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

Abstract

In urban space design, pedestrian movement and circulation areas play a crucial role. Sidewalks, as part of pedestrian circulation areas, serve as boundary elements at the interface between architecture and the city, functioning as connectors that facilitate pedestrian movement and act as thresholds between transport modes and structures. However, the functional diversity of adjacent buildings and the interplay of active and passive transport modes lead to accessibility issues. Changing functions of ground-floor units and their increasing outdoor expansions negatively impact sidewalk accessibility. This study examines how evolving commercial ground-floor functions affect sidewalk accessibility, focusing on Elif Su Uludağ Street in the Sarıçam district of Adana, Turkey. Findings reveal that diversifying commercial functions increases outdoor use and sidewalk encroachments, reducing accessibility and hindering pedestrian mobility. The study concludes that sidewalks should be planned according to evolving functions, emphasising that safety, property boundaries, and accessibility must be considered together to prevent sidewalk encroachments.