Bibliometric Study on Antimicrobial Materials in Interior Architecture: Health Concerns, Sustainability, and Research Perspectives

This study examines the evolution of research on antimicrobial materials in interior architecture through a bibliometric approach, focusing on their intersections with health, sustainability, and design innovation. It responds to the heightened demand for hygienic environments prompted by global health crises, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on data from Scopus and ScienceDirect, it analyzes over 228,000 publications (2016–2025) to identify trends, key authors, research typologies, and institutional contributions. Statistical tools—including correlation analysis, regression models, and ANOVA—were used to assess the pandemic’s impact on publication volume. Results show a marked rise in interdisciplinary output post-2020, with a shift from technical development to integrated design strategies. The study also notes the absence of standardized guidelines and theoretical models in the field. By mapping trends and knowledge gaps, it establishes a bibliometric baseline on antimicrobial materials in architecture and reveals thematic and disciplinary convergence. The study supports the integration of hygienic materials into sustainable design strategies and encourages collaboration among material scientists, architects, and policymakers. Grounded in theories of material agency and environmental health, it positions materials as active agents shaping resilient, hygienic spaces within architectural discourse.