Volcanos

For a specific project of river restoration that you have studied, evaluate its outcomes (9)

The cheonggeyechon restoration project in Seoul, South Korea was carried out the 20th century and through to the early 21st century. The reason for the project was too get rid of safety risks posed by the elevated free wat and concrete decks. By restoring the area there would be greater access between the two districts that the river separated.

Firstly, the area has become popular with residents and visitors for rest and relaxation uses. It has also become a tourist attraction, drawing an estimated 18.1 million visitors by the end of 2008. This has benefitted local businesses as more customers are present in the area.Due to the new Dongdaemun plaza and various seating schemes, a diversity of cultural programming has been encouraged. Parts of the project have become known as lively and accessible venues.

Secondly, the project helped with economic sustainability. Although it is situated in the centre of Seoul, the area’s economic viability had fallen behind the rest of the city. Since the end of the project, development capital has been invested in the construction of residential homes. This has led to the increase in price of housing in the area and an increases in the number of businesses. In other districts of the city the number of businesses has been falling.

However it can be argued that the traffic in the area has become a problem. Traffic seeds have slowed by 12.3% and the usage of subway train usage has increased, putting strain on the subways services. However, the stream side walk is attractive and has increased the amount of people walking compared to driving in the area. There is therefore more pedestrian activity in the area. The removal of cars in the area has decreased the temperature by 2.5’C. The stream has created a cooling wind corridor.