A Bibliometric Analysis of International Research Trends in Urban Environmental Color

This study aims to present a comprehensive, macro-level perspective on research directions in urban environmental color by analyzing international trends through bibliometric methods. Environmental color influences visual perception and spatial identity in architectural and urban contexts, functioning independently yet complementarily across scales. SCOPUS-indexed journal articles were analyzed to compare research output, international collaboration, and keyword distributions in architectural exterior color and urban environmental color. Bibliometrix and VOSviewer visualized quantitative indicators and keyword networks. Cross-nationally, China led in research volume for both domains, while Japan and South Korea showed higher levels of international collaboration and scholarly impact. Publication frequency and keyword diversity have grown over the past decade, with urban environmental color research surging since 2020. Keyword analysis revealed that architectural exterior color studies have evolved from design-focused discussions to color perception and spatial harmony, while urban environmental color research has expanded to include planning, preference, and AI-based analysis. East Asian countries have become collaborative hubs. Overall, architectural color studies focus on the relationship between facade properties and perception, whereas urban environmental color research integrates planning, perception, and technology. This study provides a structural view of global research trajectories and a foundation for interdisciplinary collaboration in environmental color.