The Impact of Changing Ground-Floor Functions on Sidewalk Accessibility in Urban Spaces

Aladağ, Tuğçe; Şahin, Yelda Durgun · 2025 · DOAJ

DOI: 10.38027/ICCAUA2025TR0030

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Summary

This study investigates the impact of changing ground-floor functions in mixed-use buildings on sidewalk accessibility in urban spaces. The research is motivated by the observation that the diversification of commercial activities and the increasing expansion of these functions into outdoor areas negatively affect pedestrian circulation. Sidewalks serve as critical interfaces between architecture and the city, yet their functionality is often compromised by encroachments from adjacent buildings. The study specifically analyzes the relationship between ground-floor commercial spaces and sidewalks along Elif Su Uludağ Street in the Sarıçam district of Adana, Turkey, aiming to develop design recommendations that ensure safety, property boundary respect, and accessibility. The methodology combines a literature review with field-based qualitative and quantitative analysis. The researchers established a theoretical framework based on concepts such as "urban interface," "safety buffer zone," and "property setback." Fieldwork involved systematic observation, photography, and drone footage to document sidewalk encroachments and functional usage patterns. Sidewalk widths were measured quantitatively and mapped against satellite imagery and site plans. The study focused on two specific sample areas (Region A and Region B) along the street, categorizing building functions such as retail, dining, sports, and education to assess their spatial impact on pedestrian pathways. The findings reveal significant accessibility issues in both sample areas. The diversification of commercial functions led to increased outdoor usage, resulting in sidewalk encroachments that restricted pedestrian mobility. Specific problems identified included vehicles and motorcycles parked on sidewalks, public transport stops obstructing walkways, and commercial establishments placing tables, chairs, and other fixtures in pedestrian zones. Additionally, irregular surface materials and level differences created barriers for vulnerable users, including the elderly, disabled individuals, and those with strollers. Quantitative measurements showed that while the planned road width was 9 meters, the actual net walking areas were inconsistent, and critical zones such as the "property effect strip" and "pedestrian safety strip" were either non-existent or indistinguishable. The lack of designated roadside parking further exacerbated illegal parking on sidewalks, forcing pedestrians into the roadway and increasing safety risks. The study concludes that sidewalks must be planned and designed in accordance with evolving ground-floor functions to maintain their role as public spaces. It emphasizes that preventing sidewalk encroachments requires a holistic approach integrating safety, property boundaries, and accessibility. The authors propose design interventions such as prohibiting sidewalk parking, relocating commercial parking to side streets or rear areas, and using material differentiation, threshold elements, and tactical urbanism strategies like ground painting to clearly define safety and property zones. These measures aim to restore the continuity and inclusivity of pedestrian networks in mixed-use urban environments.

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• pedestrian behavior perception