Examination of commercial buildings according to universal design principles: Shopping center example

In the age we live in, it is very important for the spaces to have a design that can be used by everyone. Developments in the historical process have changed both urbanization and the way people live. Every field related to design has become people-oriented. The universal design that emerged in the 19th century gained importance as a concept in the 20th century. The concept of universal design aims at the use of spaces by individuals at every level of competence. With their designs and spaces, shopping centers are used by individuals for the purpose of socializing, participating in activities, gathering and getting together, as well as shopping. Shopping centers, which serve as public spaces and are commercial buildings, are centers of attraction with many opportunities for individuals of all ages, skills and competencies. It is very important to design shopping malls by considering the universal design idea in order to be easily used by everyone. In the study, the concept and principles of universal design are explained. The relationship between universal design and users is mentioned, and then the things to be considered in public spaces within the framework of universal design are explained. Afterwards, in order to understand the phenomenon of shopping centers, the classification of shopping centers, development process, planning and design criteria and space setup are discussed respectively. The aim of the study is to examine the shopping center according to universal design principles and to make suggestions as a result. In the field study chosen as the method, observations were made by photographing and measuring at the entrance-exit of the shopping center, pedestrian walkways and corridors, socializing spaces, WCs, parking lot, elevators and escalators. The findings were analyzed according to the universal design principles. When the data is evaluated, it is seen that the shopping center has designs within the scope of accessibility, but some of the equipment elements do not fully meet the universal design principles. As a result of the examinations, suggestions have been made within the scope of universal design principles so that the shopping center can have a universal design.