Reaching Inclusivity by Re-designing Existing Facilities for the Handicapped: With the Case of Textured Paving Blocks

This paper aims to raise awareness to the importance of inclusive way finding methods in public spaces. I propose an inclusive solution using textured paving blocks at the site of COEX mall the largest entertainment mall in Seoul, South Korea. To begin, I have researched the accessibility, availability and affordability of the COEX mall in order to assess its inclusivity. I then surveyed the current way finding conditions of this site. From these studies I found that COEX mall lacking in its facilities for visually impaired visitors. Textured paving blocks are needed as they hold the potential to be an inclusive indoor way finding. The blocks orientation in space, size, spacing, color and pattern have been carefully considered to be safe, informative, and comprehensive for all types of users: the visually impaired, wheelchair users and able-bodied people.