Exploring the Feasibility for Utilizing Recycled Palm Waste in Decorative Design Applications as Enhancements for Tourist Destinations: A Step toward Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

The study aimed to explore the feasibility for repurposing discarded palm tree waste as artistic creations and decorative elements, contributing to sustainability and environmental preservation at tourist destinations. Employing both descriptive and applied approaches, a series of artworks, totaling eight pieces, were conceptualized and crafted by art education students following the chemical treatment of the palm tree material. To assess the sustainability achieved in these artworks, a questionnaire was administered to 55 visitors at tourist destinations who attended an art exhibition organized for this purpose at King Faisal University’s Department of Art Education. Utilizing the SPSS (Version 26) program, the data underwent analysis, including calculating averages, standard deviations, and a t-test to gauge the extent to which sustainability standards were met. The study revealed a high average response score (3.925) for meeting sustainability criteria in creating art pieces from palm waste, particularly as complementary elements to the interior design of tourist resorts. Visitors exhibited positive responses, emphasizing the moral significance of this sustainable practice. This suggests the potential for recycling palm waste to produce decorative elements for interior designs in tourist resorts. The study recommended further specialized research to generate raw materials from palm waste applicable in designs and decorations beyond tourist destinations and in various settings.

Exploring the Aesthetic and Functional Aspects of Recycled Furniture in Promoting Sustainable Development: An Applied Approach for Interior Design Students

“…The findings indicated a high degree of sustainability achieved with palm waste, with positive visitor responses, suggesting potential for its use in complementing interior designs and decorations at tourist resorts. The study recommended further research to explore palm waste utilization in design and decoration beyond tourist sites [7].…”

“…Scholars like Shams highlight the potential health hazards posed by unmanaged waste accumulation, emphasizing the need for proper waste disposal to prevent disease outbreaks [16]. However, defining waste proves complex, as what may be considered waste by some is deemed valuable by others, as indicated in studies by [7,17,18]. Consequently, efforts in waste management aim to mitigate its adverse effects on both the environment and society.…”

“…Al-Saud et al, underscore the inherent complexity of human needs, wherein both aesthetic and functional considerations play pivotal roles. The relative im-portance of these aspects varies depending on the nature and intended usage of the product, underscoring the intrinsic link between its purpose and perceived value [7]. As elucidated by [29], the purpose or objective of a product holds significant importance, serving as a foundational goal that guides its design and development process.…”