A Comprehensive Scientific Mapping of Academic Publishing: Conceptual Trends in The Field of Interior Architecture and Interior Design

Abstract

Interior architecture and design have evolved from craft-based practices into academically recognized, research-driven disciplines that increasingly intersect with architecture, design studies, environmental psychology, and materials science. Over the past two decades, global transformations, including sustainability imperatives, digital design technologies, health and wellness concerns, and discourses of cultural identitiy, have reshaped both the practice and academic scholarship of the field. Because interior spaces are the primary environments in which individuals live, work, and interact, academic research has expanded beyond aesthetics to encompass human well-being, environmental performance, and social value (Ashour et al., 2021; Burkut, 2023). In the field of interior design, this method identifies research and conceptual trends (Tan et al., 2021; Rui et al., 2023; Walia & Singh, 2023; Beşkaya & Gökgöz, 2025; Fu & Keat, 2025). Despite this growing literature, the conceptual landscape of interior architecture and design remains fragmented. Research contributions are often scattered across a variety of journals and conferences, typically located in architecture, design, engineering, or interdisciplinary settings. This dispersion makes it difficult to trace the intellectual structure of the field, identify thematic clusters, and assess its evolution over time. Therefore, it is important to clarify knowledge domains, uncover conceptual connections, and conduct a systematic and comprehensive scientific mapping of academic publications.