College of Architecture and Fine Arts

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://dspace.uc-bcf.edu.ph/handle/123456789/152

Browse

Filter results by typing the first few letters
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Pedestrianization: The road to Mahendra path vitalization
    (2021-09) Thapa, Sudhir
    The area studied is the Mahendra Path in Dharan. It is the busiest part of the city due to it being the main point of transit between the lowlands and the mountain regions. The roadside is lined with commercial establishments as well as residential dwellings. Because the path is mostly for vehicular access, the sidewalks provided are very narrow and there are no proper crossing lanes and traffic signals for the pedestrians. This condition does not allow much opportunity for economic growth; additionally, because of lack of greenery and the vehicular traffic, the area suffers from air and noise pollution; at the same time threatens the health of the pedestrians and residents of the area. The main objective of this study is to determine the viability of pedestrianizing the Mahendra Path to vitalize the area. To determine the viability of pedestrianizing Mahendra Path, the factors considered for the study are health, environment, and economy of the area. The advantages and disadvantages of pedestrianization relating to these factors were examined by observation and documentation. Similarly, the same method is used to determine the pressing problem to be encountered should Mahendra Path be pedestrianized. Finally, through a survey, the researcher was able to determine the social acceptability of pedestrianizing the path. A pedestrianization layout that will cater the pressing problem found was prepared after careful consideration of the findings. The findings of this research suggest that the economy of Mahendra Path, Dharan is at a disadvantageous situation majorly due to the dominance of automobile dependency in the area. Although there are shops lining the path, the generated income and revenue are less because motorists do not usually stop by to make sales transactions. In comparison, cities across the globe recorded increase in sales after converting areas into pedestrianized streets. Additionally, the vehicle-dependent mode of transport was proven to be harmful to both the health of the pedestrians and residents, and the environment. In addition to the health, economic, and environmental benefits of pedestrianization, it was further determined that pedestrianizing Mahendra Path may raise the economic standard of the area due to expected increase in property value and price of commodities. It was therefore treated as the pressing problem to be encountered in pedestrianizing the path. By the end of the research, it was concluded that by applying the Principles of Pedestrianization, diverting the vehicular traffic and converting Mahendra Path into a pedestrianized street is viable and will promote a healthy lifestyle for the pedestrians, cause micro-climatic improvement, and significantly increase the economic status of the city. These enhancements can catalyze the vitalization of Mahendra Path. For direction of future studies, it is recommended that further in-depth researches which concern the traffic impact of the migrated vehicular traffic, the design of alternative parking space, a thorough look on the cultural/heritage impact of pedestrianizing the Mahendra Path be conducted.