systematic literature review explores how human-centered design principles are being incorporated into parametric design approaches within interior architecture. It addresses a key gap between optimizing for computational performance and prioritizing the well-being of building occupants. Current parametric design methods often emphasize technical metrics like energy efficiency, structural optimization, and cost savings, with secondary attention given to human comfort as a core design goal. By analyzing peer-reviewed literature published between 2017 and 2026, the review brings together insights from parametric design, occupant comfort, neuroarchitecture, biophilic design, and multi-objective optimization. The research highlights three main challenges: (1) a lack of methods for turning subjective human experiences into measurable design variables, (2) limited integration of tools that support full-spectrum comfort analysis, and (3) a disconnect between research on human factors and its application in computational design. While thermal and visual comfort are well-supported through existing simulation tools, areas like acoustic comfort and biophilic design need more research and methodological support. The findings show that using human-centered parametric methods can increase occupant satisfaction by 15-38%, while still achieving 85-95% of energy efficiency goals--debunking the idea that comfort and performance must be mutually exclusive. This review offers a detailed framework, complete with visual case studies, simulation visuals, and real-world project examples, to guide interior architects and computational designers in making occupant well-being a central design objective, pushing performance-driven architecture toward more human-centered outcomes.

Volume 14 Issue 2, February-2026

Pages : a32-a51