북아현동 경사형 엘리베이터의 디자인적 가치와 특성

(Background and Purpose) Seoul's topography is 31.9% hilly, and the population of elderly individuals and those with limited mobility is steadily increasing. Therefore, the city has demonstrated a strong commitment to the installation of facilities catering to these individuals in elevated areas. This study evaluates the design value and analyzes the characteristics of the inclined elevator in Bukahyeon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, which was awarded the 2023 Korea Public Design Award for improving the mobility of residents, establishing itself as a local attraction, and serving as a model case of sustainable urban regeneration. This paper aims to raise awareness of the need for design management of facilities for these people in hilly areas, which are being expanded throughout Seoul, and to explore possible solutions. (Method) First, this study investigated the trends and examples of Seoul's project to install facilities for designed to assist individuals with limited mobility in hilly areas. The design characteristics and values of the elevator, which were planned in consideration of these characteristics, were evaluated in terms of "aesthetic design," "cognitive locality," and "social usability." Proposals for the management of design measures for future projects to install these facilities were presented. (Results) First, the installation of the elevator has dramatically shortened the walking distance between the main road and the back streets of the residential area, improving mobility convenience while decreasing accident risks. Second, it significantly improved upon the design of prior box-type elevator prototypes, which predominantly prioritized functionality from a civil engineering perspective. The structure functions as an "open tunnel-type urban canopy," characterized by a geometric pattern that follows the site's slope to enhance its visual appeal. This design revitalizes the area as a landmark while improving its recognition, and the interior lighting boosts the nighttime ambiance along the busy street. Third, the outdated community center, located in the back alleys of the residential area on the upper slope, was demolished and rebuilt as part of a single project, which included public pedestrian paths, elevators, and local community facilities, thereby enhancing resident satisfaction. (Conclusions) The following design improvements and management strategies are hereby proposed for future projects that aim to expand convenience facilities. Due to the geographical characteristics of the area, which impose significant constraints on physical improvements, the current project implementation process focuses on civil engineering aspects. The only design-related deliberation and certification in the process is the BF certification for all public buildings, and not for aesthetic aspects, which widens the gap in design quality between autonomous districts. As continuous installation across the entire region is anticipated, design improvements and quality management that extend beyond the current basic functionality of enhancing mobility are necessary to establish these facilities as regional landmarks. The successful installation to enhance convenience in hilly terrain is expected to bring about new urban competitiveness and significant design achievements, such as improved cityscapes.