Biyofilik tasarım öğelerinin kullanıcı deneyimi üzerindeki etkileri: Maçka parkı örneği

The rapidly accelerating history of urbanization has profoundly transformed human life and led to a gradual weakening of the bond between people and nature. This situation negatively affects physical and mental health, increasing the need for nature. In this context, biophilic design is presented as a methodological intervention aimed at enriching the increasingly diminished experience of nature in urban environments and enabling people to establish more meaningful connections with nature within the built environment. The aim of this research is to examine the effects of biophilic design elements on user experiences through the case study of Maçka Park, located in the Şişli district of Istanbul. The study comprehensively addresses the impact of biophilic design components in public spaces from both spatial and user perspectives. It is argued that such elements are more commonly found in areas where users spend extended periods of time, suggesting that the spatial arrangement of these features plays an effective role in shaping user behavior. At the user level, the focus is on how park users perceive biophilic design elements and how these features shape their experiences. Observational studies, a comprehensive literature review, and surveys conducted with 77 participants reveal that the presence of biophilic elements increases user satisfaction. The primary aim of this study is to provide guidance for public park design practices that prioritize user satisfaction and adopt biophilic design principles. The research seeks to demonstrate that biophilic design not only adds aesthetic value to spaces but also actively contributes to improving users' physical and mental well-being. Based on the findings, it is emphasized that biophilic design plays a significant role in enhancing user satisfaction and that public spaces designed with this approach make it more accessible for individuals to reconnect with nature. This study also aims to offer a vision that prioritizes user-centered design principles and promotes an environmentally friendly design philosophy within the field of architecture. Based on the research results, it is anticipated that integrating biophilic design into public spaces will enhance users' physical and psychological well-being and contribute to the development of more sustainable urban environments. Keywords: Biophilic Design, Sensory Experience, Urban Parks, Urban Green Spaces, Human-Nature Interaction