A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON PLANT CONTAINERS USED IN URBAN OPEN SPACES: A CASE STUDY OF ISPARTA -TURKIYE

Abstract

The type, size and shape of plants and containers must be carefully overviewed by urban designers. In Isparta city center, seven main types of planters were observed, even some have further subdivisions. These are; concrete-, wood-, plastic-, composite- (wood-plastic), metal- (aluminum), terracotta- and aluminum-wood combined planters. Each type of those has its own aesthetic and functional properties. However, aluminum and composite planters appeared to have resistance to weathering conditions, while many terracotta and concrete planters were found to be stained due to aging, because of lime and mineral salts in their structure. Moreover, terracotta, concrete, plastic and aluminum-wood containers appeared to be sensitive to physical damage, probably due to their weights and transportation difficulties. Besides many variations, only one sized wood-based planter (rectangular) and one type of wood framed trellis were observed throughout the study, which all looked rustic in appearance. In order to carry out sustainability, planters must have certain resistance characteristics; resistance to ageing, temperature variations, ultra violet radiations (natural colour stability), corrosion and wear, both in the case of normal usage and vandalism. In this sense, it is important to note that wood-based containers are not found to be suitable in the present form in the study area, which may be better to utilize as a wooden box. Only one type of trellis has been found to be used in some large planters (e.g., concrete, aluminum, wood, wood-aluminum and composite) and which is very useful for tall plants and vines which can catch the breeze and add movement.