Examining the effects of interior plant use on design: the example of Adana-Mersin shopping centers

The relationship between humans and nature and plants, which are a part of it, is an indispensable part of life. The use of plants in interior spaces has been going on since ancient times and historical evidence from different civilizations supports this. Today, its use as a design requirement has gained a scientific quality due to its positive psychological effects. In this study, the effect of plant use on interior design was evaluated within the scope of shopping malls. The shopping malls with the highest circulation in the provinces of Adana and Mersin in the Eastern Mediterranean Region were selected as the sample group. Shopping malls were evaluated within the scope of food and beverage areas, circulation areas, sitting and resting areas and the use of plants in the immediate vicinity. The use of plants was evaluated under the headings of the use of plants, trees and shrub species in design according to their leaf types. The evaluation was made based on visual perception and the results obtained for each shopping mall were reflected in the general evaluation table. In the general evaluation, the data obtained as a result of the examination were compared and the result was revealed. In this context, it was observed that the use of plants remained superficial in some of the examined examples and did not create an effective visual perception. However, in some examples, it has been determined that effective and diverse plant use, starting from the immediate surroundings, continues in the interior. Based on all the data obtained, it has been concluded that the use of plants in the interior spaces of shopping malls and their immediate surroundings creates an effective visual effect. It has been concluded that this visual effect should be seen as a design-enhancing element and that appropriate approaches should be reflected in the design.