이덕종(Lee, Duck-Jong) ; 고연숙(Ko, Youn-Suk)
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2025.41.4.9
This study examines the composition and layout of recently constructed elderly housing through an analysis of 10 cases built in Europe and Japan between 2018 and 2021. The research relied on a literature review and floor plan analysis of the housing projects. The findings revealed notable differences between Europe and Japan in the location, design, and spatial planning of elderly housing. In Europe, most housing was situated in natural or suburban areas, while in Japan, it was predominantly located in urban centers. The private rooms in European elderly housing were designed to be approximately twice as large as those in Japan. Additionally, private room layouts in Europe varied significantly, while in Japan, they were typically uniform rectangular designs with areas ranging from 18 to 25 square meters. The space allocated per resident from the total floor area was also nearly twice as large in Europe compared to Japan. However, the ratio of private to public and service spaces was similar in both regions, maintaining a balanced 1:1 proportion. Public areas in European housing often featured open halls that encouraged communication between floors, whereas in Japan, floor connections were designed to be closed off, prioritizing space efficiency but limiting interaction. Cultural differences influenced the configuration of bathing facilities. In Europe, shower rooms were typically located within private spaces, reflecting the perception of bathing as a private activity. In Japan, however, bathing spaces were more commonly placed in public areas, aligning with the cultural view of bathing as a communal activity.