Examination of Mersin trade center skyscrap building and building groups in the context of biophilic design principles

In this study, the MERTİM Tower building, which is located in the city center of Mersin and is of great importance for the city and also has the distinction of being the world's first and only reinforced concrete skyscraper, was examined with a biophilic design approach. The current design of the building was evaluated in terms of 14 biophilic design parameters. By examining the MERTİM Tower building and its building groups in the light of biophilic design parameters, it was aimed to reveal the efficiency of the building in terms of human-nature relationship. Designed by architect Cengiz BEKTAŞ and built in 1989, this building also has the distinction of being the world's first and only reinforced concrete skyscraper. Located in a very busy location in the city center of Mersin and visible from almost every part of the city, this structure is currently idle and abandoned. It is not even considered safe to visit or use. MERTİM Tower is one of the most important symbols of Mersin in terms of its structural features, functional qualities, relations with the environment and its impact on the city silhouette. For this reason, it was aimed to evaluate it in terms of biophilic design approach. The conformity of the structure and environmental relations with 4 biophilic design principles and 14 biophilic design parameters was evaluated. It was examined which of these elements the current design of the building contained and to what extent. As a result, suggestions were made to integrate biophilic design elements into building groups and work areas, and a redesign proposal was presented in a selected area.