Proposal for Designing a Children's Park Using Universal Design - Targeting the area around the Skydome at Incheon International Airport -

This study proposes a design for a children's park surrounding the Skydome at Incheon International Airport, applying universal design principles to ensure that all users, regardless of disability, age, or nationality, can access and enjoy the park equally. Since the 20th-century industrialization, advancements in science and technology have highlighted the need for environmental designs that accommodate diverse user groups, including disabled individuals, the elderly, and pregnant women. Consequently, universal design has been increasingly applied in public space planning. However, in South Korea, children's parks still emphasize playability at the expense of accessibility, often overlooking the needs of disabled children and their parents. The research method involved a review of existing studies on universal design principles and criteria, which then guided the detailed planning of the park based on the award-winning 'Seam: A Playground Bridging Generations and the World' from the 'Universal Design Idea Expo'. The designated site was set around the Skydome, and included the planning of spaces featuring ramps, barrier-free paths, and facilities of varying heights to cater to the diverse needs of all users. The results of the study show that the design successfully integrates traditional games with modern elements to create spaces that connect different generations and cultures. This design improves accessibility and inclusiveness through thoughtful placement of play and resting areas that consider the diversity of users. Importantly, the study presents a design example of a park that is safely and conveniently usable by both disabled and non-disabled individuals. This research underscores the necessity of applying universal design in children's park designs, aiming to foster social cohesion and inclusiveness, and sets forth a direction for public facility designs that allow equal access for everyone.