사례분석을 통한 고령친화도시의 스마트버스정류장 공간 특성 연구

Abstract

(Background and Purpose) According to the National Statistical Office, the proportion of the older adult population in Korea is expected to increase, with the country set to become a super-aged society by 2025. With the increase in the number of older people, the “Age-Friendly Cities” guide was published by the WHO, which listed eight categories in need of consideration, including outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, civic participation and employment, respect and social inclusion, communication and information, and community support and health services. This study aims to analyze one of these categories: transportation, specifically smart bus stops. (Method) This study analyzed groups of smart bus stops in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea and Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, and Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. Each area selected contained at least 10 smart bus stops as of May 2022. Four principles of universal design were used as a framework to assess these spaces: functionality, comfort, safety, and accessibility. Of the smart bus stop clusters selected for investigation, four smart bus stops in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea and four smart bus stops in Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, and Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea were subject to further analysis as case targets, and field surveys of older adults were used to analyze appropriate directions of improvement. (Results) First, this study found that smart bus stops were classified into those installed in parallel with the existing bus stop or those installed by removing the existing bus stop entirely. Second, the design and components of smart bus stops varied considerably in quality according to the administrative district. Third, accessibility was found to be the most insufficient of the four characteristics in both administrative areas, whereas comfort was rated the highest. In terms of comfort, air purifiers, air conditioners, and solar panels were installed, and thermal chairs were installed in Bundang-gu, making them useful for older adults. In terms of accessibility, there was a target area where older adults faced difficulty getting on the bus, and there was a need to consider openings and access passages. (Conclusions) In order to construct smart bus stops that are both convenient and safe for older adults to use, this study suggests that they must be both functional and intuitive. It is therefore recommended that smart devices be designed with distance, convenience, and safety in mind. This study analyzed and presented the direction of improvement for older adults in using smart bus stops and plans and designs of smart bus stops. Furthermore, smart bus stop designs considering older adults should be developed in the future through detailed and in-depth future research.