서울시 수변공간 공공가구의 유형별 특성과 지속가능성 - 불광천 사례를 중심으로

Typologies and Sustainability of Public Furniture in Seoul’s Waterfront Spaces : The Case of Bulgwangcheon Stream

This study examines the characteristics and sustainability of public furniture in Seoul’s waterfront spaces, with a particular focus on Bulgwangcheon Stream as a representative neighborhood stream. Unlike large-scale waterfronts suchas Cheonggyecheon Stream and Hangang River Park, Bulgwangcheon reflects daily use patterns of local residents, making it a valuable case for understanding the design and performance of small-scale urban riverside furniture. Field surveys were conducted to analyze seating types, arrangements, materials, and user experiences. The findings reveal that Bulgwangcheon’s seating is mainly simple and functional, arranged linearly along walking and cycling paths, often oriented toward the stream for landscape appreciation. However, issues such as lack of backrests, weathering, and insufficient shading reduce long-term usability. By comparison, Cheonggyecheon stream emphasizes tourist-oriented design with aesthetic and experiential value but provides limited comfort for extended stays. Hangang River Park, as a metropolitan leisure space, offers the greatest diversity of seating types and shading facilities, though some structures suffer from maintenance challenges. Based on these comparisons, this study suggests that Bulgwangcheon’s improvement should prioritize its identity as a neighborhood stream while selectively incorporating Cheonggyecheon’s landscape-focused placements and Hangang Park’s shading and multipurpose facilities. Such an approach can enhance both functionality and sustainability, contributing to resilient and user-friendly riverside environments in Seoul.