Safe City

Safe City

Interior Architecture and its Impact on Fire Risk Management: A Systematic Review

Authors
Zahra Shirpour asl 1
Abolreza Mohseni 2
1 pars university of art and architecture faculty of architecture
2 Pars university of art and architecture faculty of architecture
10.22034/ispdrc.2025.2055608.1172
Abstract
Fire risk management in buildings is a critical challenge in architecture, interior architecture, and fire safety engineering, directly impacting occupant health, safety, and well-being. interior architecture plays a crucial role in fire prevention, suppression, and emergency response, making it an essential interdisciplinary field. This study systematically reviews the scientific literature to analyze the role of interior architecture elements in managing fire risks. A systematic review methodology was employed, analyzing 23 selected articles retrieved from Scopus, Emerald, and Google Scholar through qualitative and quantitative content analysis to identify key themes, research trends, and gaps.
The findings indicate that interior architecture significantly impacts fire risk management across four critical phases: prevention, detection, suppression, and evacuation.
1. Prevention: Reducing Fire Occurrence Risks
The prevention phase focuses on material selection and spatial planning. Using fire-resistant materials such as non-combustible wall panels, flame-retardant textiles, and fire-resistant coatings reduces fire spread. Safe spatial planning involves compartmentalization, placing high-risk areas (e.g., kitchens, electrical rooms) away from main living or workspaces, and minimizing combustible materials in interiors.
2. Detection: Enhancing Early Fire Warnings
Early detection is vital for preventing fire escalation. Integrating smoke detectors, heat sensors, and alarm systems within interior spaces enhances safety. The study highlights the growing adoption of smart fire detection systems, including AI-driven and IoT-based sensors, which improve response time and accuracy. Strategic placement of detectors and ensuring they blend aesthetically into interiors without compromising effectiveness is an emerging trend in fire-conscious design.
3. Suppression: Containing Fire Spread and Damage
Fire suppression relies on integrating fire control systems into interior spaces, including automatic sprinklers, fire-resistant furnishings, and suppression coatings. Research highlights advancements such as self-extinguishing materials and chemically treated upholstery, which help slow fire progression. The effectiveness of suppression also depends on intelligent fire suppression technologies, such as gas-based systems that automatically activate in high-risk environments.
4. Safe Evacuation: Enabling Quick and Efficient Escape
Evacuation is a critical phase in fire management, requiring clear escape routes, well-placed emergency exits, and effective wayfinding strategies. Findings emphasize that buildings should feature wide, unobstructed corridors, fire-rated stairwells, and illuminated emergency exit signage. Lighting and ventilation play essential roles, with smoke control systems and glow-in-the-dark evacuation paths enhancing occupant safety. Recent studies also explore wayfinding psychology, analyzing how individuals navigate fire emergencies and how interior layouts influence evacuation efficiency.
Research Trends and Geographic Distribution
Research in this area is highly interdisciplinary, spanning architecture, interior architecture, fire safety engineering, and material science. Asian countries contribute significantly to this field, driven by urbanization and stringent fire safety regulations. A notable increase in research publications since 2019 highlights growing academic interest in integrating fire-safe interior architecture into modern buildings.
Studies are predominantly published in architecture, civil engineering, and fire safety journals, yet cross-disciplinary collaborations remain limited. The study identifies the need for broader integration of perspectives from behavioral psychology, urban planning, and public policy to improve fire-safe design practices.
Existing Research Gaps and Future Directions
Despite advancements, several research gaps remain:
1. Limited Focus on Human Behavior and Lived Experiences
Most studies emphasize technical solutions and material innovations, with minimal attention to occupants' real-life responses during fire incidents. Future research should explore behaviorally adaptive interior architecture, ensuring that spaces facilitate intuitive and efficient evacuations.
2. Lack of Policy and Regulatory Analysis
Fire safety regulations significantly impact interior architecture, yet studies on policy effectiveness, compliance challenges, and regional disparities are scarce. Future research should assess how building codes influence design decisions and propose improvements.
3. Insufficient Investigation of Smart Technologies and Sustainable Solutions
While AI-driven fire monitoring and sustainable fire-resistant materials show promise, research on their practical implementation, cost-effectiveness, and scalability remains limited. Future studies should explore how innovative technologies can enhance fire resilience without compromising design aesthetics.
This study highlights the responsibility of architects and interior architectures in prioritizing fire safety through material selection, space planning, and smart fire prevention measures. Collaboration with fire engineers, urban planners, and policymakers is essential to align safety measures with evolving building codes, environmental concerns, and technological advancements.
Additionally, greater education and awareness within the interior architecture profession are necessary. Universities and design training programs should incorporate fire safety principles into their curricula to equip future professionals with the expertise needed to create safer built environments.
In conclusion, interior architecture plays an essential role in fire prevention, detection, suppression, and safe evacuation. A systematic review of existing research highlights that fire-resistant materials, strategic spatial layouts, and integrated fire safety systems are critical in reducing fire-related risks.
While research in this domain has grown significantly, gaps remain in behavioral analysis, policy assessment, and the integration of smart technologies into fire-safe design. Future research should bridge these gaps by incorporating interdisciplinary perspectives, combining technical innovations with behavioral science and policy-driven strategies.
By advancing knowledge in this field, architects and interior architectures can take a proactive role in enhancing building safety, ultimately contributing to resilient urban environments and improved fire risk management strategies in modern architecture.
Keywords
Interior Architecture '
' Risk Management '
'Fire '
' Systematic Review'
' Fire Safety
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Safe City
Volume 8, Issue 4 - Serial Number 32
Autumn 2025
Pages 228-256