| Title |
Characteristics of Walking Environment in Apartment Complexes on Hilly Sites - Focusing on the Mobility of Residents on Wheels |
| Authors |
Kang Hyun-Mi ; Park So-Hyun |
| Keywords |
Hilly Sites ; Apartment Complexes ; Site Planning ; Residential District ; Analysis of Walking Environment ; Walking Impaired ; Residents on Wheels ; Mobility Vulnerable |
| Abstract |
This paper explores the characteristics of walking environments in apartment complexes built on hilly sites by analyzing the mobility of the residents on wheels, including the walking impaired. Hilly areas, the altitude of which is defined between 40 and 200 meters, comprise approximately 32% of the City of Seoul's total area, while approximately 70% of the redeveloped apartment areas in Seoul were on gradient sites by the 1990s. As the proportion of the redeveloped apartment complexes on hilly sites is continually increasing, the goal of this paper is to evaluate these sites' walkability in order to provide better site design alternatives. The research methods utilized in this paper include GIS analysis, site observation, and interviews of both residents and site planners. The findings of this paper are as follows: First, the degree of slope within the gradient sites, the configuration of curbstones, and the facilities for vertical movement are critical factors influencing the mobility of residents on wheels; Second, in spite of the similarity between the degree of slopes and the scale of complexes, the characteristics of the walking environments within each site can considerably differ according to site design; Third, site planning aimed at creating better walking environments for the walking impaired should consider partition methods for artificial foundations, street patterns, location of vertical movement facilities such as elevators or ramps, and the arrangement of the main walking destinations; Fourth, two of the main factors affecting the satisfaction of residents on wheels are the walking distance and the location of facilities for vertical movement. |