A Study on the Spatial Characteristics of Commercial Street : In the Case of Gwangbok-ro, Busan

In this study, we aimed to collect data through literature review, digital geographic information, and field surveys to analyze the characteristics of the street space and propose improvement measures for Gwangbok-ro in Busan Metropolitan City. Gwangbok-ro exhibited the characteristics of a commercial street, featuring many facades with high permeability and various types of signs. Through the analysis of D/H ratio and vertical angle, it was observed that Gwangbok-ro generally has a high sense of enclosure, while the openness of the Changseon Samgeori Plaza stood out relatively. The pavements, with their excessively varied sizes and colors, led to a complex spatial composition, and various facilities, including 241 plant boxes and sculptures, failed to create a sense of unity with the surrounding facilities. Since highly permeable facades and signs, commonly observed in commercial streets, are important elements defining the space's characteristics, administrative guidance and the inducement of participation are essential to enhance awareness of these elements as public goods. Furthermore, the physical space survey of buildings and streets suggests that improving Changseon Samgeori Plaza, known for its openness, along with the entrance plaza, could significantly symbolize Gwangbok-ro. On the other hand, it appears there was a lack of integrated guidelines or coordinators for street facilities, including sculptures. The aesthetic principle of unity in diversity is difficult to achieve through indiscriminate installation of facilities by various entities, so a long-term comprehensive plan involving users, building owners, tenants, and administration is necessary for the improvement of Gwangbok-ro space.