Seoul Develops New Design for Sidewalk Business Facilities
Improved Low Ceilings and Narrow Spaces Based on Ergonomics
Changed to Bright Giwa Jin Gray... Upper Storage Space Added
Seoul's old and worn sidewalk vending stands and shoe repair booths, known as 'sidewalk business facilities,' will be revamped for the first time in 16 years. A new design that harmonizes with the urban landscape will be applied, and the internal space will also be improved.
On the 19th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it has newly developed a standard design for sidewalk business facilities and will accept applications from operators who wish to participate, promoting phased replacements starting this year.
As of the end of last year, there are a total of 1,276 sidewalk business facilities in Seoul, including 531 vending stands and 745 shoe repair booths. Most were installed around 2009 and have been used for over 15 years, exceeding their durability period (10 years). They have also deteriorated with discoloration and other signs of aging, which has impaired the street aesthetics and caused inconvenience to pedestrians and operators.
To address this, Seoul conducted citizen interviews, operator meetings, and expert consultations to develop a new standard design for sidewalk business facilities.
The new design features harmony with Seoul's urban landscape while considering the human rights of operators within the limited internal space and addressing existing issues. It improves the previously low ceilings and narrow interiors by prioritizing securing a 2-meter space from floor to ceiling and efficiently planning the space based on an ergonomic range of motion.
Additionally, the design maximizes the open space at the front of the facility and adds operable windows on the sides to enhance openness and facilitate air circulation. Unlike in the past when newspapers and magazines were mainly sold, the vending stands now offer a wider variety of products, so the display space has been maximized, and operators can customize storage forms according to their needs.
A separate upper space has also been provided to stack goods and equipment to prevent external clutter that could obstruct pedestrian movement. The facilities will be made of stainless steel, which is highly durable and resistant to contamination for long-term use, and the color will be the newly developed 'Bright Giwa Jin Gray.' This color was created to improve upon the previously used Giwa Jin Gray on public facilities, which darkened the urban landscape.
Seoul will conduct a demand survey among sidewalk business facility operators who wish to replace their facilities and will proceed with phased replacements. This year, about 150 facilities will be selected for replacement, focusing on downtown and areas with high foot traffic. A physical sample of the design will be pilot-installed around Seoul City Hall to gather feedback from citizens, experts, and operators, and any necessary improvements will be reflected in the final design. Choi In-gyu, Seoul’s Design Policy Officer, said, "We expect that the design improvement of sidewalk business facilities will enhance pedestrian safety and convenience and create a lively urban landscape." He added, "We will also fully incorporate functional aspects such as improvements to exterior materials and insulation structures to resolve operator inconveniences and respond to climate change."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
