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January 1, 2026
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April 21, 2026
Published
August 10, 2026
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Abstract

This paper examines how local elements in airport arrival interiors are visually detected by visitors and how this perceptual process contributes to the formation of spatial meaning and sense of place. The study adopts the concept of visual spotting to describe the rapid identification of visually salient local features, including regional colors, traditional motifs, materials, and cultural symbols. Using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach, this research synthesizes interdisciplinary studies on visual perception, interior design, and airport experience. A total of 24 peer-reviewed articles were systematically selected from major academic databases and analyzed through thematic synthesis to explore how early visual recognition shapes first impressions in arrival environments. The findings indicate that visual spotting operates as a preattentive mechanism that determines which local elements are perceptually registered during initial encounters. Elements with high visual salience and strategic spatial placement are more likely to be detected, thereby enhancing spatial legibility, accelerating place recognition, and strengthening the representation of regional identity. This study positions visual spotting as a critical link between interior design strategies and sense-of-place formation, highlighting the importance of integrating perceptual considerations into the design of airport arrival environments to improve visitor experience and reinforce culturally meaningful spaces.

Keywords

airport interiors local elements sense of place visual salience visual spotting

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Copyright (c) 2026 Salma Arsyi Nurani, Susy Budi Astuti, Mahendra Wardhana, Anggri Indraprasti

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How to Cite
Nurani, S. A., Astuti, S. B., Wardhana, M. ., & Indraprasti, A. . (2026). Visual Spotting of Local Elements in Airport Arrival Interiors. Journal of Architectural Research and Design Studies, 10(2), 295–308. https://doi.org/10.20885/jars.vol10.iss2.art9
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