AN ANALYTICAL EVALUATION OF INTERIOR FURNITURE ELEMENTS IN SHOPPING MALLS IN RELATION TO THE SPATIAL PERCEPTION AND USER EXPERIENCE OF FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN: THE CASE OF PANORA AND KENTPARK SHOPPING MALLS

This study examines the relationship between interior urban furniture elements and the shopping mall preferences of families with children. As interior public spaces, shopping malls incorporate lighting, seating units, and floor coverings as key design components influencing spatial perception, wayfinding, safety, and user comfort. Panora Shopping Mall and Kentpark Shopping Mall, both located in Ankara, were selected as case studies due to their distinct spatial typologies and circulation systems. The research adopts an exploratory mixed-method approach, combining a literature review with structured face-to-face interviews conducted with 20 families who actively use these malls. The data was analyzed through descriptive evaluation to identify patterns related to user interaction and spatial perception. Findings reveal that balanced lighting enhances spatial legibility and perceived safety, while the ergonomic design and placement of seating units directly affect duration of stay and user satisfaction. Floor coverings were found to support child safety; however, their contribution to spatial orientation remained limited. Overall, interior urban furniture elements play not only functional but also perceptual and experiential roles, significantly influencing spatial preferences and user experience, particularly for families with children.