This study focuses on the Rikaisen, a unique alley typology in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, based on the perspective that the generation of pedestrian activities by utilizing Rikaisens in downtown Iida is an effective measure for the future creation of a unique downtown full of attractions. The revitalization of downtown Iida is an urgent issue for the city, as a new station for the linear motor train will be opened in the outskirts of Iida in 2027. The purpose of this study is to define possibilities and challenges in utilizing Rikaisens and their surrounding buildings for generating pedestrian activities along Rikaisens, and to explore utilization measures and possible implementation processes.
The research on Rikaisens is conducted through review of previous studies and literature, questionnaires to residents focusing on utilizing Rikaisens, interviews with people in charge in public and private sectors, and field surveys of the space along 24 Rikaisens in the downtown. Through these researches, the study reveals the following: Regarding the legal situation, a Rikaisen is not regarded as a road defined in the Building Standards Law, which causes multiple planning restrictions for the utilization of Rikaisens and adjacent properties; Regarding residents’ attitudes toward utilization of Rikaisens, in general, many residents are positive, but some neighbors on Rikaisens have concerns and oppositions due to the original purpose of Rikaisen as a disaster prevention passage and the development process with the provision of private properties; Regarding activities relating to Rikaisens, although the city has begun to take a positive stance on utilization, private organizations are confronting stagnation of utilizations due to economic deterioration as well as legal, social and institutional restrictions; Regarding spatial situations, the space along Rikaisens are diverse with various characteristics and does not hinder daytime walking, but on the other hand, Rikaisens are separated from adjacent lots by building walls and fences and with limited residual space except for parking lots, in addition to having a poor nighttime environment.
The study defines possibilities and challenges in utilizing Rikaisens and their surrounding buildings based on these findings. Regarding the possibilities, the study defines 1) positive recognition and evaluation of Rikaisens as well as expectations for downtown revitalization by residents, 2) growing city officials’ momentum of utilizing Rikaisens, 3) day-time environment on Rikaisens suitable for utilization, and 4) presence of vacant buildings and underutilized properties as opportunity sites on Rikaisens. On the other hand, regarding the challenges, the study defines 1) neighbors’ concerns about deterioration of living environment by utilizing Rikaisens, 2) legal interpretation of Rikaisens and form of adjacent lots that restrict the utilization of Rikaisens, 3) limit of utilization of Rikaisens only by private organizations, and 4) lack of spatial integration of Rikaisens and their surrounding properties and shortage of destinations on Rikaisens.
Finally, the study concludes possible measures and implementation processes for utilizing Rikaisens as follows:
1) examining possible measures of generating pedestrian activities according to the situation of each Rikaisen
2) revising the legal interpretation of Rikaisen,
3) implementing phased development processes from temporary to permanent utilization and building consensus with residents, and
4) promoting improvements, utilization and operation methods through the collaboration between the public and private sectors.
