Uses of the Basic Landscaping Elements in Shopping Malls, Case Study: Istanbul and Dubai

ABSTRACT: Landscaping has a long history. It has always been used in various scales; city, neighborhood, spaces and around units in different eras until today. Landscaping can be seen in both outdoor and indoor spaces. Interior landscaping is a new subject comparing to the outdoor landscaping. However, its uses in interior spaces are increasing day by day. Interior landscaping brings the landscaping elements to interior spaces as a complementary element of interior design. Its significance increases especially in public spaces. It reduces all health problems such as headaches, inadequate fresh air and eyestrain etc. besides, interior landscape can be used for physical/ functional and aesthetical/ psychological purposes. Furthermore, it can enhance user‟s satisfaction and productivity. Considering the significance of landscaping in interior volumes, in this research, it is aimed to analyze the uses of the basic elements of landscape in shopping malls in Istanbul (Turkey) and Dubai (United Arab Emirates). The four basic elements of landscaping; base covering, plant material, interior décor and furnishing and water elements are analyzed through observation in the three main parts; entrances, corridors and common spaces of the selected 10 shopping malls according to physical/ function as well as aesthetic/ psychological uses. It is checked if the same basic landscape elements are used for the same purposes in different locations of the world that have different Cosmopolitan identity, climate, culture and income level. Depending on the findings, it will be clarified if any design guidelines could be made for interior landscaping in shopping malls. Another importance of this research is that, there are limited references related to interior landscaping so this research could be a framework for future studies. Keywords: Interior landscaping, Base covering material, Plant material, Interior decor and furnishing, Water elements ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………