‘Avenue’ is experienced by walking observers in a flow of time, so it is important to plan continuous spaces by a sequence of buildings. The continuity of avenue scenery is a critical nature to improve esthetic view and make users feel comfortable...
‘Avenue’ is experienced by walking observers in a flow of time, so it is important to plan continuous spaces by a sequence of buildings. The continuity of avenue scenery is a critical nature to improve esthetic view and make users feel comfortable. Teheran Road in Kangnam area, Seoul is characterized by vitalizing traits of each adjacent building with similarity in its height and material. In addition, this road also has a continuous elevation that gives us a sense of openness and refreshment.
For methodology, this study used investigation and observational analysis to extract determinants of continuity for individual building unit to be in a harmonious connection with adjacent avenue, and thereby make modeling assessment of Teheran Road, one of representative avenues in Korea. The results of analysis has its significances in that it is available as a good reference to provide a basic framework for improving quality of space in future avenue landscape plan and designing a flow of curious and interesting space.
As a part of Teheran Road in local coverage hereof, an interval from Kangnam Subway Station to Yeoksam Subway Station was selected to the extent of underground footpath. Out of all the 35 buildings adjacent to northern and southern roadsides, a monitoring work was conducted for the buildings completed to March 2007 in the daytime weekends. The buildings adjacent to avenue and on the opposite side were monitored. The basic assignments of this study can be outlined as follows:
First, examine concepts of continuity and components of continuity in avenue scenery through existing literatures(Chapter 2).
Second, deduce determinants of continuity out of those components of avenue. Possible ways to express continuous landscape of avenue were classified into 4 aspects such as visual, spatial, behavioral and ecological continuity as well as their respective subordinate factors so as to prepare a framework for assessment. Next, suggest reasonable grounds for this framework and establish it as criteria of avenue scenery assessment (Chapter 2).
Third, based on an analytical framework, i.e. deduced assessment criteria of continuity in avenue scenery, analyze actual profile of Teheran Road, one of skyscraper cluster areas in Korea, and sum up the results of analysis(Chapter 3).
Fourth, draw conclusions from examination in avenue scenery on the basis of theoretical considerations in Chapter 2 and actual profile analysis in Chapter 3(Chapter 4).
Based on visual perception index, it was found that the determinants of visual continuity were number of building floors; building spacing; directionality; mass; and skyline. Based on openness, it was found that the determinants of spatial continuity were use of extra retreated space from the line of 3m setback line; type of low-rise section designs; and openness of access to building due to the height of 1st floor. Based on public benefits, it was found that the determinants of behavioral continuity were usage of building; public benefits from the usage of 1st floor; and type of facilities placed in front of building. Based on continuity of green zones, it was found that ecological continuity was classified into point, line and face according to type of green zones.
According to the analysis, it is found that major determinants of visual continuity are the number of building floors(crucial to spatial framework) and the directionality of building(crucial to harmonious elevation owing to facade of building. Major determinants of spatial continuity were use of extra retreated space and the height of 1st floor. Major determinant of behavioral continuity was facilities for public benefits. Major determinant of ecological continuity was linear contour of green zone.
Finally, this study covers a framework for suggesting and assessing analytical criteria of continuity in avenue scenery. However, there are more or less subjective viewpoints involved in the values of assessment items selected as indices of assessing continuity. That is why the results of this study are unreasonable for their generalization and it will be necessary to conduct more case studies in near future. I hope that this study will be useful as a good reference for planning commercial avenues with continuity, and follow-up avenues will give pedestrians many spectacles and interesting experiences through their design of continuity.