• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.85-95
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• 2008

The City of Seoul enforces the 'Median reserved bus lane', a revised public transportation system, in order to achieve both a faster and more convenient transit system. This study examines the visual image and preference of the median bus stops in accordance with the operation of the median reserved bus lanes. In order to evaluate and clarify the distinct landscape of each bus stop in a different environment, our team selected 3 representative bus stops with different environments on main roads and conducted landscape simulations so as to evaluate visual preference. The sites were on a narrow range road, wide width road in the downtown area and wide width road on the outskirts of the city. The preference degree for each selected bus-stop environment was compared. The comparison conditions were a median bus stop with preexisting landscape, a median bus stop with planted trees, and a landscape without a median bus stop. The results of the study can be Summarized as follows: First, the visual influence on median bus stops depends on the visual complexity of the environment where they are located. People had an affinity for the median bus stop in which the visual complexity was low, while the preference degree of median bus stop was low in a highly complex area. Secondly, regardless of regional environment where median bus stops are located, research showed that it is more "impressive" to have a median bus-stop with planted trees than landscape without a median bus stop. Thirdly, the median bus stop with plants highly preferred over one without moreover, the landscape with planted trees would provide a comfortable mind for people. This study reveals that planting-oriented design concepts in median bus stops exhibit significant differences in the preference assessment factors. Thus, for further median bus stop construction, planting is desirable to create an impressive streetscape and better scenic quality.