Vol.08 | Place-making, Co-design
SPOT 01: Child Eye-Level Safety Design at Dogok Elementary
도곡초등학교 (SPOT 01)
Embedded Files
DESIS Thematic Area
DESIS Thematic Area
Design for Social Cohesion
Design for Social Cohesion
Period
Period
2023–2024
2023–2024
Location
Location
Dogok Elementary School zone, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Dogok Elementary School zone, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
KEY VALUES
KEY VALUES
Child Safety · Eye-Level Design · School Route · Community Network
■ CONTEXT
■ CONTEXT
School zones are legally designated child protection areas, yet reality contradicts intent—illegally parked vehicles, narrow sidewalks, and signage positioned at adult eye-level create danger for children.
ⓒDESIS@HONGIK
■ DESIGN APPROACH
■ DESIGN APPROACH
The first site (SPOT 01) of Gangnam-gu’s Public Design Lab. All safety signage was repositioned to child eye-level (100–120cm). Additional interventions included crosswalk footprint stickers, vehicle-pedestrian separation bollards, and a “Child Protection Store” network where nearby shops serve as safe havens.
■ SOCIAL INNOVATION
■ SOCIAL INNOVATION
A 50cm difference in eye-level between adults and children determines safety outcomes. This insight—that what adults see is invisible to children—reframes school zone design from adult-centered to child-centered, returning the “neighborhood” to children.
■ GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE
■ GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE
Gangnam-gu Office Urban Design Division (Commissioning) × SEDG (Design & construction) × Dogok Elementary, Green Mothers’ Association, residents (Participation) × Hongik University (Research advisory)
■ EVIDENCE & IMPACT
■ EVIDENCE & IMPACT
Reduced child traffic accidents around Dogok Elementary. Increased walking-to-school rates as parents gained confidence. Improved safety perception among residents. Served as model for subsequent SPOT projects.
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