An analysis of a shopping mall based on biophilic design criteria: The case of Balıkesir

Biophilic design is an approach that aims to maintain the intrinsic connection between humans and nature within built environments. By integrating natural elements into architectural design, it seeks to enhance users' physical and psychological well-being. This study examines how biophilic design principles are implemented in shopping malls, which are among the most intensively used interior spaces in urban life. The research focuses on the case of Esas 10 Burda Shopping Mall, located in the city center of Balıkesir. The aim of the study was to evaluate the shopping mall selected as the research area in accordance with biophilic design criteria. To minimize misperceptions and invalid results in qualitative research, the triangulation method was employed. In line with this method, three different data collection tools were used: observation, surveys with users, and interviews with experts. While obtaining data in the six examined sections of the shopping mall, 14 biophilic design criteria derived from the literature were utilized. In the first stage, on-site observations were conducted by the researcher, and evaluation tables were created based on the mentioned criteria. In the second stage, surveys were conducted with shopping mall users. In the third stage, interviews were held with randomly selected experts from professional disciplines related to biophilic design (architects, interior architects, and landscape architects). According to the findings, it was concluded that the Esas 10 Burda Shopping Mall has a certain potential in terms of biophilic design; however, the current implementations were found to be mostly inadequate based on user experience and expert evaluations.